Cooked sago contains a lot of nutrients that are needed by the body that is why many people add it to their drinks and smoothies. The only problem with leftover cooked sago is that it tends to turn bad easily. Therefore, it needs to be stored the right way. Here are a few tips on how to store cooked sago so that it retains its flavour and texture.
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What is sago?
Sago is a starch that is derived from the pith of an array of tropical palm trees. It is also commonly referred to as sago pearls. Sago is often confused with tapioca pearls because they have the same shape and size. Sago is commonly found in Asia and is often cooked the same way as tapioca pearls. It has a white colour and when cooked it tends to have a translucent colour. It is often used when making deserts, drinks as well as smoothies.
How to store cooked sago
Store cooked sago in the freezer
NB: this is actually the best method of storing leftover cooked sago. This is because it really preserves the flavour and texture of the cooked sago for a long period of time.
To store leftover cooked sago in the freezer you need to first let them cool down then transfer them into freezer bags. Before closing the freezer bag, take out as much air as possible. Label the freezer bag with the date in which you are storing the cooked sago in the freezer. This will help you to remember when they are likely to turn bad. The next step is to take the freezer bag and lay it flat inside the freezer. This will help the cooked sago to freeze properly. Cooked sago that is stored in the freezer lasts for 6 months.
Store cooked sago in the fridge
NB: this method only stores leftover cooked sago for a few days. So only place your cooked sago in the fridge if you are certain that you will eat it within a few days.
To store cooked sago in the fridge simply place them in an airtight container then add water inside. The leftover cooked sago should be submerged in water. Close the container and place the cooked sago in the fridge. It can last for approximately 3 days. If your sago was cooked in a brown sugar syrup you can store it together with the syrup and it can last for a week in the refrigerator.
Store cooked sago at room temperature
Cooked sago can be stored at room temperature for about 4 hours after cooking. So when using this method make sure you are planning on eating the cooked sago on the same day. To store leftover cooked sago at room temperature simply place it in an air tight container. You can store it with water or a syrup. Remember the leftover cooked sago can last for only 4 hours when exposed to room temperature. Therefore, you need to eat it before it turns bad.
How to defrost cooked sago
To defrost cooked sago you need to place water in a pot and bring it to a boil. Add the cooked sago inside and let it boil for a few minutes. You will notice that the cooked sago will start defrosting. When it is done, drain the water and use the cooked sago to make a desert, smoothie or simply add it to your drink.
How to store uncooked sago
Most sago pearls are sold while packaged, but once you have opened them you need to know how to store them. This helps to ensure that they can last for a longer period of time. When you open your sago you have to transfer them into an air tight container or keep then in a food safe plastic bag. When storing them in a plastic bag ensure that you take out as much air as possible from the bag before closing it. You should store uncooked sago in a cool dry environment. They should never be stored in the fridge while uncooked unless the manufacturer advises you to do so.
How to cook sago
Step 1
Place water on a stove that is turned on between medium and high heat. Add the sago pearls inside and bring them to a boil. Reduce the heat and let the sago pearls simmer for about 20 minutes.
Step 2
When the 20 minute time mark has passed, take a colander and use it to drain the water from the sago pearls. Place the colander on running water, this will help to prevent the sago pearls from sticking together.
Step 3
Place back the sago pearls in a pot and add 4 cups of water. Boil the sago pearls for the second time. Bring them to a boil then reduce the heat. Let them cook for an hour until soft. You should stir them from time to time just to check on their progress. Remove the sago pearls when they are now translucent and use them to make a desert or to make a drink.
How to make chewy sago
If you like to eat cooked sago that has a chewy consistency to it then you need to add brown sugar. When you are cooking ½ a cup of sago you also need to add ½ a cup of brown sugar. The sugar is added right at the end when the sago is fully cooked. So before switching off the stove, add the sugar and mix it in. Let the sugar and the sago simmer together until they form a syrup like. When the cooked sago is done you can serve it with anything. It will really have a nice chewy consistency to it.
Conclusion
Leftover cooked sago can be stored in the fridge for a short period of time. However, if you are planning on storing cooked sago for a long period of time, then the freezer is your best option. Store leftover cooked sago within 4 hours after preparation. This is because if you keep it at room temperature for more than 4 hours it starts to turn bad.
