Boba, commonly referred to as bubble tea or pearl milk tea, has gained popularity all over the world. It was created in Taiwan in the 1980s, and since then, it has spread to other nations. To make boba, combine tea, milk, sugar, and chewy tapioca balls. But what is this popular beverage known as in Taiwan, and why is boba so chewy?
The name “zhenzhu naicha,” or “pearl milk tea,” for boba in Taiwan is “pearl milk tea.” The little, spherical tapioca balls that resemble pearls are what the name refers to. The first person to make the beverage was a Taichung tea shop proprietor who mixed tapioca balls into his tea. Customers loved the chewy feel of the tapioca balls, and the drink quickly gained popularity.
Despite being a pleasant delicacy, boba is not advised for anyone wearing braces. It might be annoying or even painful if the chewy tapioca balls get caught in the wires and brackets. It’s advisable to stay away from boba till your braces are taken off.
How come boba is so chewy? The tapioca balls hold the key. Cassava root, a starchy South American vegetable, is used to make tapioca. Small balls made of extracted cassava starch are cooked till chewy by being boiled in hot water. The texture reminds me of gummy candies.
The likelihood of undercooking boba is frequently questioned. The tapioca balls may not have been cooked for long enough if they are too hard or crispy. On the other hand, if the balls are overcooked if they are excessively soft or mushy. Boba should have a chewy, slightly firm texture.
Brown sugar is used to make black boba balls, giving them their distinctive color and flavor. Before shaping the balls, the tapioca mixture is mixed with the sugar. Some boba shops also sell flavored boba balls created with natural extracts, including strawberry or matcha.
To sum up, boba is a popular beverage in Taiwan and all across the world. Taiwanese call the tiny tapioca balls that resemble pearls “zhenzhu naicha,” which is how they are known in their country. The tapioca balls, which are manufactured from cassava root, give boba its chewy texture. Despite not being advised for those wearing braces, boba is a pleasant treat for everyone else. So, keep in mind its Taiwanese origins the next time you sip a cup of boba and taste the chewy sweetness.