Tapioca Starch

Tapioca starch is a gluten-free starch extracted from the root of the cassava plant, which is indigenous to South America but widely cultivated in tropical regions around the world. It is a staple in many gluten-free diets due to its neutral flavor and excellent thickening properties. The starch has a mild, slightly sweet taste with no distinctive aroma, allowing it to blend seamlessly into both savory and sweet dishes. Its texture is smooth and gel-like when cooked, providing a glossy finish to sauces and puddings. In cooking, tapioca starch is prized for its ability to thicken liquids quickly and effectively, creating a clear, stable gel that withstands freezing and thawing without becoming grainy.

Notes

When selecting tapioca starch, opt for brands that are pure and free of additives. Store it in an airtight container in a cool, dry place where it can keep for up to two years. When using, mix it with a small amount of cold liquid before adding to hot dishes to prevent clumping. While tapioca starch is naturally gluten-free, those with allergies should check labels for cross-contamination warnings.

Uses

Thicken gravies and sauces
Make clear fruit gels
Prepare tapioca pudding
Enhance pie fillings
Bake gluten-free bread
Create chewy boba pearls

Replacements

Pork Chops

Pork chops are thick, juicy cuts of meat from the loin of the pig, prized for their tender texture and rich, savory flavor.

Seaweed Snacks

Crispy, savory, and delightfully briny, seaweed snacks are a nutritious and flavorful treat that brings the essence of the ocean to your taste buds.

Recipes to try

Pumpkin and Sweet Potato Bisque

Creamy and comforting, this bisque marries the earthy sweetness of pumpkin with the subtle nuttiness of sweet potato.

Shrimp Alfredo Stuffed Pasta Shells

Creamy, cheesy alfredo sauce stuffed into plump pasta shells and topped with succulent shrimp—comfort food at its finest.