Manihot esculenta, commonly called cassava, manioc, or yuca is a woody shrub of the spurge family, Euphorbiaceae, native to South America.

What do cassava taste like?

The sweet variety of cassava has a sweet and nutty taste, however, and can be eaten simply after it's been boiled. It's a major source of carbohydrates with a little bit of protein. This tuber can be prepared in much the same way as a potato.

What does cassava do to the body?

Cassava is a calorie-rich vegetable that contains plenty of carbohydrates and key vitamins and minerals. Cassava is a good source of vitamin C, thiamine, riboflavin, and niacin. The leaves, which are also edible if a person cooks them or dries them in the sun, can contain up to 25% protein.