What Is Boba?
Boba refers primarily to the chewy, round tapioca pearls found at the bottom of bubble tea-a popular drink that originated in Taiwan in the 1980s. The term "boba" is also commonly used to refer to the entire drink itself, which is also known as bubble tea, pearl milk tea, or boba tea
What Is Bubble Tea?
Bubble tea typically consists of:
- A tea base (often black or green tea)
- Milk or fruit flavoring
- Sweetener
- Ice
- Edible pearls (the boba), which are usually made from tapioca starch extracted from the cassava root
What Are Boba Pearls Made Of?
The classic boba pearls are made from tapioca, giving them a chewy, gummy texture. The pearls are cooked and often sweetened with brown sugar, which gives them their signature dark color and flavor
Variations
While the original pearls are made of tapioca, some shops offer other options such as:
- Clear tapioca pearls
- Popping boba (filled with fruit juice)
- Grass jelly cubes or other jelly toppings
Cultural Significance and Popularity
Boba tea has become a global phenomenon, with shops found worldwide. It is especially popular among young people and is known for its customizable flavors and toppings
Summary Table
Term| Meaning
---|---
Boba| Chewy tapioca pearls OR the drink itself
Bubble Tea| Tea-based drink with boba pearls
Tapioca| Starch from cassava root used for boba pearls
In essence, boba is both the name for the tapioca pearls and, colloquially, for the entire bubble tea drink that contains them
