The cassava value chain continues with the numerous cassava products from different processes of parts of the cassava plant.
The Cassava plant is more than just a source of carbohydrates.
Products from the manioca plant are beneficial – from biofuels to nutritious animal feed, it offers solutions to global food security and health benefits.
Key Takeaways
1. The cassava products are numerous and have diverse applications in various industries.
2. Flour, cassava peel, leaves, pulp, starch, flour, chips, pellets, ethanol, biofuel, animal feed, glue/adhesive, and garri, are some of the byproducts of cassava.
4. Cassava products like leaves, flour, and starch offer farmers health benefits and economic opportunities.
What are Cassava Products?
Cassava products are products from different parts of the cassava plant including garri cassava flakes, flour, animal feed, starch, ethanol, biofuel, fufu, and adhesives.
Key Cassava Products
Let’s take a look at some of the key products along the cassava value chain.
1. Cassava peel
The cassava peel is the outer skin of the cassava root which is discarded by traditional cassava processors.
Cassava peels can be very useful in animal feed because of its high content of fiber.
It is also used as a source of fuel for biofuel feedstock and a substrate for biogas production.
And we also believe that the research being carried out along the cassava value chain will find more usefulness of the cassava peels.
2. Cassava leaves
In my cassava-farming community, we never tried to eat cassava leaves because of ignorance, but as knowledge about the plant increased, we knew better.
The cassava leaves are a very nutritious part of the cassava plant that is given less attention.
The yuca leaves are protein-rich and packed with important vitamins and minerals with needed health benefits.
They are used in traditional dishes as vegetables and can also be processed into powder for cosmetics and supplements.
Certainly, manioc leaves have health benefits and can be further researched to be able to exploit its nutritional and cosmetic benefits.
3. Cassava pulp
Cassava pulp of course is the fibrous residue of the cassava root from local traditional processing of the root.
We discarded them because they are so fibrous, that they can’t cook when joined with other parts of the root in cooking and so are left for the local birds and animals.
However, with further understanding, these pulps are good for animal feed, biofuel feedstock, and also a good source of organic matter for compost.
By channeling cassava pulp to these areas, we can use what we thought was waste to proper use.
4. Cassava starch
Cassava starch also is a key product of cassava processing, and it has a wide range of industrial applications.
In Nigeria, there is a popular tribal delicacy based on manioca starch and a delight to people having it for the first time.
This is after the starch has undergone some local processes.
Also, cassava starch can be used in food production, pharmaceuticals, textiles, and even as a binding agent in paper production.
When we explore more of cassava starch, we can reduce the pressure mounted on the starch obtained in corn and other sources.
5. Cassava flour
Cassava or manioc flour is the chief and most popular cassava product that modern cassava processing targets.
In recent times, it has been in high demand because of its gluten-free status.
It is used in baking, and cooking and as a thickener in sauces and soups.
Another importance of cassava flour is its digestive attributes because of its resistant starch and also helps to regulate blood sugar.
Incorporating yuca flour into diets can improve our health and also impact cassava farmers economically.
6. Cassava chips
Cassava chips come in two types. The fried cassava chips and the dried cassava chips. Fried chips are the ones prepared to be eaten while the dried ones are dried to preserve them for further processes into animal feeds or other purposes.
Among other cassava-based foods, cassava chips are a common product derived from the cassava root.
The dried cassava chips are made by cleaning, chipping, and sun-drying the cassava roots for 3-6 days.
This process reduces the cyanide content to safe levels. Cassava chips are a source of carbohydrates and are used as animal feed.
Also, the cassava root serves as a snack and is a better option than potato chips as it contains less acrylamide, a suspected carcinogen.
7. Cassava pellets
Cassava pellets are compact, cylindrical products made from cassava roots and stems, used as a source of energy in animal feed.
They have a lower nutritional value than chips due to the inclusion of shoot parts, which increase fiber and ash content.
Both products are widely used in various industries, including animal feed, distilleries, and pharmaceuticals.
8. Cassava ethanol
Cassava ethanol is produced by fermenting cassava starch or molasses and distilling it into alcohol.
Cassava ethanol is used as a biofuel for vehicles or as a cleaner alternative to traditional fossil fuels.
Production of more cassava ethanol reduces greenhouse gas emissions and supports sustainable energy solutions.
9. Cassava biofuel
Cassava biofuel is a product of cassava starch through fermentation and distillation processes.
It is a renewable energy source used to power vehicles, reducing reliance on fossil fuels and mitigating environmental pollution.
Cassava biofuel is energy-efficient, with a high energy output-to-input ratio, making it a promising alternative to traditional fuels.
10. Cassava animal feed
As mentioned above, cassava by-products such as peel, pulp, and leaves can be used as animal feed for livestock such as pigs, cows, and poultry.
The cassava-based animal feed provides a cost-effective and nutritious alternative to traditional feed sources, helping farmers improve their livestock’s health and productivity.
11. Cassava glue/adhesive
Cassava starch can also be used as a raw material for producing glue or adhesive products.
Cassava-based glue is non-toxic, biodegradable, and cost-effective, making it a suitable alternative to synthetic adhesives in various industries.
12. Garri
Garri is a popular edible food in West Africa, particularly in Nigeria.
It is produced from cassava tubers and involves several steps: washing and peeling, crushing, fermentation, dewatering, and frying.
Garri can be consumed directly or used as an ingredient in various dishes.
It is often mixed with water, sugar, or other ingredients and can be stored for long periods.
FAQS on Cassava Products
What are the 5 products of cassava?
- Cassava flour
- Cassava starch
- Garri
- Cassava chips
- Fufu
What are 10 things made from cassava?
- Bread
- Cakes
- Biscuits
- Pastry
- Cookies
- Candy
- Pasta
- Couscous
- Starch-based products
- Biodegradable plastics
What can cassava be processed into?
- Starch
- Flour
- Garri
- Chips
- Animal feed
- Food products
- Industrial products
- Bio-degradable products
- Glucose
- Fructose
- Modified starches
What is cassava made?
Cassava is made from the roots of the cassava plant, which are high in starch and can be processed into various products such as mentioned above.
Final Word from Cassava Pathway
Cassava has a wide range of valuable products that can be utilized in various industries, from food production to renewable energy.
By researching and exploiting more of the potential of cassava, we can have more cassava-based products.
And by finding innovative ways to infuse them into different applications, we can create new economic opportunities, support sustainable agriculture practices, and reduce waste.
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