What Is Taro Milk Tea | Your New Favorite Drink Guide

Have you ever wondered what is taro milk tea? If so, then you’ve come to the right place. In this blog post, we’ll explore all there is to know about one of the most popular variations of bubble tea: taro milk tea. From its origin story to its many delicious recipe variations, we’ll take a look at everything related to this incredibly popular Taiwanese beverage known as Bubble Tea or more commonly called Taro Milk Tea. So if you’re wondering what makes this type of sweet and delectable drink so special, just keep reading.

What Is Taro Milk Tea?

Taro milk tea is a creamy and refreshing Taiwanese beverage that has taken the world by storm. It’s made from taro root, which is a starchy tuber vegetable with a slightly sweet and nutty flavor. The root itself is purple in color, which gives taro milk tea its signature lavender hue. Taro milk tea is typically served cold and contains a combination of taro root, tea, milk, and sweeteners. Some variations also include the addition of chewy tapioca pearls or boba for an extra burst of texture. After answering the question what is taro milk tea. Read the sharing below for more useful information.

What Does Taro Milk Tea Taste Like?

Taro milk tea is a beverage known for its sweet and nutty flavor, complemented by a creamy vanilla finish. Some have compared its taste to that of buttered popcorn in the past. When made with fresh ground paste, taro bubble tea tends to have a thicker, milkshake-like consistency and a slightly granular texture. Others have described it as having earthy undertones, similar to that of sweet potato or coconut. Overall, taro milk tea is a unique and delicious blend of flavors that offers a refreshing and satisfying drinking experience.

Making Your Own Taro Milk Tea

Homemade taro milk tea allows you to control the quality of ingredients and customize the flavor exactly how you like it. Here are the key ingredients and steps for making your own:

Ingredients

• Taro root – Fresh taro makes the creamiest, smoothest milk tea but powdered taro works too.
• Milk – Soy, dairy, coconut, etc. Sweetened condensed milk is commonly used.
• Sugar – Table sugar, simple syrup or honey to taste.
• Tapioca pearls – Store-bought or homemade boba.
• Ice – To serve chilled.

Instruction

1. Cook the taro until soft, then blend with milk and sugar into a smooth paste.
2. Cook tapioca pearls according to package instructions until chewy.
3. Assemble taro mixture, milk, boba and ice in a cup. Adjust sweetness as needed.
4. Drink with an extra-wide straw to enjoy sips of taro milk tea along with pearl.

Toppings For Taro Milk Tea

Toppings are an essential part of any bubble tea, and taro milk tea is no exception. Here’s how you can make some popular toppings at home:

Grass Jelly

• In a pot, combine 1 cup of water, 1/4 cup of honey or sugar, and 1 tablespoon of agar-agar powder.
• Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for 5 minutes.
• Pour the mixture into a square container and refrigerate until set (about an hour).
• Once set, cut the grass jelly into small cubes. It can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to two weeks.

Tapioca Pearls

• In a pot, boil 6 cups of water. Add 1 cup of tapioca pearls and stir gently.
• Let the pearls simmer for about 15 minutes until they become soft and chewy.
• Drain the cooked pearls and rinse them with cold water.
• In a separate bowl, mix together 2 tablespoons of honey or sugar and 2 tablespoons of hot water. Add the cooked tapioca pearls and stir to coat.
• The tapioca pearls can be stored in a simple syrup mixture in the fridge for up to three days.

Red Bean

• Soak 1 cup of dried red beans (also known as adzuki beans) overnight.
• In a pot over medium heat, add the soaked beans and 4 cups of water. Bring to a boil.
• Reduce the heat and let it simmer for about an hour until the beans become soft.
• Once cooked, strain the beans and rinse them with cold water.
• In a blender or food processor, blend the red beans with 1/2 cup of sugar until smooth.
• The red bean paste can be stored in the fridge for up to a week and can be used as a topping for taro milk tea or other desserts.

Customize Your Taro Milk Tea

One of the great things about taro milk tea is how customizable it is to your personal tastes. Try these options:

• Milk options – dairy, soy, nut, oat, coconut – or no milk!
• Sweeteners – white/brown sugar, honey, agave, stevia
• Toppings – fresh taro cubes, fruit jelly, pudding, foam
• Tea types – Assam, oolong, jasmine, Earl Grey, herbal
• Taro forms – powder, chunks, puree, or fresh cubes
• Boba styles – classic black pearls, fruit jelly boba, popping boba

Mix and match to create your perfect taro milk tea creation.

Health Considerations From Taro Milk Tea

Like most bubble tea drinks, taro milk tea is quite high in calories, carbohydrates, and sugar. However, using fresh taro root provides more nutritional value. Here are some health factors to consider:

Benefits

• Provides an energizing caffeine boost (if using tea)
• Fresh taro root contains antioxidants, vitamin E, fiber

Concerns

• High in calories and carbohydrates from milk, sugar and tapioca
• Minimal nutrition if using only powdered taro

Making it Healthier

• Use fresh taro root when possible
• Opt for lighter milk or lower sugar
• Boost fiber by blending in carrot or sweet potato
• Request less sugar or 50% sweetness

While taro milk tea may not be the healthiest drink choice, there are ways to enjoy it a bit more guilt-free. But moderation is key with this indulgent treat.

Enjoying Taro Milk Tea

At Home vs. Store-Bought

Making taro milk tea at home allows you to control the quality of ingredients and customize it to your preferences. It also saves money in the long run. However, visiting a boba shop for taro milk tea can be more convenient and fun if you’re craving it on the go. Whipped cream cheese foam and colorful fruit jelly toppings are hard to replicate at home too. Both options have their perks!

Storage and Shelf Life

Leftover taro root mixture will keep in the fridge for 2-3 days. The taro flavor may intensify over time. You can reuse it for a new batch of milk tea or get creative by adding it to oatmeal, yogurt bowls, or smoothies. Cooked boba pearls will last for 5 days in the fridge with a little added water to keep them from hardening.

Healthy Alternatives

If you love the flavor of taro but want a lighter, more nutritious option, try Yishi’s Taro Bubble Tea Oatmeal. This microwaveable oatmeal cup provides the sweet creaminess of taro milk tea in a bowl of whole grains, fruit and brown sugar. It’s a quick, filling breakfast that will satisfy your taro craving in a healthier way.