Pearls, also known as tapioca lookalikes, are a type of starch made from the pith of the SAGO palm tree. SAGO is a four-letter word that is used to describe this type of starch. It is commonly used in Asian cuisine and is often found in desserts such as bubble tea. Pearls are small, round balls that have a chewy texture and can be cooked in a variety of ways. They are often used as a topping for desserts or added to soups and stews.