Although boba and bubble tea are frequently used interchangeably, they actually have separate meanings. The cool, sweet, and creamy beverage known as bubble tea was created in Taiwan in the 1980s. In addition to chewy tapioca pearls or other garnishes like fruit jelly or pudding, it is made with tea, milk, sugar, and flavoring syrups or fruit juices. While the term “boba” primarily refers to the tapioca pearls that are a topping for bubble tea.
Depending on where you are, different terms may be used to describe these well-known beverages. While the phrase “milk tea” is more commonly used in various Asian nations like Taiwan, Hong Kong, and Singapore, the term “bubble tea” is more popular in the United States. The term “boba” is more frequently used to designate to both the beverage and the tapioca pearls in other locations, particularly in California.
For boba to offer the perfect texture to your bubble tea, it must be kept fresh and chewy when being stored. Boba can be kept in the refrigerator for up to three days if it is left over and is kept in an airtight container. The pearls can then begin to harden and lose their chewy character. Since freezing might make the pearls hard and lose their shape when they are thawed, it is generally not advised to freeze boba.
You can reheat boba that has been kept in the refrigerator by submerging it for 30 to 1 minute in a kettle of boiling water. The pearls will become softer as a result, and their chewy quality will return. Reboiling previously cooked boba is not advised since it may result in the pearls becoming mushy and losing their form.
In conclusion, the phrases “bubble tea” and “boba” refer to a beverage and a topping, respectively. It’s critical to comprehend the distinctions between these common delights despite the fact that the vocabulary utilized to describe them can vary depending on where you are. Boba should not be frozen when being stored; instead, it should be kept in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. If you wish to reheat boba, briefly boiling it in water will help bring back its chewy texture.