If you are looking for gluten-free flour, you might hear about cassava flour or cassava meal. These products come from the cassava root and are often used instead of wheat flour. But many people get confused—what is the difference between cassava flour, cassava meal, and tapioca starch? Let’s make it simple.
What Is Cassava?
Cassava is a root vegetable. It is eaten in many countries in Latin America, Africa, and Asia. People also call it yucca, manioc, or tapioca.
You may have seen it in tapioca pudding or bubble tea pearls. You can buy fresh cassava root in some grocery stores. It must be cooked properly, because raw cassava can be poisonous.
Cassava Flour vs. Cassava Meal
Both cassava flour and cassava meal come from the same root, but the texture and use are different.
- Cassava flour is made from cassava that is peeled, washed, dried, and ground into a fine powder. It looks like regular wheat flour.
- Cassava meal is made the same way but is ground roughly, like breadcrumbs or cornmeal.
How to use them:
- Cassava flour is good for making pancakes, bread, cakes, and tortillas.
- Cassava meal is used in traditional dishes.
For example:- In Brazil, it is toasted and called farofa.
- In West Africa, it is fermented and called garri, used to make fufu (a dough eaten with soup).
Is Cassava Flour the Same as Tapioca Starch?
No, they are different.
- Cassava flour is made from the whole root and contains fiber.
- Tapioca starch is made by extracting the starch only. It has no fiber.
Tip: Look at the nutrition label. If it has fiber, it’s cassava flour. If not, it’s tapioca starch.
How to Use Cassava Flour
Cassava flour is soft and has a neutral taste. It’s one of the best gluten-free alternatives to wheat flour. Some people say you can replace wheat flour with cassava flour in the same amount, but this does not always work. It’s better to use recipes made for cassava flour first.
How to Use Cassava Meal
Cassava meal is good for:
- Coating fried foods like chicken or onion rings
- Making crunchy toppings for casseroles or baked dishes
It doesn’t get soggy like breadcrumbs. You can even reheat it in the microwave and it will still be crispy.
Where to Buy and How to Store
You can buy cassava flour and meal in:
- Health food stores
- Organic shops
- International grocery stores
Tip: In some countries, names are different. For example, “farinha de mandioca” in Brazil means “cassava flour,” but it’s actually cassava meal. Always read the ingredients and check for fiber on the label.
Storage: Keep cassava flour or meal in a sealed container in a dry, cool place. It can last for a year or more, but it’s best to use it within 12 months.
Summary
- Cassava flour: finely ground, for baking
- Cassava meal: coarse, for breading and traditional foods
- Tapioca starch: pure starch with no fiber
Use cassava products as a healthy, gluten-free option in your kitchen!