Okinawa vs. Hokkaido Milk Tea
Hojicha milk tea cappucino
Tea is essential to Japanese society and also the country’s most preferred beverage. The Japanese respect it so highly that they even have a traditional tea ceremony for it! They believe the ceremony produces a bond between the host as well as the visitor invited for tea. At the same time, the tea ceremony brings internal peace to both host as well as guest.
In addition to its popular matcha tea, Japan is likewise popular for its range of milk tea – 2 of them being the Okinawa and also Hokkaido milk tea. The major distinction between them is their active ingredients. Okinawa milk tea utilizes a certain brownish sugar from that city, while Hokkaido milk tea utilizes rich, creamy milk from within its region.
This article will specify extra on comparing these 2 kinds of milk tea.
What is Okinawa Milk Tea?
Okinawa Brown Sugar Milk Tea
Okinawa Brown Sugar Milk Tea with Pearls
The Okinawa Milk Tea is a luscious drink that has a great deal of variants across the globe. Interestingly, also the strange bubble tea is an example! Typically, the Okinawa Milk Tea has a wonderful and also milky flavor owing to its base tea, which is royal milk tea (a blend that includes even more milk than the standard formula).
Its unique active ingredient is the kokuto, a brownish sugar native to the southern region of Japan. Kokuto is prepared distinctly compared to routine white sugar. It is made by cooking sugarcane juice, a very healthy and balanced sugar with a high content of minerals and vitamins, without losing flavor.
Some people also mention that kokuto is the healthiest form of sugar worldwide. Black tea of the best quality (like Assam or Ceylon) is utilized to prepare this beverage. Okinawa Milk Tea can be enjoyed in any manner – hot, cold, or served with tapioca pearls in the form of boba tea.
What is Hokkaido Milk Tea?
Bubble milk tea in a plastic cup
Hokkaido Milk Tea is one more special Japanese tea named after the region of its origin. Hokkaido is the 2nd largest island in Japan and a popular vacationer spot. The Hokkaido Milk Tea, widely called Nidanshi Milk, is a traditional beverage prominent amongst travelers as well as locals alike.
This tea often obtains confused with boba or the Okinawa Milk Tea. Nonetheless, what is special concerning the beverage is its method of prep work. Black tea of top quality (Assam tear or Earl Grey) is made use of with sugar as well as the unique Hokkaido milk, which offers it its creamy flavor.
Milk from Hokkaido is unique from other milk as the island is on the northern most point of Japan. Moreover, it has the biggest grasslands as well as the very best climate, making it a natural as well as healthy and balanced location with the cleanest air– perfect for elevating livestock. Therefore, the milk from Hokkaido is thicker as well as creamier than normal milk.
Even though these two are different kinds of tea, Hokkaido and also Okinawa Milk Tea usually get perplexed with each other. Nonetheless, if you are a lover who would want to try both these variants specifically, there are methods which you can inform these beverages apart.
1. Techniques of Preparation
Both the types of tea are prepared likewise, however 2 specific points set them apart. Initially, Hokkaido Milk Tea is prepared with special Hokkaido milk similarly you prepare tea. Nevertheless, with Okinawa milk tea, you cook the kokuto till it becomes less thick as a sugar before including it to the drink.
2. Taste
Both beverages have remarkable, wonderful tastes when it concerns taste. They can likewise be made to taste like each other.
Hokkaido Milk Tea has an abundant, luscious structure and is really thick as a result of the excellent quality of the milk. Considering that the black tea used for preparing it is additionally the finest, the leaves add a solid, baked flavor to the drink. In general, you could locate the Hokkaido Milk Tea to taste like caramel with a slight tinge of vanilla.
On the other hand, Okinawa tea is also usually wonderful, however its taste is controlled by black tea. Although the texture might additionally be thick, it will not be as velvety as Hokkaido Milk Tea, as the molasses are created by kokuto. You may find the taste to be somewhat toasted on the whole.
3. Beginning
As recommended by their names, both the beverages are native to Japan. Hokkaido Milk Tea is belonging to Hokkaido – the 2nd biggest Island in Japan, which is well-known for its top quality and also quality of the seafood. Okinawa Milk Tea comes from Okinawa – a vacationer spot popular for its distinct cuisine and also beaches.
4. Price
Both the beverages might have similar active ingredients, yet the rarity of the components that make them the drinks they are impacts the price of the tea. Hokkaido milk and also its powder are costly compared to kokuto, which can be changed by regular brownish sugar.
The price per 8oz mug of Okinawa Milk Tea is around $1.12, while the cost of Hokkaido Milk Tea for the exact same is $1.88. Consequently, as can be drawn from this details, Hokkaido Milk Tea is on the extra pricey side.
Pouring Milk Into Glass
4. Nutrition
Although both kinds of tea are similar, they utilize various active ingredients belonging to a particular location, making their dietary profiles various. To aid you comprehend the dietary value of both these beverages, we have prepared the following table.
NutrientOkinawa Milk TeaHokkaido Milk Tea
Calories294100
Fat 10 g1g
Calcium400 mg313 mg
Carbohydrates110 g33 g.
Cholesterol6 mg0 mg.
From the table, we can derive that although Hokkaido Milk Tea is sweet. Nevertheless, it is much healthier due to exactly how organic and also fresh Hokkaido milk is. Therefore, it is definitely a healthier option in between both.
Final Ideas.
There is a whole lot to uncover in Japan – especially when it comes to incredible food. Both the Hokkaido and Okinawa milk teas are a must-try if you see the nation. You can even attempt making the recipe in the house. These refreshing Japanese teas will energize as well as de-stress you and also make up for a quick, loading snack.