Originally made famous as a children’s drink in Taiwan during the late 80s, this unique drink has since gained a following in many parts of the Western world, especially those with large Chinese populations. Bubble tea also goes by many names including pearl milk tea, boba tea, tapioca iced tea, pearl shake, and zhen zhu nai cha in Chinese.
Many-Flavoured Teas
So what exactly is it about bubble tea which makes it so attractive, even addictive, to many people? To begin with, the tea is not the typical potent breakfast brew. True, the basis of the drink is usually black Oolong tea or green Jasmine tea, but it is added with so much milk and sugar that the tea is more of an aftertaste than the dominant flavour, similar to iced lemon tea.
Pearl milk tea comes in a variety of flavours, so it is always fun (if not agonising) to choose from the extensive lists at the tea house. Popular flavours include taro (or yam), coconut, coffee, chocolate, almond and such. Many fans of the drink are also partial to fruit flavours including pineapple, honeydew, passionfruit, lemon, peach, grape, banana, mango and more.
Chewy Black Pearls
But what really adds the extra touch to bubble tea is the addition of tapioca balls, or pearls, found at the base of the beverage. These pearls are made of tapioca starch, which comes from the roots of the bitter-cassava plant, also known as manioc or yucca. It is native to South America, and a major source of carbohydrates.
Roughly the size of marbles, these black balls have a smooth, chewy texture for one to sink their teeth into – it is not advisable to swallow them. Children take pleasure in sucking the balls up using the fat, brightly coloured straws; and often have fun shooting them at each other.
Bubble tea is usually served in a tall glass or a container with a plastic lid, which will be pierced by a wide straw to suck the tapioca balls with. The drink is pastel-coloured in hues of pink, green, yellow or brown, depending on the flavours added.
High-Calorie Concerns, Healthier Alternatives
Some have pointed out that despite the popularity of these drinks, they are extremely unhealthy especially consumed in large amounts. Most tea houses would fill up a quarter of the cup with tapioca pearls, which are made of pure starch. Sugar certainly adds to the sweet flavour of the tea, but it also adds to the calorie count. The fat content in the milk also deters weight-watchers from enjoying this beverage.
Fortunately, tea houses have already seized upon the growing health consciousness of the public, and have prepared alternatives which are less punishing on the waistline. Generally, low-fat milk and sugar-free drinks are available options. Pearls can also be substituted with nata de coco, which are high in dietary fibre and low in cholesterol. So on average, a pearl milk tea is no less healthy than a soft drink or a cappuccino.
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