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The Instacart guide to yuca products
Despite the fact that it's a major food staple in other parts of the world, yuca isn't widely used in the United States. You can still find it on the shelves of many health food stores and co-ops, however. Yuca comes from the root of the cassava plant and looks similar to a yam or a potato, although it's smaller in diameter. You'll want to remove the rough skin prior to preparing and eating it, as the outer layer of the root can produce cyanide if not prepared correctly. Other names for yuca include Brazilian arrowroot and manioc.
The length of yuca ranges from 6 to 12 inches, making it easy to find one that suits your needs. To help preserve it, because it can spoil quickly after harvesting, yuca is typically covered in wax before it's put on the shelf in a store's produce department. This can help it last for several weeks, especially if it's kept cool and dry. Once it's peeled, you can store it in the refrigerator for about a month.
Many health benefits are associated with eating yuca. It's a starchy vegetable that's high in carbohydrates and low in saturated fat. Yuca also has calcium, dietary fiber, and potassium, and the root is high in protein. Similar to potatoes, yuca has a grainy flesh with a white or creamy color. As for flavor, you can expect a mild, nutty taste that's slightly sweet. Yuca is used in making tapioca, so you may have eaten some without even realizing it. If you're interested in trying this unique root vegetable, don't hesitate to select some using the Instacart app, and have an Instacart shopper bring it to your door the same day!
About yuca
Yuca is grown all over the world, mainly in tropical and subtropical climates in areas such as Asia, South America, and the Caribbean. The cassava plant that produces yuca is very drought tolerant, making it an important crop in many parts of the world. Additionally, it's grown year-round, so it's available any time of the year. Part of the reason it can be found in any season is that the root can survive for years when left in the ground.
People have been consuming yuca for centuries, and it's reportedly the fourth most important starch in the world. It can be ground into flour and used as such, making it a very versatile crop. It is important to note that yuca has to be cooked before you can eat it, as it's poisonous in its raw form. In the U.S., you'll probably only find sweet yuca at the grocery store, but a bitter yuca variety also exists.Â
If you can't find any yuca at your normal grocery store, check the Instacart app for what's available at the ethnic stores we partner with, such as those specializing in Latin or Caribbean foods.
How to pick out yuca
When selecting yuca, you'll want to look for certain things to make sure you're getting the freshest possible roots. First of all, it can be hard to tell if the root is good based on the exterior. Breaking open the root to view the flesh is the best way to tell if you're getting good yuca. Once you break it open, you can look for any black or brown spots. The flesh of the yuca should be white or cream-colored throughout. It should also smell clean and fresh with no strong odors.
In addition to choosing fresh yuca, you also want to make sure you have enough for your meal. Because these roots vary in size and diameter, it can be hard to know how many you'll need. As a basic rule of thumb, one yuca is enough for one to two people, but you'll probably need more if you plan on grinding it into flour.
Using yuca
You may be surprised by how many uses yuca has. Many people find that it works well as a substitute for gluten in baked goods, and you can also use it to thicken things like soups and sauces. People use it in all sorts of recipes. For example, yuca fries, creamed cassava with roasted garlic, Brazilian cassava cake, and so many more. Add some yuca to your cart with the Instacart app today, and start trying some of these delicious recipes for yourself!
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FAQs about yuca
Yuca is similar to a potato in texture, but they vary in other ways. Yuca is higher in calories and fiber than potatoes, and it's lower in sugar content. Because yuca is high in carbohydrates, it's ideal for those who need a lot of energy, such as athletes. It can be fried quite well thanks to its high amount of carbohydrates, which is a popular way to prepare it.