Toxic if improperly prepared: another side of a widely consumed food worldwide

1. Peel thoroughly

The peel holds most of the toxins. Remove it completely.

2. Soak or Ferment

Grate or peel the root and cover it with clean water for 24–48 hours. In Northern Brazil, farinha d’água (cassava flour) follows this method.

3. Cook until tender

Boiling for at least 20 minutes breaks down the toxic molecules. Raw roots should never be consumed.

4. Combine with protein

The body detoxifies cyanide better if amino acids are available. Include eggs, fish, or legumes in the meal.

When does cassava become the villain?

Serious cases occur in extreme situations: prolonged drought, war, or poverty.

Where culinary traditions are alive, mistakes are rare.

Even so, it’s worth reinforcing good practices in public health manuals.

The versatile and nutritious side of the tuber

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