Q1: How can I be sure my honeydew melon is ripe and sweet?

Look for the three key signs: a creamy, yellow-white rind (not green), a rind that feels slightly tacky or velvety (not slick), and a sweet, floral fragrance at the blossom end (opposite the stem). A ripe melon will also feel heavy for its size.

Q2: My boba pearls are hard in the middle. What did I do wrong?

Hard centers are a sign that the boba was undercooked. The two-step cooking process in this recipe—a 15-minute boil followed by a 15-minute covered rest off the heat—is designed to cook the pearls all the way through gently. If your pearls are still hard, they may need a longer resting time in the hot water. Always follow the specific instructions on your package of tapioca pearls, as cooking times can vary slightly.

Q3: Can I use the green honeydew-flavored powder like they have in some boba shops?

You can, but using fresh honeydew melon will result in a much more authentic, natural, and delicious flavor. The powders often have an artificial taste and contain a lot of extra sugar and additives. The beauty of this homemade version is its fresh, clean taste.

Q4: How can I make this drink dairy-free or vegan?

This recipe is very easy to make dairy-free! Simply substitute the dairy milk with your favorite creamy, plant-based milk. Full-fat oat milk , soy milk , or a light coconut milk (from a carton) are all fantastic choices that will create a delicious and creamy result.

Q5: What's the difference between the small boba pearls in this recipe and the large ones I sometimes see?

The small pearls used here are often called "sago" or "mini boba." The large, marble-sized pearls are the most common type used in bubble tea shops. Both are made from tapioca starch. You can use the large pearls for this recipe if you prefer, but you will need to adjust the cooking time according to the package directions (they typically need to be boiled for longer).

The Best Refreshing & Easy Honeydew Bubble Tea

A refreshing and creamy homemade bubble tea featuring the sweet, delicate flavor of fresh honeydew melon. The drink consists of a smooth honeydew milk, made by blending fresh melon chunks with milk and a touch of sugar. This is served over chewy, brown sugar-sweetened tapioca boba pearls and ice, creating a perfect summer treat.

Author: Grace
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Yield: 2-3 servings 1x
Category: Beverage
Method: Boiling, Blending
Cuisine: Taiwanese
Diet: Gluten Free

Ingredients

Scale

100 g (about ⅔ cup) tapioca boba pearls
50 g (about ¼ cup) brown sugar
400 g fresh honeydew melon (about half a small honeydew), cut into chunks
20 g (about 1.5 tbsp) granulated sugar, to taste
400 mL (about 1 ¾ cups) milk
Ice
Extra honeydew chunks for garnish (optional)

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Instructions

Cook the Tapioca Pearls: Fill a medium pot about ⅔ full with water and bring to a boil. Add the tapioca pearls and stir immediately to prevent clumping.
Boil uncovered for 15 minutes. Then, cover the pot, remove it from the heat, and let it sit for another 15 minutes until the pearls are translucent.
Drain the cooked pearls and transfer them to a small bowl. Stir in the brown sugar while the pearls are still warm until a syrup forms. Set aside.
Make the Honeydew Milk: In a blender, combine the honeydew chunks, granulated sugar, and milk. Blend until completely smooth.
Assemble the Drinks: To each serving glass, add a portion of the prepared boba pearls with their brown sugar syrup.
Fill the glass about half full with ice.
Pour the honeydew milk into the glass until full.
Garnish with extra honeydew chunks if desired. Stir well with a boba straw before enjoying.

Notes

The two-stage cooking process for the boba (boiling then resting off the heat) is key to ensuring the pearls are cooked through with a chewy texture.
Adding the brown sugar to the tapioca pearls while they are still warm helps the sugar dissolve easily into a syrup.
This drink requires a wide boba straw to be able to drink the tapioca pearls.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 serving
Calories: 450-550
Sugar: 60-75 g
Sodium: 120-180 mg
Fat: 8-12 g
Saturated Fat: 5-8 g
Trans Fat: 0 g
Carbohydrates: 90-110 g
Fiber: 2-4 g
Protein: 8-10 g
Cholesterol: 25-40 mg

Find it online: https://www.eatswithsoul.com/honeydew-bubble-tea/