It's the mid 1980s and the after-school tea merchants of Taiwan are looking for a way to promote themselves. One enterprising individual comes up with the idea of adding fruit to the tea. When the beverage is shaken, bubbles form and bubble tea is born. As bubble tea becomes popular, mercahts experiment. Tapioca pearls are added for texture. Nowadays, there are bubble tea shops all over Taiwan and Hong Kong.

Finally bubble tea has come to the United States. Bubble tea is a great way to introduce someone to tea. Right now California has the highest number of bubble tea shops in the U.S., but the idea is quickly spreading.

Bubble tea is not bubbly or efferescent. The name comes from the chunks of fruit or tapioca that sit at the bottom of the cup. It seems unlikely that something bright pink or purple could possibly be nutritious but, in the case of bubble tea, it is very nutritious. The color comes from the fruits that are added--not synthetic dyes.

Although sugar is added, bubble tea has all the same health benefits as black or green tea. The antioxidants and catechins that ward off heart disease and cancer are still in there. If you add, milk, you also get some added calcium and protein. The tapioca pearls add a bit of fiber and carbohydrates.

Sometimes people may not like bubble tea, but never fear. There is a wide variety of ingredients such as tarow or mango. It can also be made with or without mango. Instead of tapioca pearls, try coconut jellies which fit into the straw perfectly. Drink to your health!