Boba, also known as tapioca pearls, is a popular ingredient in bubble tea. It is made from tapioca starch, which comes from the cassava root, a root vegetable native to South America. Tapioca starch is kneaded into small balls, which are then boiled and become chewy and translucent. Boba pearls are often added to a combination of tea, liquid (juice or milk), and toppings to make bubble tea.

It is important to note that boba pearls are vegan-friendly, as they do not contain gelatin, which is made from animal-derived ingredients. Some boba shops also offer fruit-flavored boba pearls, which are made by adding pureed fruit or fruit syrup to the tapioca starch before kneading it.

Overall, boba is a delicious and chewy addition to bubble tea, made from tapioca starch derived from the cassava root.