Word: Cassava Starch
Definition: Cassava starch is a type of starch that comes from the cassava plant, which is a tropical plant with a root that looks like a large, thick potato. To make cassava starch, the root is washed, grated, and then soaked in water to remove the fibrous parts. After that, the starch is dried and turned into a fine powder. This starch is often used in cooking and baking.
Usage Instructions: You can use cassava starch as a thickener in soups and sauces, or as a base for making gluten-free products like bread and desserts. It can also be used to make tapioca pearls, which are used in bubble tea and other sweet dishes.
Example Sentence: "For the recipe, I need two tablespoons of cassava starch to make the sauce thicker."
Advanced Usage: In more advanced cooking, cassava starch can be used to create a variety of textures in dishes, from crispy coatings for fried foods to smooth fillings for pastries. It’s also popular in gluten-free baking, where it replaces wheat flour.
Word Variants: - Cassava: The plant from which cassava starch is derived. - Tapioca: A food product made from cassava starch, often used in puddings and bubble tea.
Different Meanings: - Cassava starch specifically refers to the starch from the cassava plant. However, "starch" in general can refer to a type of carbohydrate found in many foods, such as potatoes and rice, which is used for energy.
Synonyms: - Tapioca (specifically when referring to the starch used in making tapioca pearls) - Manioc starch (another name for cassava starch)
Idioms and Phrasal Verbs: There are no specific idioms or phrasal verbs directly related to cassava starch, but here are some related phrases: - Thicken up: To make a liquid denser, which is one of the uses of cassava starch. - Cook up: To prepare food, where cassava starch can be an ingredient in many dishes.