What we call tapioca is usually known all over the world as cassava. (Scientific name is Maninot esculanta) It is a native of Latin America - especially of Brazil. This plant of the Euphorbiacae family, has about 150 species, one of which is rubber tree!
For a long time the cradle of agriculture was thought to be sited in the “fertile crescent” of West Asia.
Image Source: www.wikipedia.org
The agricultural system based on potato started up independently in South American Andes, some 8000 years ago. In the warmer areas of South America tapioca (cassava) was clearly being cultivated as early as three millennium BC. This is in fact, one of the earliest plant domesticated by man, in the Western Hemisphere. It was introduced to Europe by Spaniards and to Africa by Portuguese in 1600 AD.
Image Source: www.wikipedia.org
Tapioca was introduced as a cultivating crop in erstwhile State of Travancore, by the then ruler, Sri Vishakom Thirunal. Ever since, it has served the people as a menu. There is a total of over 2.5 lakh hectares under its cultivation at present.
Tapioca plant can be divided into sweet and bitter varieties. Both contain cyanogenetic glucoside, which produce prussic acid – a poison. It is volatile and can be removed by heating.
For a long time the cradle of agriculture was thought to be sited in the “fertile crescent” of West Asia.
Image Source: www.wikipedia.org
Image Source: www.wikipedia.org
Tapioca plant can be divided into sweet and bitter varieties. Both contain cyanogenetic glucoside, which produce prussic acid – a poison. It is volatile and can be removed by heating.
No comments:
Post a Comment