Taro ball

A traditional Taiwanese dessert made from taro

Taro Ball

A bowl of taro balls served with sweet syrup and toppings.

Taro balls are a traditional Taiwanese dessert made from taro, a starchy root vegetable. They are known for their chewy texture and are often served in sweet soups or with shaved ice.

Preparation

Taro balls are made by steaming and mashing taro, then mixing it with tapioca starch to form a dough. The dough is rolled into small balls and boiled until they float to the surface. Once cooked, they are typically cooled in cold water to maintain their chewy texture.

Serving

Taro balls are commonly served in a variety of ways:

• Sweet Soup: They can be added to a sweet soup made with sugar and ginger, providing a warm and comforting dessert.
• Shaved Ice: Taro balls are a popular topping for shaved ice, often accompanied by sweetened condensed milk, red beans, and grass jelly.
• Bubble Tea: Occasionally, taro balls are used as a topping in bubble tea, adding a unique texture to the drink.

Cultural Significance

In Taiwan, taro balls are a beloved dessert, often enjoyed during festivals and family gatherings. They are also popular in other parts of East Asia, where variations of the dish can be found.

Related pages

• Taro
• Taiwanese cuisine
• Bubble tea
• Shaved ice