Tapioca Pearls: these small dried orbs are most commonly used in classic Tapioca pudding but have a versatility far beyond that. While the smaller balls are generally reserved for desserts, larger varieties are commonly boiled, soaked in syrup, and served in glasses of milky tea to create the ultra-popular bubble tea! Available for purchase in everything from 16-ounce bags to large 5-pound packages, no matter your tapioca pearl needs, we've got you covered at Gourmet Food Store! What is Tapioca? A long thick root with a brown papery skin, Tapioca has its origins in the Americas, where it was used to make everything from flatbreads to alcoholic beverages! When the Spanish and Portuguese arrived in the New World, they brought back the Tapioca root with them, sharing its culinary abilities with the rest of the world. Over time it became embedded in the cuisines of Southeast Asia, Western Africa, and the Indian Subcontinent. Widely traveled and popular the world over, Tapioca is found under many names, including cassava, yucca, and manioc.