Taro Bubble Tea: 8 Things You Should Know

Taro is one of the most popular boba tea flavors in cafes and shops. Its purple color, creamy and starchy texture, and sweet taste like vanilla attract many boba tea lovers. It is usually one of the bestsellers of the cafes, among with classic Thai milk tea and black milk tea. Yet, despite its popularity, people know little about the origins of taro bubble tea.

In this post, we will share eight interesting things that most people are unaware of this fantastic drink. Only true lovers can answer these questions with confidence!

#1 What is Taro?

Taro originally belongs to the tropical regions of South India and Asia. It is currently cultivated in different parts of the world, such as Venezuela, Brazil, and Hawaii. Taro is the root vegetable of a plant called Araceae. The leaves of this plant have a heart shape, and it is edible, too. Depending on the region of cultivations, taro roots can be white, purple, or pink. Usually, it has white flesh covered with brown skin. There exist tiny purple spots inside. Its texture reminds the potato because of its starchiness. Also, people eat taro as they eat potatoes. They can fry, boil, mash, bake, or roast the taro roots. Alternatively, they can make desserts and drinks from the taro roots, such as a cocktail or taro smoothie. 

#2 Is Taro Healthy?

There exist several health benefits of taro root. First, it is rich in fiber, potassium, magnesium, Vitamin B6, etc. Its fiber and resistant starch help control the blood sugar level and decrease the risk of heart diseases. Also, people who want to lose weight can eat taro as it can keep people fuller for extended periods. It can be a good substitute for potatoes or other carbohydrates with high calories. Taro can improve digestion, too. However, desserts with taro can have a lot of sugar. Hence, when purchasing taro bubble tea, it is better to ensure that it has minimum sugar if there exists a health problem related to the sugar level.  

#3 How is Taro Bubble Tea Made?

Usually, boba tea shops make taro bubble milk tea from the taro powder. If taro lovers purchase this powder, they will be able to make the taro bubble tea even at home. First, they need to boil half a cup of water. Once the water starts to bubble, they need to lower the heat to a medium-high level. Then, they should add any type of tea leaves, depending on the preference, to create a different taro bubble tea mix. Green tea leaves can be the right combination with the taro. After boiling the water and leaves for another three to five minutes, the taro bubble tea mix is ready. While the tea is still hot, two tablespoons of the taro powder meet with it. It needs to be mixed very well so that the powder can dissolve. 

This mix is the base of the taro bubble milk tea. The later steps depend on the preferences of the drinkers. For instance, they can add honey, sugar, or condensed milk to make the taro bubble tea sweeter. Alternatively, pouring a little milk, around half a cup, can enhance the flavor. Any type of milk, including cow milk, almond, or oatmeal works well. Lastly, adding ice cubes and tapioca pearls will sprinkle extra excitement to the beverage. Voila! The taro bubble tea is ready.

#4 How Does Taro Bubble Tea Taste Like?

Some people hesitate to order a taro bubble tea because they are not familiar with the taste. Taro milk tea lovers describe its flavor as sweet and nutty. When taro is cooked, it tastes much similar to sweet potatoes. Its texture and structure also remind the potatoes, and it can be used in similar dishes. The flavor of this root plant depends highly on how people consume it. For instance, taro ice-cream can taste just like vanilla, but there will still be a starchy feeling on the tongue. While in fried versions, taro tastes like potato, in creamy drinks, such as taro bubble tea, it definitely has a different flavor. Instead of potato, it resembles vanilla. If you are still interested in its taste, you can give it a try at Bontea Cafe!

#5 Why is the Taro Tea Purple?

As mentioned before, taro roots can be in different colors, such as pink, purple, and white. Depending on the region it is grown, the root color can change. However, mostly it has white flesh with small purple spots on it, which is not hard to notice. People who see the purple color of the taro bubble tea get confused. Sure, the plant is not purple, but the taro powder is. Manufacturers add food coloring to the powder while processing it. Therefore, it has a catchy purple color. Yet, it was a norm since the taro bubble tea gained popularity in the U.S. The drinkers do not need to worry about its color. 

#6 Is Taro Similar to Ube?

When people see the purple-colored taro bubble tea, they confuse it with ube. There are some reasons for this confusion. The purple color of the ube plant is very similar to the drink's color. Also, taro and ube, both are root plants. So, in terms of shape, they are also a little similar. However, they have significant differences in taste and texture. ube is simply a purple-colored yam. When cut open, it has a vibrant purple color. However, the taro plant is not purple originally. It only has some purple spots on its white flesh. The rich purple color of the taro bubble tea comes mostly from the powder manufacturers' food coloring. Plus, ube is much sweeter than taro. It has a soft texture when cooked. Hence, it resembles yam, while taro is similar to a potato, as it is more starchy. 

#7 Can Lactose Intolerants Enjoy This Bubble Tea?

Taro tea tastes excellent when milk is added. Yet, it does not need to be necessary cow's milk. Other types of non-dairy milk, such as almond, soy, or oatmeal, also enhance this beverage's flavor. In Bontea Cafe, we prefer to drink with almond milk. However, the final decision always depends on the clients' orders. If you are lactose intolerant, you can still enjoy this mind-blowing drink. 

#8 Are There Different Versions of the Tea?

All the elements of the taro bubble tea can be changed to create different flavors. For example, instead of almond milk, one can use cashew or oatmeal milk. Alternatively, instead of sugar, they can use honey or condensed milk. Any type of tea leaves, not necessarily green tea, will match the taro's fantastic flavor. The only element that does not change is, sure, taro. However, the form of it can vary. Mostly, boba tea cafes make taro milk tea with taro powder. If taro lovers opt to make it at home, they can also use diced taro and blend the ingredients. As there will be no food coloring, the drink will have a light pink color. If the color is essential, a little powder can be mixed with the diced taro. For additional sweetness, you can use honey. 

Try Taro Bubble Milk Tea at Bontea Cafe

After learning so much new information about taro and taro tea, people can be more excited to try. It is not a coincidence that the drink is one of the bestsellers in boba tea shops and cafes like black and classic milk tea. It has a catchy color, which is instagrammable. The perfect color combines with the sweet, nutty-vanilla taste and creates a taro bubble tea mix. Whether you want to get energy in the morning, or add excitement to your boring workday in the lunchtime, you can visit Bontea Cafe for taro and many other boba tea offers.