EXTREME CUISINE: Everything You've Wanted to Know about Bubble Tea (1/2)

What is bubble tea? Ever since it débuted in Taiwan in 1985, bubble tea has captured a rapt audience everywhere it goes. Bubble tea refers to the genre of frothy and refreshing concoctions, usually of tea and a myriad combination of other flavors, served with or without milk or cream, with or without tapioca pearls. Because tapioca pearls seem to be the common denominator among all these various beverages, the term “bubble” in "bubble tea" has now come to refer to the tapioca pearls. Originally, however, the term “bubble” indicates the froth or head created by the vigorous shaking method of preparation - a unique way of preparing a unique drink. These teas are also known as BOBA TEA, TAPIOCA TEA, PEARL MILK TEA, QQ DRINKS How do I make bubble tea? Because the name “bubble tea” can refer more to a genre or category of drink rather than a specific beverage, sometimes leading to a lot of confusion among devotees and initiates alike, Bruce & Clark has devised a system called the Bruce & Clark Bubble Tea Schema?. The Schema is intended to be a conceptual framework for the understanding of bubble tea, as well as the methodological basis for the preparation of bubble tea beverages. To make bubble tea, combine all COMPONENTS together: LIQUID + FLAVOR + SWEETENER + TEXTURE = Water/Tea & Ice + Flavored Powder/Syrup + Sugar Syrup or Honey + Choobee? or Tapioca Pearls Read the Bruce & Clark Bubble Tea Schema for more information (visit www.bruceandclark.com). Do you always have to add tea? No, it is not necessary to add tea to every drink. Although the name "bubble tea" strongly connotes the presence of tea in every beverage, bubble teas may or may not come with tea, depending on the customer or the bubble tea maker's preference. Tea adds a depth, complexity and smoothness to the final beverage, however. Bruce & Clark’s experts recommend adding a shot of tea to their bubble tea drinks. They encourage their clients to experiment mixing and matching various other ingredients to come up with their own formulations and signature blends.? Bubble tea making can be likened to cooking in this aspect, almost an art form: the sublimity of the final beverage rests on your creativity and imagination. What kind of tea should I use for bubble tea beverages? Most bubble teashops use two basic kinds of tea in all their beverages: -Red tea (also called, confusingly enough, black tea) Red tea “rounds” out the drink, making it smoother and mellower;? Red tea works best with “earthy” flavors such as Taro, Sesame, Red Bean, Green Bean, etc. -Jasmine green tea Unless very familiar with tea, they recommend starting out with these two kinds of tea:? Jasmine Green Tea “brightens” up the drink, making it lighter and sprightlier on the tongue. Jasmine green tea works best with “fruity” flavors such as Lychee, Pineapple, Honeydew, etc. However, remember that you can experiment with tea and come up with the combinations you like best. Part of the fun is experimentation. What is Original Pearl Milk Tea? Original Pearl Milk Tea is how bubble tea was first conceived: brewed tea, sweetener, plus milk or creamer are shaken with ice. (see the Original Pearl Milk Tea recipe). What is the difference between cream-based and sour-based powders? Milky Flavored Bubble Tea (see recipe) needs milk or creamer (Refined Creamer Powder) to achieve the right consistency in the final beverage. They should be smooth and creamy, going down with the right finish. It should never be watery. Thirst-quenching Flavored Bubble Tea (see recipe) does not require the addition of milk or creamer. In fact, milk or creamer should not be added as this would cause curdling. Sour Flavored Powders (SFP) are especially good with tea. note: Flavored Syrups (FS) are used in the same way as Sour Flavored Powders. How do I use flavored syrups? Flavored Syrups (FS) are another flavor component.