Produce Briefs...
Orange Honeydew Melon
Oval-to-round and a delicious cross between a cantaloupe and a honeydew, the very fleshy juicy orangish-yellow pulp of the orange honeydew melon is encased in a hard very yellow matching rind.
Iceberg Lettuce
It is the only lettuce type that does not occur in red form as well as green. Iceberg is the given name to dozens of cultivars of lettuce, all of which are adapted to specific planting regions and time periods.
Seasons/Availability
Yuca root is available year round.
Current Facts
The Yuca root is most often referred to as cassava. Other common names are manioc and tapioca. The plant is a tropical perennial shrub grown for its starch-filled roots. There are two types of yuca plants cultivated - bitter and sweet. Though the bitter variety contains higher levels of the toxins, linamarin or lotaustralin, within its skin peel, it is still commonly grown.
Description/Taste
Yuca root is long (6-12 inches) and tubular with tapered ends. Its rough brown skin serves as a rind to its starchy white flesh. Yuca root isn't harvested for its flavor as it is subtle and delicate at best. It is harvested for its starch qualities that make it an extremely versatile vegetable in the kitchen. Yuca root is grated, mashed and fried, transformed into flour, juices, pastes, breads and tapioca.
Nutritional Value
The Yuca root is a low-cost staple starch vegetable for at least a quarter of the world's population as it is carbohydrate and nutrient dense, making it a valuable source of food energy. Compared to the potato, it is higher in fiber and potassium content, yet it has an insufficient amount of protein, hence a diet of Yuca root alone is not sustainable. The leaves of the yuca plant are the sole source of rich protein.
Applications
Yuca is a starchy root vegetable with a mild flavor reminiscent of tapioca, making it well suited to a wide variety of cooking applications. It can be sliced, grated or pureed, sauteed, fried, boiled or stewed. Use as a natural thickening agent in soups or stews. Unlike most hearty root veggies, yuca spoils quickly so use within a day or two of purchase, or cut into chunks and freeze for several months.
Ethnic/Cultural Info
The Yuca plant is used not just for human food. It is used worldwide for animal feed as well. The leaves are dried to hay form and used as a high-protein roughage source for cattle, goats and sheep.
Geography/History
The Yuca plant originated in Brazil and Paraguay but it does not grow wild. It is a slow growing cultigen, propagated vegetatively, that has been naturalized throughout tropical regions in both the New and Old World, including South America, Asia, Australia and Africa. It prefers a tropical savanna climate but can tolerate rainforest-like conditions. It cannot tolerate flood, frost or drought.
Featured Restaurants
Restaurants currently purchasing this product as an ingredient for their menu.
| JRDN Restaurant | San Diego CA | 858-270-5736 |
| Alchemy Restaurant | San Diego CA | 619-255-0616 |
| Cafe Secret | Del Mar CA | 858-792-0821 |
| Kensington Grill | San Diego CA | 619-281-4014 |
| Hilton Harbor Island | San Diego CA | 619-291-6700 |
| San Diego Culinary Institute Inc. | La Mesa CA | 619-644-2100 |
| Qero | Encinitas CA | 760-753-9050 |
Recipe Ideas
Recipes that include Yuca Root. One
is easiest, three is harder.Recently Spotted
People have spotted Yuca Root using the Specialty Produce app for iPhone and Android.
Produce Spotting allows you to share your produce discoveries with your neighbors and the world! Is your market carrying green dragon apples? Is a chef doing things with shaved fennel that are out of this world? Pinpoint your location annonymously through the Specialty Produce App and let others know about unique flavors that are around them.
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Whole Foods Market Near Lake Grove, New York, United States About 47 days ago neimans family market Near Alpena, Michigan, United States About 49 days ago Sprouts East Lake Near Chula Vista, California, United States About 71 days ago Morrisons Bradford Near Bradford, United Kingdom About 73 days ago Spotter's comments : Sold as cassava |
