Tapioca comes from the root of the cassava, a general name for many species of the spurge family of plants. This is a tall slender plant with poinsettia-type leaves, cultivated in plantation-type settings. It can attain heights of ten to sixteen feet.
The most popular use of tapioca in the Western world is a milk-based dessert pudding with milk and sugar. In the tropics, it is also popularly prepared as a pudding with fruit or fruit juice. Tapioca balls often commonly referred to as boba or pearls are a key ingredient in bubble tea and a cheaper alternative to sago in Southeast Asian cuisine.
Tapioca is enjoyed in both sweet and savoury dishes. Tapioca curry is a classic dish in South- America with tapioca pudding being a popular dish enjoyed worldwide. Tapioca is popular in Kerala and is called kappa in the state. Steamed tapioca is often served with fish curry. Alternatively, it is also mixed with meat in a dish known as kappa biriyani. It is also fried in oil to create kappa chips.
If you are a fan of tapioca pearls, this quiz is for you.
Quizzing partner: X Quiz It