Taro milk tea typically uses black tea as its base, although green tea can sometimes be used.
Understanding the Tea Base in Taro Milk Tea
When people ask if taro has black or green tea, they are usually referring to the popular beverage taro milk tea. Taro is a root vegetable, and by itself, it does not contain tea. However, taro is commonly used as a flavor in milk tea drinks.
Common Tea Varieties in Milk Tea
The tea used in milk tea, including flavored versions like taro milk tea, provides the necessary caffeine and tannic base that balances the milk and sweetness. According to one reference regarding milk tea composition:
It's made with a mixture of milk, ice, sugar/sweetener, and tea (usually black tea, but you can sometimes find milk tea made with other kinds of tea varieties like green and oolong).
This indicates that black tea is the most common choice for milk tea. Black tea provides a strong, robust flavor that stands up well to the addition of milk and sugar, and complements the creamy, sweet profile of taro.
Is Green Tea Used?
While black tea is the standard, the reference confirms that green tea is also an option, albeit less common:
- Usually: Black Tea
- Sometimes: Green Tea, Oolong Tea
Using green tea in taro milk tea would result in a lighter, potentially grassier flavor profile compared to black tea. Some shops or recipes might offer a green tea version for those who prefer its taste or lower oxidation level.
Summary of Tea Bases
Here's a quick look at the typical tea bases for milk tea, which applies to variations like taro milk tea:
- Primary Base: Black Tea
- Alternative Bases: Green Tea, Oolong Tea
In conclusion, while green tea can occasionally be found in milk tea, black tea is the usual and most traditional tea base for taro milk tea.
