Bubble Tea: What is it? **Tapioca Balls, Boba, Pearls) Flavoured Syrup Flavoured powder Sweetener Water IceWhere did at least one of its parts originate from? Tapioca Balls (also, Boba, Pearls) -Originated in Southeast Asia, specifically in Taiwan by Liu Han-Chieh who owned a Teahouse. -Liu Han-Chieh brought out pearls in 1988. -Although it had lots of popularity in Asian cuisine, it has made its way to Brazil and is integrated with Brazil where they make a traditional dessert called "sagu de vinho" (wine sago) -The widespread of Bubble Tea, including Pearls became widespread into American food market in the 90's 2000's which was also the period of immigration of Taiwanese community.
Historical Significance? -Became another addition to a source of starch in South Asian dishes. -Was a cheaper alternative to Sago, which is another type of Tapioca. -Created a new street food culture. -A new way of connecting people.
"Tapioca Balls." Wikipedia. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tapioca_balls#History (accessed January 20, 2020). "A Brief History of Baba." Food and Wine. https://www.foodandwine.com/tea/bubble-tea-taiwanese-street-drink-turned-american-addiction (accessed January 20, 2020). "History of bubble tea: how boba, born of a staff competition in Taiwan, became a global phenomenon." South China Morning Post. https://www.scmp.com/lifestyle/food-drink/article/2187047/history-bubble-tea-how-boba-born-staff-competition-taiwan (accessed January 20, 2020). "A Brief History of Pearl Milk Tea." Culture Trip. https://theculturetrip.com/asia/taiwan/articles/a-brief-history-of-pearl-milk-tea/ (accessed January 20, 2020). "Bubble Tea Tales: The History of Boba." Chowhound. https://www.chowhound.com/food-news/213021/history-of-boba-bubble-tea/ (accessed January 20, 2020).
Wine sago sounds terrifying 🙁