Melon Pearls

Sweet and juicy melon pearls add playful texture and flavor to fruit salads, chilled drinks, and brunch spreads.

Ingredients

  • 1 cantaloupe melon (peeled and seeded) cut into chunks
  • 4 tsp (15g) sugar
  • ½ tsp (2g) sodium alginate
  • 1 tsp (4.5g) calcium chloride
  • 2 cups (500mL) water (for bath)

Instructions

  1. Prepare Melon
    • Peel, seed, and cut melon into chunks.
  2. Blend
    • Purée melon in blender until smooth. Strain and measure 1 cup (250mL) of purée.
  3. Mix Alginate
    • Combine sodium alginate and sugar in a bowl.
  4. Combine
    • With blender on low speed, sprinkle alginate mixture into melon purée.
  5. Rest
    • Let sit 30–45 minutes to release bubbles.
  6. Strain
    • Pass mixture through a fine strainer into The Spherificator®.
  7. Prepare Bath
    • Dissolve calcium chloride in 500mL water.
  8. Form Pearls
    • Drip into bath from 6 inches high. Cure for 1 minute.
  9. Finish
    • Rinse pearls and chill before serving.

Expert Tips

Melon Selection
  • Ripe melon: Use cantaloupe for the sweetest flavor.
  • Contrast: Try honeydew or watermelon for color variation.
Texture Control
  • Softer pearls: Reduce bath time to 45 seconds.
  • Clearer pearls: Strain purée through cheesecloth.
Troubleshooting
  • If too watery: Add 0.5g more sodium alginate.
  • If bland: Add 1 tsp lemon juice to brighten flavor.
Serving Ideas
  • Drinks: In sangria or sparkling water.
  • Desserts: Over pavlova or yogurt parfaits.
0