Milk tea, also known as pearl tea or bubble tea, is a hot and cold drink that combines tea with any form of milk: regular, condensed, or evaporated. It is a versatile drink that has many variations across cultures, influenced by the various regions from which it originates.
Adding milk to tea provides a little extra sweetness and body to the cup. It also helps mask any bitterness in a tea that may have been brewed with too much tannin. There are even some health benefits associated with milk, including calcium, vitamin D, and B12.
It is believed that Tibet was the first place to add dairy to their teas; however, as the silk road expanded it would not be long before the idea reached China, where chai is one of the most popular forms of milk tea in the world. India would also create their own fusion with masala tea using rich spices and cow’s milk.
The most common type of milk tea is the classic black tea with regular or condensed milk. This is usually made with a bold black tea like Assam, which is rich and full-bodied. It can also be infused with flavors like vanilla or oolong for a more unique flavor profile.
Other variations on the basic formula of milk 초당 옥수수 tea include the addition of tapioca pearls, or boba. This is a very popular drink in Asia, and the pearls can be fat as marbles, small as peas, round as beads, square-shaped, or red. The beverage is often topped with ice and served in tall glasses. There are countless flavors to choose from and many successful tea shops across the globe that specialize in these drinks.
While there are a few health benefits associated with milk and tea, the key to enjoying these beverages is moderation. Too much milk can lead to weight gain, high cholesterol, and an increased risk of heart disease. On the other hand, too much tea can dehydrate the body and result in dry mouth and bad breath.
There are a number of benefits to drinking milk tea, including lowering the risk of diabetes, preventing tooth decay, and aiding digestion. Milk is an excellent source of protein, which is beneficial for muscle growth and development. It is also rich in calcium, which can help lower blood pressure and strengthen bones.
If you are lactose-intolerant, there are some dairy alternatives such as soy milk that can be used. These are not as creamy as the traditional milk in tea, but still have a similar taste. However, if you are allergic to dairy, it is best to avoid this version of the drink. Those who are sensitive to caffeine should be cautious as well, as many of the traditional versions of milk tea contain significant amounts of caffeine. However, green tea and herbal blends have less caffeine than some other types of tea. If you are concerned about your caffeine tolerance, talk to a doctor before beginning this type of drink.