What is taro milk tea?
Taro milk tea is made from a combination of ground taro root, jasmine tea, milk, sugar, and tapioca pearls. If you enjoy bubble tea, you may already be familiar with its similarity to traditional milk tea. Milk tea is typically made using Assam tea and frothy milk mixed with crushed ice and caramelised tapioca pearls. However, bubble tea swaps out the Assam tea for jasmine tea and a taro flavour. In some cases, a ground taro paste or taro root powder may be used in place of the tea.
You can use alternative milks like oat, soy, almond, or coconut instead of cow’s milk in taro milk tea, just like with all other bubble tea options. Taro milk tea can be served hot or cold.
What does taro taste like?
Taro has a nutty, earthy flavour. It’s subtly sweet and very creamy when blended into a paste or powder. Some people may describe the taste of taro as similar to that of sweet potatoes. There is also a hint of vanilla in some types of taro products, which can be further highlighted by adding sweeter ingredients like sugar.
Taro Milk Tea Origins
Taro milk tea originates from Taiwanese bubble tea shops, however, the root of this drink is actually found in East Asia. Bubble tea or boba originated in Taiwan during the 1980s and has since become a global trend. The taro flavour is believed to have most likely been introduced in Taiwan before being added to the bubble tea options.
What is taro root?
Taro root is a starchy tuber native to Southeast Asia, India, and parts of Africa. It has a rough, brown skin with white or purplish flesh inside. Taro root is usually boiled or steamed then mashed into a paste that can be used in various dishes. The taro plant itself is also edible and often cooked as greens.
Taro milk tea has become increasingly popular over the years due to its unique flavor and refreshing taste.
How to Make Taro Milk Tea
Making taro milk tea from scratch can be quite a challenge as the flavours of taro are very delicate and require careful balancing with other ingredients. However, there are two easy ways to prepare this delicious beverage: using fresh or powdered taro. Let’s take a look at both methods.
Taro Milk Tea with Taro Root Recipe
Ingredients:
- 150 g taro, peeled and cubed
- 2 teaspoons sugar salt
- 3 tablespoons tapioca pearls
- 2 teaspoons sugar
- ½ cup strongly brewed black tea
- 200 ml milk
- 1 teaspoon sweetened condensed milk
Instructions:
- To make the cubed taro root soft, boil it on medium heat for 20 minutes until it can easily be pierced with a fork.
- Discard the water and smash the cooked ground root until an even paste is formed. To make a smoother paste, use a food processor or blender and add the sugar while the paste is still hot. Then, set it aside.
- To cook your boba, put it in a pot of boiling water and add two teaspoons of sugar. Keep boiling for 5-7 minutes until the boba floats. You can adjust the timing depending on your preference for texture. Afterward, remove from the hot water and set aside.
- Brew the black tea and mix it thoroughly with fresh-ground root paste and condensed milk.
- Mix the milk and tapioca pearls, then serve it hot or cold.
Taro Milk Tea with Taro Powder Recipe
Ingredients:
- 3 tablespoons tapioca pearls
- 2 teaspoons sugar
- 2 tablespoons instant taro powder
- ½ cup black tea, strongly brewed
- 200 ml milk
Instructions:
- To make tapioca pearls, first, boil a pot of hot water. Then, add the pearls and 2 teaspoons of sugar. Let it boil for 5-7 minutes until the pearls start to float. Adjust the boiling time to achieve the desired texture. After boiling, remove the pearls from the pot and set them aside.
- Begin by brewing the black tea. Afterward, mix it thoroughly with the taro instant powder and stir in the condensed milk.
- Finally, add milk and boba to the mixture. You can serve the taro milk tea either hot or cold.
Final Thoughts
Taro milk tea is a delicious and unique beverage that has become a popular choice in bubble tea shops around the world. The nutty, earthy flavor of taro combined with sweet jasmine tea and creamy milk makes for an irresistible drink. With the right ingredients, you can easily make this flavorful treat using either fresh or powdered taro. So next time you’re looking for something new to enjoy, why not give taro milk tea a try? You won’t regret it! Enjoy!
