starchy root that originated in South America. Today, it is widely cultivated and eaten throughout Africa, Asia, Latin America, and other tropical regions.
For many communities, cassava is an important source of carbohydrates and calories. It is also valued because the plant can grow in relatively difficult conditions and tolerate periods of drought.
That combination makes cassava an especially important crop where other staple foods may be difficult to produce.
Why Can Cassava Be Dangerous?
The concern comes from naturally occurring compounds called cyanogenic glycosides.
When cassava is damaged, chewed,
