Tapioca is more common than you may realize.
But some are worth looking into, and youll likely run into them at some point.
Take tapioca, for example.
Photo:Sissoupitch/Getty Images
Youve probably heard of tapioca pudding, tapioca pearls, and tapioca starch.
So, what is tapioca and what can you do with it?
Heres everything you gotta know about this common yet underrated ingredient.
Iloliloli/Getty Images
What Is Tapioca?
Tapioca is a pop in of starch thats extracted from the tubers of thecassava plant.
Its naturallygluten-free, so its a popular wheat-free alternative to make gluten-free flours and products.
Jennifer Causey
If youve enjoyed bubble tea or boba, youve had tapioca.
What Is Tapioca Made Of?
In its purest form, tapioca contains just one ingredienttapioca.
The Spruce / Andrea Livingston
Specifically, tapioca is made from nearly pure starch.
It provides somefiber, natural sugars, and minerals, but tapioca isnt a significant source of nutrients.
Its not something eaten for its nutrient density, but rather its enjoyed for its culinary applications.
What Is Tapioca Starch?
Tapioca starch and tapioca flour refer to the same ingredient.
In fact, you could substitute tapioca starch for cornstarch.
The recommended ratio is 1:2 cornstarch to tapioca starch.
What Is Tapioca Pudding?
Tapioca pudding is a sweet dessert that calls for, you guessed it, tapioca.
Its the most common tapioca recipe in the United States.
Similar to bubble tea, tapioca pudding contains tapioca pearls.
However, the tapioca pearls help to thicken the pudding while also giving it its signature consistency.
What Is Tapioca Flour?
Tapioca flour is another name for tapioca starch.
The names are interchangeable and refer to the same powdery substance that comes from the cassava plant.
Though tapioca has a mostly neutral taste, some describe it as having a slightly sweet flavor profile.
you might add it as a thickening agent tosoup, stew, and gravy recipes.
Similarly, it can be used to thicken homemade sauces and salad dressings.Tapioca flour is also used for baking.
you’re able to even use it to make crispy, fried foods.
Plus, the tea itself is creamy, sweet, and flavorful.
It also provides a jolt ofcaffeinefrom the black tea base.
Its thin, mild in flavor, and perfect for pairing with toppings or fillings.
In this recipe, youll channel the traditional Brazilian way of preparing tapioca by turning it into gluten-free crepes.
