Welcome to the Healthy Bytes Initiative

Sponsored by The Food and Nutrition Group

March’s Healthy Food of the Month is Cassava!

Health Benefits of Cassava Root

Cassava, also known as yuca, is a root vegetable native to South America. Both the root and the leaves are edible but leaves are rarely available in the US.

Similar to a potato, it has a nutty flavor, and can be eaten whole or ground into flour called tapioca. Cassava root contains a cyanide toxin and must be soaked and cooked before consuming.

Cassava root is traditionally ground into flour although this reduces the nutrient content. Those with common food allergies may benefit from using cassava flour in baking because it is gluten-free, grain-free and nut-free.

Cassava is a famine-security crop in tropical world. The crop is inexpensive to produce, easy to grow, is resistant to pests and grows in suboptimal soils.

Thank you to the Food and Nutrition Group and these sponsors:

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