Traditional bubble tea is made with a base of black, green, or oolong tea, providing the signature tea flavour. The addition of milk creates a creamy, frothy, and luxurious texture to the beverage. Milk that is dairy-based or non-dairy alternatives like soy, almond or coconut are used for this. The addition of brown sugar is what truly gives the boba with their distinctive deep caramel hue.
Tapioca Balls: The Real Star
The iconic tapioca is are made from a combination of starches, brown sugar, and water. The starch, often predominantly tapioca starch derived from the cassava root, lends the boba its signature soft and bouncy texture. This starch can sometimes be blended with sweet potato starch, which imparts a slightly firmer finish to the pearls. As the ingredients are rolled together into small, uniform balls, they are then boiled in water until they transform into a gummy, chewy, and glossy delight. The pearls are typically black in colour, but can also be found in various other hues, such as white, brown, or even multi-coloured.
Health Benefits
Despite the common perception that bubble tea is simply a treat for your taste buds, it actually offers some health benefits. The tea base provides antioxidants that can help boost the immune system. Additionally, the act of sipping and enjoying bubble tea can have a positive impact on mood.
