Why Celebrating Bubble Tea is Worthwhile: A Look at its Cultural Significance, Health Benefits, DIY Recipes, and More
Bubble tea, also known as boba tea, has become an iconic drink worldwide. This tasty, sugary drink with chewy tapioca pearls, originated in Taiwan during the 1980s. In recent years, bubble tea has become increasingly popular in the Western world, garnering a cult following among tea enthusiasts. This article aims to explore the cultural significance, nutrition values, DIY recipes, and environmental impact of bubble tea, comparing it to its closest competitor, coffee.
A brief history and cultural significance of bubble tea
Bubble tea’s origins can be traced back to the 1980s in Taiwan, where it was first invented by restaurateur Liu Han-Chieh. The drink comprises a blend of tea, sugar, and milk, with chewy tapioca pearls added at the bottom of the cup. The drink’s original name was ‘pearl milk tea’ and was sold at Liu’s teahouse in Taichung, Taiwan. The drink’s popularity rose through the 1990s and became known as ‘bubble tea’ when it was first introduced in Hong Kong.
Today, bubble tea has become a cultural icon in many Asian countries. In Hong Kong, milk tea is considered a quintessential part of the daily routine—tea lovers prefer their milk tea in ‘silk stockings’—cloth strainers that add a unique, smooth flavor to the brew. In Taiwan, bubble tea is celebrated during the annual Taipei Tea Culture Expo in which vendors compete with each other over who can make the most unique bubble tea.
5 health benefits of drinking bubble tea
Bubble tea is more than just a delicious treat—it also provides various health benefits. Here are five ways bubble tea enhances your health:
1. Nutritional value of bubble tea
Bubble tea is made of several healthy ingredients, such as milk or almond milk, fresh fruit juices, and herbal tea. These ingredients contain essential vitamins and minerals that are crucial for the body’s functioning. Further, you can customize your bubble tea according to your nutritional requirements by decreasing or increasing the sugar content accordingly.
2. Ingredients in bubble tea that positively impact health
Bubble tea’s components such as black or green tea, fruit juices, and plant-based milk provide antioxidants that have been scientifically proven to improve overall health and reduce the risk of certain chronic illnesses.
3. Scientific research findings
Several studies back up the fact that certain ingredients present in bubble tea are beneficial for health. For instance, according to a report published by the American Heart Association, drinking black tea helps reduce the risk of stroke and cardiovascular disease. Additionally, green tea is a popular ingredient in bubble tea that has been scientifically proven to improve brain, heart, and liver health, and prevent Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease.
4. Quotes from health professionals
“Bubble tea has become incredibly fashionable in the aerated drink market of late because of its many health benefits,” says registered dietitian Ashley Walter. “Bubble tea made with non-dairy milk and freshly brewed tea is low calorie, low sugar, and packed with nutrients.” Further, registered dietician Giancoli states, “The tapioca balls on the bottom of the drink can also be enjoyed as a snack, making bubble tea an excellent way to avoid junk food cravings in between meals.”
DIY bubble tea recipes
While heading out to a local bubble tea shop is still an adventure, trying to make your own bubble tea can be an even greater one. Here are some of the classic, unique, and alcoholic bubble tea recipes you can make at home:
Classic flavors (tapioca, coconut)
Tapioca Bubble Tea: One cup of tapioca pearls, four tea bags (classic black tea), syrup (sugar can be a good substitute), and milk (or nut milk if you prefer plant-based milk).
Coconut Bubble Tea: One cup of coconut milk, black or green tea, sugar, and ice. Add in some boba pearls at the top if you wish.
Unique flavors (matcha, strawberry, alcoholic)
Matcha Bubble Tea: One cup of matcha powder, salt, coconut milk and almond milk blend or just almond milk, and honey (added sweetness for taste). Add boba pearls at the bottom of the cup.
Strawberry Bubble Tea: One cup of green tea, 1/2 cup of sliced strawberries, 3-4 tablespoons of agave syrup, two tablespoons of boba pearls, and ice.
Alcoholic Bubble Tea: One cup of brewed oolong tea or Earl Gray tea, one shot of white rum, two scoops of bubble tea mix (brown sugar), 1/2 cup of cooked tapioca pearls, and ice cubes. Add longan fruit, toasted almonds, or sliced apples as toppings.
The environmental impact of bubble tea
Bubble tea is not always regarded as eco-friendly. Most bubble tea shops use low-density (LDPE) plastic cups and straws, which can take hundreds of years to decompose. When you include all the waste created by plastic cups, lids, spoons, and straws, it adds up to a significant waste issue.
Thankfully, there are various ways to lessen the environmental impact of bubble tea. One of these ways is to use reusable straws such as metal or bamboo straws instead of plastic straws. Always carrying a reusable bottle can also be a sustainable alternative. Some bubble tea shops offer paper straws, which are biodegradable and less likely to hurt the environment.
Bubble tea vs. coffee: Which is better?
Bubble tea and coffee have contrasting tastes, and while both drinks have their unique health benefits, they also have their drawbacks.
Caffeine content
Bubble tea contains less caffeine than coffee does. On average, a serving of bubble tea has around 50-70 mg of caffeine, while a cup of coffee has 95-200 mg of caffeine. While bubble tea has an ample amount of caffeine to boost your brain activity, coffee significantly outranks it.
Price
Bubble tea and coffee usually have a similar price range. Although, special flavors, toppings, and ingredients may add up the cost depending on where you purchase.
Health benefits
Coffee and bubble tea both contain essential nutrients that can benefit your health if taken in moderation. For starters, coffee has antioxidants that have proven to help lower the risk of developing chronic diseases such as type 2 diabetes, liver disease, and Alzheimer’s. Meanwhile, bubble tea’s herbal properties can prevent heart and liver disease and improve cardiovascular health.
Taste preferences
Last but definitely not least, it is all about your taste preferences. Some enjoy bubble tea’s sweetness, while others may prefer the bitterness of coffee’s flavor.
Bubble tea traditions around the world
While Taiwan originated Bubble Tea, it has developed unique cultures and traditions worldwide, especially in Asia. For example:
Hong Kong-style milk tea culture
Tea is a significant part of Hong Kong’s culture and is often served with condensed milk or evaporated milk. Hong Kong-style milk tea is one of Hong Kong’s most popular tea variations and is typically served with dim sum.
Taiwan’s bubble tea variations
Taiwan is where bubble tea originated, and that’s where various forms of bubble tea can be found. One popular variation is fruit tea, which uses fresh fruit as the primary ingredient and is famous for its refreshing flavor.
Unique toppings preferred by Korean bubble tea enthusiasts
Aside from the classic boba pearl and jelly toppings that are standard in bubble tea shops, creative toppings have evolved, such as cheese foam, red bean, sweet potato. Koreans love to add cornflakes and cereal as toppings as well.
Conclusion
Bubble tea’s success in recent years has been a testament to its unique taste and cultural significance. The drink provides an excellent alternative to coffee and has many health benefits if taken in moderation. Furthermore, DIY bubble tea recipes can be a fun way to add your own unique personality to your favorite drink. Celebrating bubble tea is not just about drinking it, but also respecting the cultural roots embedded in this iconic drink.