On 29 January 2023, Google celebrated Bubble Tea with a doodle
What drink contains tapioca? None other than the famous bubble tea. Bubble tea has many names like pearl milk tea, tapioca milk tea, boba tea, or bubble milk tea. The drink itself is simple with many varieties (and names). Developed in Taiwan in the 1980’s it’s now gaining popularity in the United States and Canada. Boba tea shops are opening up everywhere around me. I enjoy a cup of bubble tea now and again, it’s not the healthiest of tea drinks but it’s beyond enjoyable. What’s to know about boba tea? A lot. Here is what you need to know.
History Of Boba Bubble Tea
Where did it all begin? From what you will read on the internet Bubble tea began in Taiwan in the 1980s. There is a small following that will tell you about a different boba tea in Japan. That following is very small and Boba Tea is very different from what we know as Bubble Tea currently. Taiwan gets the credit in this post. From there it’s a mystery of sorts. The story goes that a street vendor was trying to create a new way to sell their tea. Using the tapioca balls caught on. It transformed this small vendor drink into a national and international sensation.
That is just one story on the History of Bubble tea. I like the vendor story the best. Other stories include a Chinese tea house founder Liu Han-Chieh. She created the cold tea version and her product development manager added the boba.
The next was tea house owner Tu Tsong-he. Tu saw the tapioca balls in a local market, using them first as a snack and then adding them to his tea.
No matter what creation story you want to claim to be the truth two things are true. Bubble tea was created in the 1980s somewhere in Taiwan and we are glad it was.
What is Boba Tea?
Boba tea is a unique drink made with black, green, or oolong teas. Boba tea is also created with fruit juices. The liquid beverage is mixed and flavored syrups. Then the one famous common ingredient is tapioca pearls.
There are two main types of Boba tea. One variety uses tea the other does not. There are also Boba teas that contain milk and others that do not. Beyond that, there are even more unique ways to create your Boba. Boba tea can be served hot or cold, but cold is the preferred way to enjoy it.
The non-tea variety relies on juices as the main ingredient. These can include the Boba (Tapioca) or other “toppings”. Toppings is an interesting name because some of the toppings are actually in the bottom of the cup.
The tea variety is just that: tea is your main ingredient. Many of the toppings are shared between the tea and non-tea varieties.
What are Boba Tea Toppings?
It’s interesting to note that a lot of the “toppings” in boba tea are actually at the bottom of your cup. The fun part is using the larger-than-normal straw to suck them up into the straw and your mouth. At first, it’s going to be rather strange, but after a while, it’s just fun. Trying to get those last few boba at the bottom of the cup is a challenge as well, and fun.
There are many different toppings for boba tea. More are being created. Some of the more popular bubble tea toppings are
Tapioca Pearls – I am most familiar with tapioca from my grandmother. She loved her tapioca pudding. Same tapioca just a different use. Tapioca is high in calories and carbohydrates. It’s from the Cassava root (a vegetable) which grows abundantly in South America. Tapioca pearls are the most common thought of ingredient in Bubble Tea.
Jelly – I call these jellies, like gummies, but not as thick. Easy sucked up through a straw and giving a fun sweet sensation. The jellies can be made out of several ingredients. Those ingredients include but are not limited to tea, jelly, fruits, and even coffee.
Aloe – If you’ve not seen aloe extracted from the plant it’s a must-see. This aloe gel is used to thicken and add texture and flavor to boba. You know you have to try this and all the varieties.
Custard – Many recipes for custard are out there. The main ingredients are cheese, milk, or cream mixed with egg, flour, or gelatin can be used to thicken the mix. This is placed into the bubble tea to add texture and create a unique flavor to the cup. Sometimes it’s placed on top of the drink as well.
Chia Seeds – From Mexico and Guatemala these tiny seeds are from the mint family. They have many health benefits like fiber, protein, calcium, and more. Used in bubble tea as a thickening agent giving a unique texture. (I love chia seeds)
Grass Jelly – is unique and set apart from the other jellies. It’s created from the mint family (Chinese mesona). Grass Jelly has a slightly bitter taste high in carbs and protein with no fat. It also has no vitamins or minerals. It’s served cold and is considered a dessert in Asia.
Sago – comes from the Palm tree stem. Formed into pearls and often used in Bubble tea. Mostly starch. Real Sago pearls are off-white and not uniform in shape like tapioca pearls. Some tapioca pears can be marked as Sago as tapioca is cheaper to produce.
