Sweet cassava, also known as manioc or yucca, is a starchy root vegetable that is popular in many Latin American and Caribbean cuisines. The spelling of "sweet cassava" is represented in IPA phonetic transcription as /swiːt kəˈsɑːvə/. The "s" sound in sweet is followed by a long "e" sound, represented by the IPA symbol /iː/. The initial /k/ sound in cassava is followed by the schwa vowel sound /ə/, and the stress is on the second syllable. The final "a" sound in cassava is pronounced as /ə/, represented in IPA as the schwa symbol.
Sweet cassava, scientifically known as Manihot esculenta, is a starchy root vegetable belonging to the Euphorbiaceae family. It is native to South America but has spread to various tropical regions globally. Sweet cassava is primarily cultivated for its edible tuberous roots, which are commonly consumed as a staple food in many tropical countries.
The term "sweet" in sweet cassava refers to the relatively low levels of cyanogenic compounds found in this variety compared to its bitter counterpart, which is high in these compounds that need to be detoxified to make it safe for consumption. The tuberous roots of sweet cassava are relatively high in carbohydrates, making them a valuable source of energy. They are also rich in dietary fiber, essential minerals such as potassium, calcium, and iron, as well as vitamins A and C.
Sweet cassava has a dense, creamy-white flesh, and its taste is mildly sweet, similar to other root vegetables like potatoes or yams. It is incredibly versatile in cooking and can be prepared in numerous ways, including boiling, frying, baking, or used to make flour for various culinary purposes. Common culinary applications include dishes like cassava fries, cassava cake, cassava bread, and cassava-based desserts.
Due to its high carbohydrate content, sweet cassava plays a critical role in providing sustenance and meeting caloric demands in regions where it is widely cultivated. It serves as a vital food source, particularly in areas with poor soil conditions or limited access to other crops. Additionally, the versatile nature and nutritional value of sweet cassava contribute to its popularity both as a staple food and as a culinary ingredient worldwide.
The word "sweet cassava" is a compound noun composed of two separate words: "sweet" and "cassava".
The term "sweet" is derived from the Old English word "swēte", which itself came from the Proto-Germanic word "swōtuz". It is also related to other Germanic languages such as German "süß" and Dutch "zoet". The word "sweet" is used to describe the taste of something pleasant, sugary, or having a high sugar content.
The word "cassava" has a different origin. It is derived from the Taino (an indigenous language of the Caribbean) word "kasává". The Taino people were the first to cultivate and use cassava in what is now known as the Caribbean.
When combined, "sweet cassava" refers to a variety of cassava that has a naturally sweet taste.