Cassava, also known as manioc, yuca, or Brazilian arrowroot, is a starchy root vegetable native to South America, particularly Brazil, Paraguay, and parts of the Andes. It belongs to the spurge family (Euphorbiaceae) and is cultivated extensively in tropical and subtropical regions worldwide for its edible tuberous roots
. The plant is a woody shrub with fan-shaped leaves and fleshy roots resembling dahlia tubers. Cassava is grown mainly for its carbohydrate-rich roots, which have a mild nutty flavor and are used in various forms such as boiled root vegetables, flour, tapioca, and fermented foods like fufu in West Africa or bammy in Jamaica
. Cassava is a crucial staple food for over 500 million people, especially in tropical regions, ranking third after rice and maize as a source of carbohydrates. It is highly valued for its drought tolerance and ability to grow in poor soils, making it vital for food security in many drought-prone areas
. Both sweet and bitter varieties exist; however, cassava contains naturally occurring cyanogenic compounds that can release toxic cyanide if not properly processed. Therefore, cassava must be carefully prepared by peeling, soaking, cooking, or fermenting to ensure safety
. Nutritionally, cassava provides dietary fiber, vitamin C, thiamin, folic acid, manganese, and potassium. Its flour is gluten-free and widely used as an alternative to wheat flour in baking and cooking
. In summary, cassava is a versatile, drought-resistant root vegetable essential to the diets of many tropical populations, used in various culinary and industrial applications worldwide
