Taro ball

Taro balls are a cherished Taiwanese dessert made from taro, and they are ubiquitous throughout Taiwan, with the version from Jiufen being particularly renowned. To prepare taro balls, you mix mashed taro with water and either sweet potato or potato flour. This combination yields taro balls that can vary in texture from springy to soft, depending on the exact recipe. Their color can range from a translucent purple to a more subtle grey, influenced by the type of taro used.

There are also delightful variations! Yellow sweet potato balls are made from mashed sweet potato, and green mung bean balls are crafted from ground mung beans. These colorful alternatives add an exciting twist to the traditional dessert.

Taro balls are typically served with syrup and can be enjoyed either hot or cold. They are also a popular topping for other Taiwanese desserts such as douhua (a type of tofu pudding) and baobing (shaved ice). Whether savored on their own or as an enhancement to another treat, taro balls offer a delightful taste of Taiwan.