National Bubble Tea Day
April 30th is National Bubble Tea Day!
This day is great day for bobal lovers everywhere. If you’ve never had it, why not find a local place that serves boba tea and give it a whirl!
You never know… you might just end up loving it. Even my boys are fans of it now.
What is Bubble Tea?
Bubble tea, also known as boba tea, is a sweet and refreshing tea drink that has taken the world by storm. Originating from Taiwan, it’s made with tea, milk, and chewy tapioca pearls. In recent years, it’s become so popular in the US that I can even get in my little town!
A bit About the History of Bubble Tea
Bubble tea was first invented in Taiwan in the 1980s. The innovative owner of Chun Shui Tang teahouse in Taichung, Taiwan, after seeing coffee served cold in Japan, decided to offer cold chinese tea to his customers.
Then one day, his product development manager, Ms. Lin Hsiu Hui, added her favorite snack, a common Taiwanese dessert called fen yuan (sweetened tapioca pudding balls) to her cold tea.Â
And Bubble Tea was born!
Bubble tea quickly became a hit in Taiwan and spread to other Asian countries before making its way to the United States in the 1990s, thanks to taiwanese students studying at colleges here in the US.
Today, boba lovers everywhere can find it in cafes and tea shops around the world, with countless variations and flavors to choose from.
How is Bubble Tea Made?
Bubble tea (also called pearl tea or pearl milk tea) is typically made with a base of black tea, white tea, oolong tea or green tea, mixed with milk and sweetened with sugar or honey. The tea is then shaken with ice and the signature ingredient – chewy tapioca pearls.
These pearls are made from tapioca starch, which is boiled until it forms a gel-like texture. Then the white tapioca balls are cooked in a sugar syrup and added to the drink. If made with brown sugar, the little balls turn dark and are aptly called Black Pearls.
Other kinds of bubble tea recipes include fruit-flavored teas, smoothies, and even coffee-based drinks. Toppings can also vary, with options like fruit jelly, grass jelly, or even cheese foam.
Ideas for Celebrating National Bubble Tea Day
On April 30th, bubble tea lovers around the country come together to celebrate National Bubble Tea Day. There loads of ways to join in on the fun, from visiting your favorite bubble tea shop to making your own at home.
Visiting a Bubble Tea Shop
One of the best ways to celebrate National Bubble Tea Day is by visiting your local bubble tea shop. Many shops offer special deals or promotions on this day, so be sure to check ahead of time.
When ordering your drink, don’t be afraid to try something new. Many shops offer unique flavor combinations that you may not have tried before. And if you’re feeling adventurous, consider adding a fun topping like popping boba or aloe vera jelly.
You can even get it with milk subsititues like Almond Milk or Soy Milk!
Making Bubble Tea at Home
If you can’t make it to a bubble tea shop, why not try making your own at home? Bubble tea kits are totally available online and can be a fun activity to do with friends or family.
To make your own bubble tea, you’ll need:
- Tea bags (black or green tea)
- Tapioca pearls
- Milk (dairy or non-dairy)
- Sugar or honey
- Ice
- Big boba straws (or smoothie straws)
Boil the tapioca pearls according to the package instructions, then set aside. Brew your tea and mix with milk and sweetener to taste.
Add ice to a cocktail shaker or large jar, along with the tapioca pearls and tea mixture. Shake vigorously and pour into a glass. Enjoy!
Health Benefits and Risks
While bubble tea is a delicious treat, it’s important to be mindful of the health benefits and risks associated with the drink.
On the plus side, bubble tea contains antioxidants and polyphenols from the tea leaves, which can have health benefits. The tapioca pearls also provide some fiber and carbohydrates, which can be beneficial in moderation.
However, bubble tea is often high in sugar and calories, especially when made with sweetened milk and flavored syrups. Drinking too much bubble tea can lead to weight gain and other health issues, such as diabetes and tooth decay. We definitly don’t want that!
It’s also important to note that some bubble tea shops may use artificial colors, flavors and preservatives in their drinks, which can have negative effects on health too. If you’re concerned about the ingredients in your bubble tea, consider making it at home with natural ingredients that you know are good for you and your fam!
Bubble tea has become a well loved beverage around the world, and National Bubble Tea Day is the perfect opportunity to celebrate this tasty drink. Whether you visit your favorite bubble tea shop or make your own at home, be sure to enjoy it in moderation and be mindful of the health risks.
Take a chance and try some new flavors and combinations, and have fun experimenting with different toppings.
Happy National Bubble Tea Day!
