Boba World

Boba, also known as “tapioca pearls” or “tapioca balls”, is derived from the starch of the cassava root, a versatile South American vegetable. It originated in Taiwan. If you haven’t yet discovered Boba tea, expect to do so soon at a teashop near you. This wildly popular sweetened drink began in Asia. It is a combination of sweetened tea, natural or artificial flavors, and a layer of tapioca “pearls” that bob around at the bottom of the cup. The tapioca looks like bubbles as they come up through the straw, thus the derivation, “Boba.” Other names for Boba include bubble tea, pearl milk tea, tapioca tea, ball drink, and pearl shake. The drink is usually served cold, with an extra-wide straw for sucking up the chewy Boba along with your drink. Boba tea is usually available in teashops offering extensive menus of flavors and preparations.