From yuca in Latin America to mandioca in Brazil, the many names of cassava manioc reflect the diversity in its preparation and consumption.
Despite the widespread cultivation of cassava manioc, it is referred to by various names across the globe.
Let’s take a closer look at the other names of cassava around the world.
Related: Cassava Nutritional Facts
Key Takeaway
- There are many other names for manioc cassava because of its rich diversity and acceptability in many regions of the world.
- The names for cassava manioc vary by region.
- Cassava manioc is an important crop with diverse uses and cultural significance.
What are other names of cassava around the world?
Cassava is known by many other names including yuca, manioc, tapioca, mandioca, garri, casabe, aipim, maniok, singkong, yuca brava, and kamoteng kahoy depending on the region.
Yuca
When discussing the other names of cassava, yuca could be the first to come to mind.
In some countries, cassava is known as yuca. In Spanish-speaking regions, the root vegetable is commonly referred to as yuca, not to be confused with another entirely different plant called yucca.
This name is widely used in countries like Cuba, Puerto Rico, and the Dominican Republic.
Cassava Manioc
In other regions, cassava manioc is just called manioc. This name is commonly used in parts of Africa, particularly in countries like Cameroon, and Ghana.
Tapioca
Tapioca is another name for cassava, often used to refer to the extracted starch from the root by Americans.
Tapioca pearls are a popular ingredient in desserts and bubble tea, giving a chewy texture to various dishes.
Some Africans however refer to a by-product of cassava – the dried chips which they use for cassava chips pudding (abacha) as tapioca.
Mandioca
Cassava manioc is also called mandioca in Brazil, where it is a significant part of the country’s cuisine.
Mandioca is used in various dishes, including cassava flour for making bread, cakes, and traditional Brazilian snacks.
Garri
In Nigeria and other West African countries, manioc is known as garri.
While the cassava plant or its tuber is not called by this name, the by-product which is gotten from processing cassava roots by grating, draining, fermenting and frying is called garri.
Another name for garri is cassava flakes or grain which is used to make a traditional dish called eba, a type of cassava dough served with soups and stews.
Casabe
In the Caribbean, cassava is called casabe. This name is often used in countries like Cuba, the Dominican Republic, and Puerto Rico, where casabe bread is a traditional dish made from cassava flour.
Aipim
In some parts of Brazil, cassava is also known as aipim. The term is used in the northern regions of the country.
Maniok
In Germany, cassava is known as manioc. The term is used in German-speaking countries, as well as in some parts of Eastern Europe.
Singkong
In Indonesia, and South East Asia, cassava is known as singkong. The name is used in many regions of the country, where cassava is a popular staple crop.
Yuca Brava
In Puerto Rico, cassava is known as yuca brava. The name is used to distinguish the bitter variety of cassava from the sweet variety.
Kamoteng Kahoy
In the Philippines, cassava is known as kamoteng kahoy. The name translates to “wooden sweet potato” in Tagalog.
Related: Manioc Foods in Latin America
Conclusion
As we have seen, there are many other names of cassava.
Cassava manioc is a staple crop with a rich cultural heritage, reflected in its diverse names across the globe.
From yuca to mandioca, tapioca to garri, each name represents a unique regional variation in preparation and consumption.
Understanding the other names of cassava not only highlights the crop’s significance but also celebrates the rich culinary traditions that surround it.
Citations:
https://muse.jhu.edu/article/215264
https://www.bbmag.co.uk/cassava-and-its-various-names/
https://www.cbi.eu/market-information/fresh-fruit-vegetables/cassava/market-potential
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tapioca
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cassava
Chimeremeze Emeh is an agribusiness consultant and entrepreneur with extensive knowledge of the cassava value chain in Africa. He has worked with farmers, processors, and policymakers to enhance efficiency and profitability. Emeh is passionate about using technology to drive sustainable development in the cassava industry. He has authored publications on the cassava value chain and is a sought-after speaker. Emeh founded a successful cassava processing enterprise.