To understand the story behind tapioca pearls, we’ll need to go back to its roots – literally.
Firstly, we’ll start off by clarifying that these pearls go by multiple names, including boba pearls and tapioca balls.
Tapioca pearls are made using cassava root, which is also referred to as yuca in some parts of the world. Cassava is a nutty-flavoured, starchy root vegetable that is used in many different foods and dishes globally.
It is grown, cultivated and consumed primarily in tropical regions. This process began in Latin America in the late 18th century and eventually made its way from the South American continent to other parts of the world, including Africa and Asia.
Nowadays, cassava has been established in China, Taiwan, Thailand, Vietnam, the Philippines and India as a significant crop that covers a large area and generates income for small and large farmers, manufacturers, and traders.
In fact, in Asia, cassava is cultivated by more than 8 million farmers, leading it to be a driving force behind many rural communities’ economies.
Cassava is celebrated across these regions as a resilient vegetable that can grow in soil with minimal nutrients and be harvested quickly. Another reason cassava is so popular is its versatility. Cassava can be used as an ingredient in many dishes, including soups, cakes, fries and, our favourite – bubble tea pearls.
Essentially, tapioca starch is extracted from cassava root. This tapioca starch is used in many dishes to thicken them up. It can also be used to make tapioca flour.
Our favourite way to use tapioca is to create our delicious, house-made tapioca pearls for our different bubble tea varieties. As you likely already know, tapioca pearls or boba pearls get spooned into the bottom of your favourite bubble teas to add a fun, chewy element to your drinking experience.
Originally, boba pearls and tapioca pearls were used in shaved ice desserts and paired with beans, syrups and yummy rice balls. Milk tea was also popularly consumed, and, one day in the early 1980s, someone in Taiwan had the brilliant idea to combine the two, birthing the drink we all know and love today!