What Are The Balls In Boba Tea? Boba Explained

No other drink compares to boba tea in terms of the lovely combination of flavors, richness, and texture. But the highlight of any boba tea experience is, of course, the chewy, jelly-like spheres at the bottom of your cup. So, what exactly are those balls in your boba tea?

The balls or pearls in boba tea are made of tapioca starch extracted from cassava, a tuber native to South America. Tapioca flour is kneaded, molded into balls, and then boiled until it becomes soft and chewy. Boba balls are often flavored and colored to achieve unique a taste and look. 

Boba tea, also known as bubble tea, has become a craze in the West – and it’s easy to see why. It’s different from any other type of beverage out there. Let’s dig a bit deeper into the boba hype and find out everything you need to know about boba tea and the delicious pearls that go with it.

What Is Boba Made From?

Pouring cream cheese into glass of milk tea with black sugar syrup Kuromitsu and hot black pearl Boba topped

The term ‘boba’ is a little confusing. It’s sometimes used to describe the beverage itself, and, at other times, it’s used to refer only to the chewy balls at the bottom. But for all intents and purposes, when we talk about boba balls, we mean the tapioca pearls that sit at the bottom of your boba tea.

Tapioca balls are made from tapioca starch, which is derived from the cassava root. Cassava, also called yuca, is a tuber that’s native to South America but is a staple crop in many parts of the world.

The starch comes in the form of fine powder. It’s then mixed with hot water and stirred to form a dough. 

Simple boba made with only tapioca powder and water are transparent, so brown sugar or caramel coloring is sometimes added to the dough. This gives the boba balls their signature dark color and a molasses flavor.

The dough is then rolled into small tubes, cut to bite-size pieces, and rolled into small balls. The balls are then cooked in boiling water, often with brown sugar or honey, until they become soft and chewy.

Finally, when the tea base is ready, it’s simply topped with the tapioca balls and you’ve got boba tea!

Is Tapioca Safe to Eat?

Yes, tapioca (example on Amazon) is a starch, so it’s almost 100% carb and safe for nearly anyone. Plus, tapioca doesn’t contain any grain, so it’s gluten- and cholesterol-free.

That said, there is a very slight possibility of cyanide poisoning from tapioca if the cassava root isn’t properly processed for some reason. Bitter raw cassava contains a toxic compound called linamarin, which converts into hydrogen cyanide in the body. 

But rest assured, it’s highly unlikely to happen with boba tea because the commercial cassava processing methods are highly regulated.

Tapioca itself is also unlikely to cause any allergy. But remember that some brands might add food coloring and preservatives to their boba balls. So if you’re sensitive to certain food items, it’s best to check the ingredients list or consult your doctor first.

Other Types of Pearls Found in Milk Tea

Boiled tapioca pearls for bubble milk tea

Tapioca isn’t the only type of pearl used in boba tea. There are a few other versions of pearls, each with their own unique texture and flavor.

Popping Pearls

Instead of a chewy texture like tapioca, these small beads “pop” when you bite into them.

Popping pearls are made by encapsulating flavored liquid inside a thin film of seaweed extract following a spherification process. As you bite into them, the liquid inside bursts out to create a fun and interesting experience.

Crystal Boba

Made from konjac root, crystal boba has a jelly-like texture and is usually colorless. They’re also firmer, less chewy, and often infused with citrus flavors.

Crystal boba have fewer carbs than tapioca, so they’re a great option for those looking to cut down on carbs.

Grass Jelly

Grass jelly is also a popular topping in boba tea, although it’s not really shaped like the other options. It’s made from the extract of the Mesona Chinensis plant and processed with brown sugar and other preservatives.

The jelly has a slightly herbaceous flavors and a slippery, chewy texture.

Taro Balls

Taro balls are made by mixing taro root powder with mashed potato and tapioca flour. These balls aren’t chewy or springy like tapioca; instead, they have a fluffy texture that melts into the mouth. The taste is slightly sweet and starchy with a hint of earthy taro flavor. Taro is also a popular milk tea flavor.

Where Does Boba Come From?

Boba tea originated in Taipai, Taiwan, during the 1980s. Though the exact place and person who invented it are disputed, Liu Han-Chieh, a tea shop owner in Tainan, is widely credited as the creator of boba tea.

His shop was the first to sell chilled tea drinks in Taiwan, and his products quickly became popular among college students. To make things more interesting, he decided to add tapioca balls to the tea after seeing one of his staff putting her tapioca pudding balls into her drink.

The innovative drink became an instant hit in Taiwan and soon spread to other parts of Asia like China, Japan, and Korea. The original drink was called “pearl tea.” The name has since evolved to boba tea or bubble tea, depending on which part of the world you’re in. 

Today, boba tea has spread significantly, with stores and bubble tea chains popping up everywhere. With so many different flavors and variations, boba tea is a popular drink among the young and old alike.

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