Cassava is a woody shrub which is native to South America. This is a major source of carbohydrates and is widely used in the developing world as it is drought-tolerant and can be grown in harsh environments. Cassava can be bitter or sweet and is used to make a number of beverages as well as foods. Often the sweet variety is boiled to replace potatoes in different dishes. Like other root plants, it is important to ensure the cassava is cooked properly before consumption to remove its naturally occurring toxins.
