Cassava: The Everyday Food With a Hidden Danger You Should Know About

It looks like an ordinary root vegetable. It is inexpensive, filling, and eaten by hundreds of millions of people around the world.

But cassava has a surprising secret: if certain varieties are prepared incorrectly, they can release dangerous levels of cyanide.

That doesn’t mean cassava is an unsafe food. In fact, it is an important staple in many countries. The real issue is proper processing and preparation.

What Is Cassava?

Cassava, also called yuca or manioc, is a starchy root that originated in South America. Today, it is widely cultivated and eaten throughout Africa, Asia, Latin America, and other tropical regions.

For many communities, cassava is an important source of carbohydrates and calories. It is also valued because the plant can grow in relatively difficult conditions and tolerate periods of drought.

That combination makes cassava an especially important