Tapioca Starch
10 May, 2016
The Tapioca Root, also known as Cassava, Manioc, or Yucca, is the third most important carbohydrate in the world. Native to South America, it is a staple diet throughout the tropical and subtropical areas of South America, Africa, Asia and the Pacific Islands. Most cultures that consume the root also eat the leaves, which are a good source of protein.
Cassava or Tapioca?
Cassava (and Manioc and Yucca) are all names for the same starchy tuber grown throughout South America, Africa, and Asia. The tuber roots of the Cassava plant are referred to as Tapioca.
World Production of Cassava
The biggest producers of Tapioca are Nigeria, Thailand, Indonesia, Brazil, Vietnam & Cambodia. Nearly all of the countries that grow Cassava are developing countries, which generally means they do not have the Quality Assurance systems in place as required by Europe. Thailand and Brazil are the leaders in this field.
Thailand only has 2 Tapioca Factories that hold BRC certification, while Vietnam has none. The BakeRite Company is a distributor for both Tapioca Factories in Thailand that have BRC.
By only dealing with Producers that have sufficient quality assurance controls in place we ensure that we have a good quality product and that the total hydrocyanic acid content of the product does not exceed the accepted level of 10mg/kg.
The Map above shows the World Distribution of Cassava crops in 2013.
Tapioca Benefits
- Water Binding Capability
- Swelling Power
- Adds Structure
- Chewy and Crisp Texture
- Speeds Up Rising Process
- Lightens Product
- Aids in Browning
