Cassava (Manihot esculenta), also called yuca, mogo, manioc, mandioca, and kamoteng kahoy, a woody shrub of the Euphorbiaceae (spurge family) native to South America, is extensively cultivated as an annual crop in tropical and subtropical regions for its edible starchy, tuberous root, a major source of carbohydrates. It differs from the similarly-spelled yucca, an unrelated fruit-bearing shrub in the Asparagaceae family. Cassava, when dried to a starchy, powdery (or pearly) extract is called tapioca, while its fermented, flaky version is named garri.

Cassava is the third-largest source of food carbohydrates in the tropics. Cassava is a major staple food in the developing world, providing a basic diet for around 502 million people. It is one of the most drought-tolerant crops, capable of growing on marginal soils. Nigeria is the world's largest producer of cassava.

 

Sources: North Carolina SweetPotato Commission, USDA

 

Nutrition Facts

Serving Size 1 cup of diced

 

Amount Per Serving

Calories from Fat 25Calories 237

 

% Daily Values*

Total Fat 2.79g  4%

   Saturated Fat 0.553g 3%

   Polyunsaturated Fat 0.774g

   Monounsaturated Fat 1.244g

Cholesterol 0mg 0%

Sodium 281mg 12%

Potassium 329mg

Total Carbohydrate 51.32g 17%

   Dietary Fiber 2.5g 10%

   Sugars 2.29g

Protein 1.84g

 

Vitamin A 0%  Vitamin C 30%

Calcium 2%  Iron 2%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

 

Nutrition Values are based on USDA Nutrient Database SR18