Yes, boba is a type of pearl. More specifically, boba is a common name for tapioca pearls, which are small, chewy spheres made from tapioca starch.
What are Tapioca Pearls/Boba?
Tapioca pearls, also known as boba, are edible, translucent spheres made from tapioca starch derived from the cassava root. They are a key ingredient in bubble tea and are often described as having a chewy texture. The basic ingredients typically include tapioca starch, water, and brown sugar.
- Origin: Tapioca pearls originated as a cheaper alternative to sago in Southeast Asian cuisine.
- Composition: Primarily made from tapioca starch, water, and often brown sugar. Some recipes may include other starches like potato starch.
- Use in Bubble Tea: When added to bubble tea, they're usually referred to as "pearls" or "boba".
- Variations: While typically dark brown, they can be found in other colors depending on added ingredients or processing.
Several sources confirm this:
- The Flavor Bender shows a recipe for homemade boba pearls using tapioca starch, sugar, and water.
- Sharetea highlights boba pearls as the main characteristic of bubble tea, made from brown sugar, water, and tapioca starch.
- PETA clarifies that boba pearls are made from tapioca starch derived from the cassava root, confirming their vegan status.
- Wikipedia defines tapioca pearls as edible spheres produced from tapioca starch. It notes that when used in bubble tea, they are commonly called pearls or boba.
