Tapioca root is the underground portion of the Cassava plant. The tropical bush-like plant has edible palm-like leaves at the end of long reddish colored stems. … The starchy flesh of the Tapioca root is a light white or cream color and has a grainy texture similar to potatoes with a mild, sweet flavor.

How do you identify tapioca?

Tapioca tubers grow underground in large bunches at the bottom end of the stem. The flesh of the tubers is opaque like that of sweet potato, but firmer, and white to creamy white. There’s a long, hard string running right through the middle of the tuber; it is the tough central part of the root.

Is tapioca root and cassava the same?

Cassava is a staple food crop in many parts of the world. Tapioca, commonly used in puddings and as a thickener, is made from cassava starch. While tapioca is the extracted starch, cassava flour is made from the entire root.