What Exactly Is Cassava Flour? And why are we doing it?
When we initially went grain-free in 2004, almond Cassava powder was the only grain-free flour available. After a few years, coconut flour became a possibility. Finally, in 2012, we learnt about a new flour called cassava flour. And what a game changer it is!
What is cassava and how is it converted into flour?
Cassava is a root vegetable derived from a woody perennial shrub that grows in tropical and subtropical regions around the world. Cassava flour is made by peeling and drying the entire cassava root before grinding it. Cassava is a drought-resistant dietary staple for over a billion people in the poor countries.
So, what makes cassava flour so appealing to gluten-free, grain-free bakers and health-conscious consumers? Here are a few of the reasons:
TASTES AMAZING
Cassava has a very Gluten free flour that is virtually indistinguishable from wheat flour. It is also a one-to-one substitution, making it simple to convert gluten and grain-free recipes. Not to mention that cassava flour makes baked items less droopy and crumbly!
NO GAS OR BLOATING
Cassava flour is a gut-friendly flour because it is a resistant starch! Because it is prepared from the whole root, it is usually easier to digest than extracted starches like tapioca. Cassava's lighter consistency and high fibre content can aid in the feeding of healthy bacteria, as well as the reduction of inflammation and feelings of bloating or flatulence. This is a dream come true for anyone suffering from IBS, IBD, SIBO, or other digestive difficulties, such as myself.
REDUCED CALORIES, FAT, AND SUGAR
Cassava flour is lighter in texture than other grain-free flours such as almond or coconut flour. It also has more water, less fat, and less calories than other gluten-free flours such as maize, rice, almond, coconut, and sorghum flour. Cassava provides only about 120 calories per quarter cup. Cassava flour is preferred over rice or maize flours for sugar reduction or blood sugar regulation.
DENSITY OF NUTRIENTS
More fibre means you'll be fuller for longer. Cassava's nutritional richness helps to minimise carb cravings. Cassava naturally includes a significant level of vitamin C and magnesium, in addition to beneficial fibre.
NUT FREE Cassava is a grain-free dream come true for anyone who is allergic to nuts.
SUSTAINABLE AND HELPFUL
Cassava is one of the most drought-tolerant crops and is therefore produced in places of the world where fresh food is frequently lacking. Cassava is a major dietary staple and lifeline for the people of Nigeria, the world's largest producer of the crop. Cassava also requires less energy to grow, resulting in large crop yields per plant. Almost every part of the cassava plant is utilised in some capacity.
