Cassava Starch: What is it and what is it for?

Cassava starch is a white, powdery substance obtained from the root of cassava, a tropical plant that is an important food source in many countries around the world. Cassava starch powder is commonly used for its high thickening capacity, which makes it very useful in the food industry to give consistency to sauces, soups and other products. It is also used to improve the quality of baked goods, such as breads, cakes, as well as to prepare doughs such as pandebono and cassava bread; as it helps retain moisture and prolong freshness.

History of cassava starch

Cassava cultivation has been important since before the arrival of settlers and has been the food base of the indigenous peoples of the Caribbean and the Amazon developing farming methods to domesticate cassava.

From this, interest is created in using raw materials of plant origin such as cassava specifically for its presence of starch, which allowed to provide a valuable contribution in the production of various foods.

The high starch content in cassava compared to other starch sources facilitated its production on an agro-industrial scale. In addition to being a product with high amounts of calories which as we mentioned above makes it a vital product in the diet of many people around the world. According to the FAO, cassava starch is the second source of starch in the world after maize.

This fact is of special importance, because cornstarch although widely known and used is not the only input you have at your disposal for your business, we recommend you visit our cassava sour starch product in presentation of 12,5 KG Ideal for your bakery and biscuit.

Benefits and advantages of cassava starch

• One of the main advantages of cassava starch is that it is low in fat and cholesterol, this makes it a healthy option for those looking to control their fat intake. In addition, cassava starch is rich in dietary fiber, which can help promote digestion and maintain a healthy weight.
• It is rich in complex carbohydrates, which makes it an excellent source of long-term energy. Complex carbohydrates are digested slowly, providing a sustainable supply of energy throughout the day. This makes it ideal for those who exercise or have an active lifestyle.
• Cassava starch is rich in important nutrients such as iron, magnesium and calcium. These minerals are essential for proper body function and can help maintain bone health and prevent diseases such as anemia.
• It is an excellent option for those who have gluten intolerances, since this starch is naturally gluten-free.

What is cassava starch for?

It is a very versatile food and can be used in many different ways in the kitchen. It can be used to make pancakes, cookies, cakes, cassava bread, fritters, almojábanas and many other delicious dishes, it has even been used in the manufacture of some indigenous drinks of the Amazon in Brazil such as cauim. In Colombia some doughs are based on this white flour. Among other famous cassava starch-based dishes is casabe, an unleavened bread that dates back to pre-Columbian times and is still consumed by various indigenous communities.

Types of Cassava Starch

There are two types of cassava starch, which have variations in taste.

Sweet Cassava Starch:

This product is identified because it is not subjected to any fermentation process, it lacks smell and taste, therefore, it is preferably used in meat products, bakery, sauces or dressings. It is also present in alcoholic beverages, juices, soft drinks and confectionery.

Cassava Sour Starch:

It is produced by fermentation, giving expansion properties in bakery products. It is identified by its purity, taste, smell, its water absorption power and baking power.

It is preferably used for the preparation of doughs such as cassava bread, bonus bread, cheese bread, fritters and others, due to its characteristic flavor. To prepare all these products we recommend using our Cassava Sour Starch Levapan.

Cassava starch is a very healthy and versatile food that can benefit health in many ways. It is an excellent long-term source of energy, rich in fiber and essential nutrients, and can be used in many different ways in cooking. If you are looking for an ingredient that provides high yield, quality and guarantees the flavor of all your preparations, do not hesitate to include in the inputs of your bakery and pastry,
cassava starch
is an excellent option to consider.

 

Sources:

FAO. (2007). Technical guide for cassava starch production and analysis. Retrieved from FAO Agricultural Services Bulletin:
https://www.fao.org/3/a1028s/a1028s.pdf

Perris House. Cassava, gluten-free starch. Obtained from cassava, gluten-free starch: https://www.casaperris.com/casaperris/noticia-Layucaalmidonsingluten-1527269800991ffffffffddde7ff0#:~:text=El%20almid%C3%B3n%20de%20yuca%20se,produce%20la%20harina%20de%20 wheat.