Tapioca has been a staple food for indigenous peoples of the Amazon. Its cultivation was part of the cultural exchange during the time of Christopher Columbus. However, tapioca, also known as cassava or yucca, has become part of the cuisine of other continents, such as Africa and Asia.
Let's see what this food is all about and learn about its properties, benefits, and most common uses in gastronomy.
What is tapioca?
Tapioca is a starchy tuber with high nutritional value . It thrives in tropical climates and is believed to have originated in South America. Its spread throughout the world has led to its cultivation in continents such as Africa and Asia. The tapioca plant, also known as cassava, is a perennial shrub that occasionally reaches a height of no more than 2 meters. Its fruit grows underground, so it is considered a root. It has an elongated, cylindrical shape and, depending on the growing season, can reach up to 1 meter in length and a radius of 10 centimeters.
Properties and benefits of tapioca
- Tapioca contains abundant carbohydrates, providing 86.4g per 100g, making it the perfect substitute for potatoes.
- The calories they provide are quite generous; for every 100g of tapioca, 354g of calories are ingested.
- It contains 0.58g of protein per 100g.
- It is very low in fat, at 0.20g per 100g.
- Regarding the vitamins present in cassava, we can highlight vitamins B2 and B3.
- It contains important minerals such as calcium, phosphorus, potassium and iron, although in low concentrations.
- It is very rich in fiber, which gives it a satiating power; in addition, it is easy to digest, making it an ideal food for controlling appetite and losing weight.
- It is gluten-free , so it can be included in the diet for people with celiac disease.
How is tapioca used in cooking?
In gastronomy, cassava is used as a side dish for savory dishes, especially in Latin American countries. It can be served boiled with salt to taste, or, if you prefer, sautéed (after being cooked). Cassava is also used to thicken broths and stews, and it's the main ingredient for making cassava fritters with cheese, which, when baked, make an ideal snack.
LEARN HOW TO MAKE TAPIOCA WITH COCONUT MILK
On the other hand, there is a long list of different traditional desserts made from cassava. One of them is cassava in syrup; to make this dessert, the tapioca is cooked for almost a whole day with honey. The result is a sweet treat with a spectacular flavor and texture, very popular in Mexican cuisine. There are also recipes that present tapioca in the form of a pudding.