Taro Latte Recipe: A Quick & Delicious Summer Drink

This taro latte recipe was first published on June 10, 2024.

Among the many cocktails and mocktails, we sometimes need to take a little break to sip on something like this delicious taro latte. We have been wanting to try taro latte powder for so long (nothing wrong with the usual pumpkin spice latte), every excuse we had when in London was a great excuse.

So imagine the happiness that resulted from finding some taro here in Italy! We couldn’t let it go to waste, so we turned it into syrup, made some boba and popped the ice – it was time to enjoy our new favourite taro latte.

Taro is pretty difficult to come by in Italy, and if you are lucky enough you will find it at an Asian market of sorts. Not many of those around here where we live in a small village in the north of Italy, so you know we really put our minds to work to make this taro milk.

Time to savour this summery taro latte recipe

If you’re a coffee enthusiast or a tea aficionado looking to try something new, the taro latte might just be the delightful surprise you need. This creamy, colourful beverage has been making waves in cafes around the world, blending the exotic flavour of taro with the comforting richness of a classic latte. But what exactly is a taro latte, and why has it become so popular? Let’s dive into the world of this vibrant drink.

What is taro? Is it good for me?

Taro, scientifically known as Colocasia esculenta, is a tropical root vegetable that has been a dietary staple in many cultures, particularly in Asia, Africa, and the Pacific Islands. It is known for its starchy, slightly sweet, and nutty flavour, which makes it a versatile ingredient in both savoury and sweet dishes.

Taro is a tuber that grows underground. It has brown, fibrous skin and white or purple-flecked flesh. The plant also produces large, heart-shaped leaves that are edible when cooked but are often referred to as elephant ears due to their shape and size. It tastes like a mix of vanilla, coconut and sweet potato with a sweet, mild nutty flavor. It is packed with essential nutrients, making it a healthy addition to our diet. Here’s a breakdown of its nutritional benefits:

• High in Fiber: Taro is rich in dietary fibre, which is crucial for digestive health. Fibre helps to keep your digestive system running smoothly and can prevent constipation;
• Rich in Vitamins: Taro contains several important vitamins, including Vitamin E, Vitamin B6, and Vitamin C. These vitamins are essential for maintaining healthy skin, boosting the immune system, and supporting metabolic functions;
• Mineral-rich: Taro is a good source of minerals like potassium, magnesium, and manganese. Potassium helps regulate blood pressure, magnesium supports muscle and nerve function, and manganese is important for bone health and metabolism;
• Antioxidants: The antioxidants found in taro help protect your cells from damage caused by free radicals, reducing the risk of chronic diseases such as heart disease and cancer.

When it comes to the health benefits of taro, you can expect these:

1. Digestive Health: The high fibre content in taro aids in digestion by adding bulk to the stool and promoting regular bowel movements. This can help prevent constipation and other digestive issues;
2. Heart Health: Taro is low in fat and cholesterol, and its potassium content helps regulate blood pressure, reducing the risk of hypertension and related cardiovascular diseases;
3. Blood Sugar Control: The fibre in taro can help stabilize blood sugar levels by slowing down the absorption of glucose. This makes it a good choice for people with diabetes or those looking to manage their blood sugar levels;
4. Anti-Inflammatory Properties: Taro contains compounds that have anti-inflammatory effects, which can help reduce inflammation in the body and lower the risk of chronic inflammatory diseases;
5. Weight Management: Taro’s fibre content helps you feel fuller for longer, which can aid in weight management by reducing overall calorie intake.

What ingredients do I need to make this taro latte?

Let’s delve into the ingredients used to make a taro latte: taro syrup, milk, ice, and boba. Each component plays a crucial role in creating the delicious and refreshing beverage that many people enjoy.

• Taro Syrup: Taro syrup is a sweet, flavorful liquid made from either fresh taro root or taro powder combined with granulated sugar and water. It often has a beautiful lavender colour and a creamy, nutty, and slightly sweet taste. Taro syrup is the star ingredient that gives the taro latte its distinctive flavour and colour. It provides the rich, earthy, and subtly sweet taste of taro, making the drink both unique and delicious. The syrup is typically mixed with milk and other ingredients to create a harmonious blend;
• Milk: Milk is a staple in many beverages, offering a creamy texture and subtle sweetness. In a taro latte, you can use various types of milk, such as whole milk, skim milk, or plant-based alternatives like almond, soy, oat or coconut milk to make this taro latte vegan. Milk serves as the base for the taro latte, providing a smooth and creamy texture that complements the taro syrup. It helps to mellow out the strong flavours of the taro syrup, creating a balanced and satisfying drink. The choice of milk can also affect the flavour and texture, allowing for customization based on dietary preferences and taste;
• Ice: Ice is simply used to chill beverages and create a refreshing, cold drink. In an iced taro latte, ice is essential for cooling the drink and giving it a refreshing quality, especially on hot days. The ice helps to dilute the syrup and milk slightly, making the drink lighter and more thirst-quenching. For a hot taro latte, ice is omitted;
• Boba: Boba, also known as tapioca pearls, are chewy balls made from tapioca starch derived from cassava root. They are usually black due to caramel or brown sugar added during their preparation, but they can also be white or clear. Boba adds a fun and unique texture to the taro latte, making it a bubble tea variant. The chewy pearls provide a delightful contrast to the creamy and smooth texture of the drink. Boba also adds an interactive element to the beverage, making each sip an experience as you suck up the pearls through a wide straw. The slightly sweet and neutral flavour of boba complements the taro latte without overpowering it.

