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Everything You Need to Know About Popping Boba Balls!
If there is one thing we can't get enough of, it's Tapioca Pearls.
These small balls perfect our beloved bubble teas, and although today we have the most diverse flavours and sizes, the original Bubble Tea recipe - invented in Taiwan in the 1980s - has the chewy tapioca pearls as its big secret.
Table of Contents
What is Boba Made Of?
Boba, or tapioca pearls, are made from tapioca starch derived from the cassava root. The starch is processed into tiny balls that are cooked until they reach a chewy, dough-like consistency. These pearls are the key ingredient in the popular beverage known as bubble tea or boba tea.
Boba pearls are made by mixing tapioca starch with water and shaping the mixture into small spheres. Traditionally, the pearls are added to a mixture of ice and milk along with various flavors such as green tea, earl grey, or grass jelly. One of the most common types of tea used to make boba tea is black tea, which is also known as milk tea. Additionally, boba is also commonly added to bubble tea, which is a drink that originated in Taiwan and became popular at a teahouse called chun shui tang in Taichung.
What are Tapioca Pearls?
The gummy, soft, and chewy texture of the Tapioca pearls won thousands of consumers' heads and hearts around the world and has become a staple in all drinks. But not many of us know what these small balls are: what they are made of or where they come from?
Despite their consistency, the pearls are not made of gelatin. They are made from tapioca, a product derived from cassava root (also known as yuca in some parts of the world). So we can say loud and clear that these tiny delicious (trust us - it's tasty!) balls are vegan!
Did you know? The cassava plant is mainly cultivated and eaten in tropical regions. It started in Northern Brazil but eventually traveled the world and made its way to Southeast Asian cuisine in the 19th century.
How are Tapioca Pearls Made?
Tapioca pearls are made by combining tapioca starch with water to form a dough, which is then shaped into small balls and cooked. The cooking process involves boiling them until they float to the top and then simmering them until they achieve the desired chewy texture.
How to Prepare Tapioca Pearls for Bubble Tea
Now that you know what Tapioca Pearls are made of, it's time to get your hands dirty. In just 3 simple steps, the tapioca balls will be ready to use:
- Step 1 - Our best-selling Tapioca must be cooked in boiling water for 35 minutes
- Step 2 - Now it's time to simmer for about 15 minutes with the lid on.
- Step 3 - Once the water has been drained, it is ready to use.
View our tapioca pearls recipe here >
Boba Box Tapioca Pearls for Wholesale and Retailers
Our Tapioca Pearls are much more than just cute. They are one of the favourites of the big brands on the market since it brings countless possibilities. For you to experience this delight, we have a special offer!
Take the opportunity to explore our range of products and enjoy our great priced tapioca pearls!
Common Questions About Tapioca Pearls
Where does tapioca come from?
Tapioca comes from the cassava root. It's made from tapioca starch that is shaped into small balls, known as tapioca pearls, and added to drinks like green or black tea to make boba drinks. In Taiwanese culture, boba is commonly found in boba milk tea, brown sugar boba, and fruit boba. There are also types of tea and types of boba at different bubble tea shops, including strawberry boba, matcha, and lychee.
Popping pearls are another type of boba made from fruit juice, creating a burst of flavour when you make bubble tea. These popping boba are added to milk tea, fruit juice, or even blended beverages. The process of making boba pearls involves boiling them in water until they float to the top. Then they are added to a brown sugar syrup to add flavour.
Are tapioca pearls vegan?
Yes, tapioca pearls are vegan as they are made from plant-based cassava root.
What are the balls in bubble tea called?
The balls in bubble tea are called tapioca pearls, boba, or bubble tea pearls.
Are tapioca pearls gluten-free?
Yes, tapioca pearls are gluten-free as they are made from cassava starch, which does not contain gluten.