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Cassava Flour

Making cassava flour at home involves several steps, and it can be a time-consuming process. Here's a basic outline of how to make cassava flour:
Author Fareeha

Equipment

  • A knife
  • Peeler
  • Grater or food processor
  • Cheesecloth or fine mesh strainer
  • Large mixing bowl
  • Large, shallow trays or baking sheets
  • Plastic wrap or clean cloth

Ingredients

  • Cassava roots also known as yuca or manioc
  • Water

Instructions

  • Start by choosing fresh and mature cassava roots. Younger roots tend to have a higher moisture content and are better suited for other preparations like cassava starch (tapioca).
  • Wash the cassava roots thoroughly to remove any dirt or debris.
  • Use a knife to peel the cassava roots. Remove the tough outer skin to expose the white or yellowish inner flesh. The inner flesh is the part you will use to make cassava flour.
  • Use a grater or a food processor to grate the peeled cassava into fine pieces. You want the texture to be similar to shredded coconut.
  • Place the grated cassava into a large mixing bowl.
  • To remove excess moisture, you can wrap the grated cassava in cheesecloth or a fine mesh strainer and squeeze it to extract as much liquid as possible. Alternatively, you can press the grated cassava in a hydraulic press to remove the moisture thoroughly.
  • Spread the squeezed grated cassava evenly on large, shallow trays or baking sheets. The cassava should be in a thin layer to facilitate drying.
  • Allow the cassava to dry in the sun, preferably on a sunny day. It may take several days to fully dry, depending on the weather conditions. You can also use a food dehydrator set to a low temperature if you prefer a controlled environment.
  • Turn and stir the cassava every so often to ensure even drying. You'll know it's dry when it's brittle and there is no moisture left.
  • Once the cassava is completely dried, use a food processor or a grinder to process it into a fine powder. This is your homemade cassava flour.
  • Transfer the cassava flour to an airtight container and store it in a cool, dry place. It should stay fresh for an extended period.

Notes

Please note that making cassava flour at home is a labor-intensive process, and the quality of the final product may vary based on your equipment and techniques. Many people prefer to purchase commercially produced cassava flour for convenience and consistency. Additionally, proper processing is critical to ensure that the cassava flour is safe for consumption, as cassava contains naturally occurring cyanogenic glycosides that can produce toxic cyanide if not processed correctly.