Beans – Yes beans. Rarely thought of as a boba topping and yet it is actually a topping. The beans used most commonly are adzuki or red beans from East Asia. The beans are shaved, not added whole. The addition of the beans can add texture as well as a subtle flavor
Popping Boba – Not made of tapioca. Popping boba is made of a thin outer shell filled with a liquid base like water, fruit juice, or sugar. These “boba” burst when squeezed or chewed. Giving a fun sensation to your Bubble tea.
Cheese – Interesting newer topping for Bubble tea. A foamy cheese to the top of your drink. This helps soften a bitter taste and adds a bit of sweetness (who knew). It really is a fun experience to find Boba topped with cheese.
What Does Bubble Tea Taste Like?
Bubble tea does not have one distinctive taste. Each bubble tea is created with its own distinctive taste and texture. Depending on the types of teas, milk, juices, syrups, and even boba that is used. There is a myriad of choices and combinations. The unflavored boba pearls are neutral in flavor. They can have a slight sweetness to them that helps sweeten the tea or fruit beverage. Not only does bubble tea taste great, but the aesthetics of bubble tea is also fun. All these tiny bubbles or pearls at the button of your cup. Covered in a creamy (or sometimes clear juicy) beverage. A clear cup that you can see through and see all the goodness. Oh and don’t forget the fat straw, perfect for consuming the entire contents.
Speaking Of The Boba Tapioca Pearls
Recently I asked if I could order two boba teas and take one home for later. The waitress told me that it was not a good idea because the boba does not do well if left un-consumed. I looked into this a bit and found this to be a true statement. The consistency of the boba breaks down, it gets a bit gummy and thready. So it is best not to keep your bubble tea waiting too long.
In the making of the tapioca pearls, there is perfection and it has a name. The name of perfect tapioca pearls is Q and really good ones are QQ. The perfect pearls are not too soft or too firm but just Q (right) and the right amount of texture.
Is Boba Tea Healthy?
Boba tea is a fun drink. But healthy it is not. High in calories and carbs making Bubble tea a treat more than a healthy beverage. Boba tea is high in sugar especially if your choice is sweetened milk and syrups.
There are ways to make Boba tea a healthier choice by using substitute sweeteners. Ask about low-calorie sugar-free options.
I know it can be a bit confusing considering Boba tea contains black, white, or oolong tea. Those are the healthier ingredients of Bubble tea. The other ingredients make it a treat and not a healthy beverage at all.
So how often should you drink bubble tea? The same amount of time as any treat. Occasionally.
Making Bubble Tea At Home
If you are making boba tea at home you need to store the tea in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The boba pearls should be kept separate in sealed containers. Don’t keep it for longer than a day or two. Any longer it’s best to discard and make a new brew.
Boba Tea Recipe
Making bubble tea at home is easy. This is my favorite recipe and I thank The Belly Rules The Mind for it!
*Makes two servings”
Ingredients
- loose-leaf
black tea 2 tbsp
- star anise 1 pod
- cardamom 2 pods
- cinnamon stick 1/2
- vanilla bean 1/8
- Tamarind powder ¼ teaspoon or to taste, optional
- boiling water 1 cup
- sugar 1 tbsp
- sweetened condensed milk 1 tablespoon
- evaporated milk or whole milk 2 teaspoons
The Boba
- 1 cup Tapioca Pearls
- 4 cups of water
- ¼ cup sugar or sweetener
Instructions
First, make the Thai tea
As you make the Thai tea, you can set up your Instant Pot to prepare the boba. Here’s what to do:
- First, add the boba pearls, water, and sugar to the inner pot of the Instant Pot.
- Next, close the lid, seal the vent, and pressure cook for 5 minutes followed by a quick release of pressure. Carefully remove the lid to allow them to cool.
Finally, you’ll need to bring it all together. Here’s how to make your glasses:
- First, take two tall glasses and scoop 2 tablespoons of boba into each glass.
- Next, top off the glasses with ice cubes.
- Once filled with ice, fill ¾ of the glass with the tea concentrate. Top off the rest of the glass with the sweetened milk.
- Finally, stir and add a boba straw to enjoy the tea.
Conclusion
What a beautiful tea to look at, The aesthetics of Boba Tea. A clear view cup with the vision of boba dancing around just waiting for us to take that first sip.
While not the healthiest of tea beverages it’s one with a history surrounded by tea and goodness. It’s a sweet delicacy from the 1980s Taiwan to your cup.
We may never know exactly how it was created but this author is very happy it was.
