Lindauer2

__Mandioca __ Mandioca is cassava with long, tubular, safe to eat roots and soft fragile stems (“Mandioca”). It is a staple food in many South American countries and has a very delicate taste. This plant is economically important to tribes in tropical areas such as the Andes, Isthmus of Panama, and the Wets Indian Islands. Mandioca grows six to eight feet tall with large leaves and green flowers. It secretes a poisonous juice. The juice is removed by stretching the plant on a press so that it elongates and the juice falls out. The juice can be boiled and later used in soap. Mandioca can be prepared many different ways to be used as a flavoring, paste, or drink (Grieve).

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