VEGAN BOBA TEA

Boba tea, also known as bubble tea, is a popular drink that originated in Taiwan in the 1980s. In recent years, it has exploded in popularity worldwide, becoming a trendy drink that people of all ages enjoy. The drink is made from a base of tea, milk, and/or fruit juice, and features chewy tapioca balls, also known as boba, at the bottom. The tapioca balls are what give the drink its unique texture and make it a fun and enjoyable experience.

One of the reasons why boba tea is so trendy is because it is highly customizable. There are countless variations of the drink, with different flavors of tea, milk, and fruit juice, as well as different types of boba and other toppings. This allows people to create a drink that is uniquely suited to their tastes and preferences.

Vegan Boba Tea Recipe:

Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup dried tapioca pearls

• 2 cups water

• 2 tea bags (black, green, or herbal)

• 1 cup non-dairy milk (almond, coconut, soy, etc.)

• 2 tbsp sweetener (agave, maple syrup, etc.)

• Ice cubes

• Optional: fruit syrup or puree for flavor

Instructions:

1. Cook the tapioca pearls according to the package instructions. Typically, you will need to boil them in water for about 15-20 minutes, then drain and rinse with cold water.

2. While the pearls are cooking, steep the tea bags in 2 cups of hot water for 5-10 minutes. Remove the bags and let the tea cool to room temperature.

3. In a separate container, mix the non-dairy milk and sweetener.

4. To assemble the drink, add a handful of ice cubes to a tall glass. Pour in the tea, then add the milk mixture. Stir to combine.

5. Add a scoop of cooked tapioca pearls to the bottom of the glass, then use a large straw to enjoy the tea and pearls together.

Variations:

1. Add a fruit syrup or puree to the tea for extra flavor. Try strawberry, mango, or passionfruit.

2. Use matcha powder instead of tea bags for a green tea boba tea.

3. Swap the non-dairy milk for coconut milk for a creamier, tropical flavor.

4. Add chia seeds to the tapioca pearls for extra texture and health benefits.

Boba Pearls Recipe: (Maybe you prefer to make your own boba pearls!)

Ingredients:

• 1 cup tapioca starch

• 1/4 cup boiling water

• 1/4 cup brown sugar

• 1/4 cup white sugar

Instructions:

1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the tapioca starch and boiling water. Stir until a dough forms.

2. In a small saucepan, combine the brown sugar and white sugar with 1/2 cup of water. Bring to a boil, stirring occasionally, until the sugar is dissolved.

3. Pour the sugar syrup over the dough and mix well until a smooth, uniform texture is achieved.

4. Shape the dough into small balls, about 1/2 inch in diameter.

5. Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Add the tapioca balls and cook for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally.

6. Drain the cooked pearls and rinse them with cold water.

7. Use the pearls immediately, or store in a container with a little bit of brown sugar syrup to prevent sticking.

Boba tea can be a fun and indulgent treat, but it can also be a source of health benefits. Tapioca pearls are gluten-free and low in calories, while non-dairy milk provides a good source of calcium and other nutrients. Using natural sweeteners like agave or maple syrup can also be a healthier option than traditional sugar. Additionally, adding chia seeds to the pearls can increase the fiber and protein content of the drink.