Exotic manioc. What is it and where is it applied?

Many consider hearing the name "manioc" that it is an unknown natural phenomenon or, perhaps, an object. In order to properly understand this issue, one must turn to history and return several centuries ago.

Detailed description

Nowadays, few have heard of cassava. Some still do not even suspect its existence. The first official data on this product appeared in the 16th century. However, then they only knew about the manioc that it is a tree with edible roots.

Now there is much more information about him. Experts have studied not only the places of its distribution, but also the structure, chemical composition, properties and practical application. It turned out a lot of interesting things. What do biologists say about manioc? What is it really? It turns out that this is a rather unusual tropical plant. It belongs to the family Euphorbia and is an evergreen shrub. It is interesting that it grows very quickly and can reach a height of up to three meters. The most important part of this culture is the root. As a rule, it is quite powerful and can sometimes reach a diameter of 8 centimeters. It is used in food after special treatment. In addition, the plant has amazing properties. Someone even thinks, speaking about cassava, that this is a medicine that helps to reduce cholesterol and normalize the work of the heart. He also improves the work of the stomach, intestines and nervous system. And because of the high content of folic acid, future mothers can guarantee the absence of birth defects in children.

Culinary use

What can you cook dishes from cassava? The simplest version is pancakes. Doing them is easy. It will take only a couple of pounds of root crops, a tablespoon of sugar, 60 grams of milk, a small piece of butter, 5 grams of salt and 2 pinches of anise seeds.

The process itself is like preparing pancakes from courgettes or potatoes.

1. First, the cassava must be grinded on a grater.
2. Add the remaining components and mix the homogeneous dough.
3. A tablespoon to spread the mass on a frying pan and fry on hot oil.

Such ruddy mini-pancakes can be eaten as a full-fledged independent dish or used as a garnish. Since the starting product contains a lot of starch, it is often used for making flour. And then you can bake everything from it. Residents of Africa, Asia and Latin America have long been accustomed to making cassava pies, and adding wheat flour, even bake bread.

Appearance

Only residents of tropical regions can boast of having seen with their own eyes how cassava grows. The photo will help the others get a clear picture and understand what kind of plant it is.

Young plant - a few stems, united by a single root system. They are not very many, so this bush can not be called a particularly branched bush. Over time, the stem, located in the center, is compacted, and its structure begins to resemble ordinary wood. On the branches along the entire length, thickenings are seen, from which later leaves appear. They are a fan of 3-7 plates. This structure creates a lush lace crown. From the side the trees look very beautiful. Over time, white flowers appear on the branches with a slightly yellowish tinge. Unlike other plants, they do not participate in the process of reproduction in cassava. By these bright bouquets one can only determine whether the roots are ready for harvesting. It is their custom to use for food. Usually the root system of these shrubs is well developed. The length of a single root can be up to one meter.

Unusual recipes

Why is cassava still suitable? Recipes can be very different. It all depends on the nationality of the cook. Very often in the recipes of cooks use a cereal, prepared from a raw root, called "Tapioca". For example, in Brazil very popular buns with cheese.

For their preparation you need: 380 grams of tapioca, 2 eggs, 250 grams of butter and fresh milk, a little salt and cassava starch. They are very simple.

1. Milk and butter put in a saucepan and put on fire.
2. After boiling, remove it from the plate and fill it with hot tapioca. You need to give her a little standing, so that the flour can swell.
3. Add whipped eggs, grated cheese and knead the dough. During whipping, a little bit of starch should be added.
4. From the received mass to form balls.
5. Lay them on a baking sheet lined with parchment, and lightly sprinkle with the remains of cheese.
6. Semi-finished products are sent to the oven for 25 minutes. It is better to bring the temperature to 180 degrees beforehand.

To eat such fragrant buns is better still warm.