How do I make taro syrup?

Making taro syrup at home is relatively simple and requires just a few ingredients. This syrup can be used to flavour drinks like taro lattes, bubble tea, or even desserts. Here’s a step-by-step guide to making taro syrup.

You will need these ingredients, but you have two different ways of making this, just check the hows below.

• 1 cup taro root (peeled and diced) or 1 cup taro powder
• 1 cup water
• 1 cup sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional)

Using Fresh Taro Root:

1. Prepare the Taro: Peel the taro root and dice it into small pieces. Be sure to wear gloves when handling taro, as its raw sap can cause skin irritation;
2. Cook the Taro: Place the diced taro in a pot and cover it with water. Bring it to a boil and then simmer until the taro is soft and fully cooked, about 15-20 minutes;
3. Blend the Taro: Drain the cooked taro and transfer it to a blender. Add 1 cup of water and blend until you get a smooth, creamy consistency;
4. Make the Syrup: In a separate pot, combine the taro puree with 1 cup of sugar. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for 5-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sugar is fully dissolved and the syrup has thickened slightly;
5. Add Vanilla: If using, stir in the vanilla extract;
6. Strain (Optional): For a smoother syrup, you can strain the mixture through a fine mesh sieve to remove any remaining taro fibres;
7. Cool and Store: Let the syrup cool completely, then transfer it to a clean jar or bottle. Store in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.

Using Taro Powder:

1. Combine Ingredients: In a pot, combine 1 cup of water and 1 cup of sugar. Heat over medium heat, stirring until the sugar is fully dissolved;
2. Add Taro Powder: Whisk in 1 cup of taro powder until fully dissolved. Continue to heat the mixture until it thickens slightly, about 5-10 minutes;
3. Add Vanilla: If using, stir in the vanilla extract;
4. Cool and Store: Let the syrup cool completely, then transfer it to a clean jar or bottle. Store in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.

How do I make this taro latte?

Making this taro latte is as easy as cooking the boba, prepping the syrup and then putting it all together. And considering the boba can be prepped ahead – and so can the syrup – then you will have everything on hand to do so.

Mix, pour and enjoy – that is pretty much it! And if you want, you can also add an espresso shot for a caffeine hit!

Do you have more Asian inspired recipes on the blog?

We have plenty of them on the blog, some of our favorites are:

• Korean banana milk – a delicious banana drink for any kdrama fans;
• Dalgona chocolate – no quest is required, but it’s just a delicious drink;
• chocolate milk tea – if you love boba and chocolate, this for you;
• Korean fried chicken wings – with a delicious garlic soy sauce, these are to die for;
• Ponyo ramen – a quick dish to enjoy while watching ponyo;
• strawberry milk tea – if you love strawberries and boba tea this is for you;
• boba smoothie – a delicious way to get away with another boba drink;
• iced Hojicha latte – because hojicha is not just for tea;
• strawberry milk – the tastiest three-ingredient flavoured milk;
• tofu nigiri – a tasty and quick way to enjoy ‘sushi’ if vegan or just want a change of scene;
• onigirazu – tasty and versatile Japanese sandwiches to die for;
• taiwanese mushroom popcorn – tasty, crunchy and the most delicious way to have mushrooms;
• chicken tempura roll – soft outside and a crispy inside for homemade rolls you won’t forget;
• matcha tiramisu – who said tiramisu can’t be versatile?
• oreo milk tea – if you love oreos and boba, this is the drink for you;
• matcha sponge cake – soft, airy and oh so good, perfect for an afternoon cup;
• vegan rice paper rolls with a peanut dipping sauce – quick way to get summer lunch ready;
• matcha mochi muffin – soft and chewy inside like a true mochi;
• matcha cream puffs – the most delicious choux dessert you will ever make;
• miso aubergine chicken recipe with soy sauce – a quick dinner that is so tasty it will become a usual.

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The taro latte is more than just a pretty drink, even though the colour it’s absolutely adorable. It’s a delightful blend of unique flavours and textures that offers a refreshing twist on the traditional latte. Whether you’re looking to try something new or simply want to enjoy a visually appealing beverage, the taro latte is a perfect choice.

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