Everything You Need to Know About Bubble Tea

Bubble tea? Boba tea? You might have heard of these dessert-like drinks, or you may have even tried one. But what do you really know about these trendy teas? Well, that’s where we come in. We’re here to help answer some of the burning questions you may have about these Instagram worthy brews. 

What Is Bubble Tea?

Boba tea – also known as Bubble tea – is a Taiwanese recipe that’s made by blending tea with milk, fruit and fruit juices, tapioca pearls, and then shaking the beverage vigorously to create a layer of bubbles at the top. These delicious drinks can be served piping hot or ice cold. They are usually served in transparent cups with a plastic cellophane lid and a wide straw, known as a Boba straw, so as you sip, you’re also able to enjoy these delightful bubbles.

What are the Bubbles?

The bubbles found in these unique teas are known as Boba, and traditionally consist of edible balls made from tapioca, a starch that is extracted from the cassava root. Typical tapioca pearls have a black colouration due to the brown sugar they are made with. As a result of this, the pearls end up with a fun chewy texture and a sweet flavour. However, as the popularity of this industry has grown, so too has the creativity of those involved. These days you are spoilt for choice when it comes to what toppings you would like in your tea. From flavoured popping pearls, to jams and jellies, the ingenuity is endless when it comes to these beautiful brews. 

Who Invented Bubble Tea?

While we are unable to pinpoint the exact origin of Boba tea, what we do know is that it was crafted in the 1980’s in Taiwan and became a game changer in the tea industry. With shaved ice and tapioca pearls being such a popular treat at the time, it is no wonder someone had the genius idea to combine these delights with their favourite milk tea. And thus, Boba tea was born! These terrific teas were a great success across many generations, from children seeking an after-school treat, to workers needing a flavourful pick-me-up. This being so, had other vendors racing to add this recipe to their menus, with some even creating their own unique twists and flavours, causing this trend to sweep across the nation and beyond.

These refreshing teas have been quenching thirsts on a global scale ever since. From East and Southeast Asia, all the way to the US and the UK, we’ve had the luxury of being able to enjoy Boba teas here since the 1990’s and continue to do so today. Whether you like your teas fruity, strong, hot, or cold, we know there’s a Boba tea out there for you! 

So now you know what Boba tea is, maybe you’d like to know how to make one yourself? Well, check out the link below for our video on how to make your very own Iced Milk Boba Tea at home, using our TEA-riffic Earl Grey Supreme!

https://www.pinterest.co.uk/pin/948289265261302929/

Or if you’re feeling like you want to change things up a bit, why not try using some Hojicha Powder? This organic Japanese roasted green tea is a delicious and easy way to make your Boba a beautiful and beneficial brew!