Taro milk tea is a variation of bubble tea, a drink originating from Taiwan in the 1980s. It’s made from either taro root powder or fresh taro, which is mixed with tea, milk, and often sweeteners and tapioca pearls.
To make taro milk tea, taro, a root vegetable which is similar to a sweet potato, is peeled, boiled, and mashed or blended into a paste before being mixed with tea and milk, although sometimes tarot root powder is used instead. Taro has a naturally sweet and slightly nutty flavor, which pairs well with the creaminess of milk.
The drink is usually sweetened with sugar or honey and served over ice.
Most taro milk teas also include tapioca pearls, also known as boba, which are chewy spheres made from tapioca starch. These pearls add a fun and satisfying texture to the drink.
Variations of taro milk tea can include different types of tea, such as black, green, or oolong, and alternative milk products, such as almond, coconut, or soy, to accommodate dietary preferences.
Some versions of this tea may also incorporate additional flavors such as vanilla or almond.