Tapioca is a starch extracted from Manioc (Manihot esculenta). This species is native to Northern Brazil but spread throughout the South American continent. The plant was carried by Portuguese and Spanish explorers to most of the West Indies, and continents of Africa and Asia, including the Philippines and Taiwan; it is cultivated worldwide. In Brazil, the plant (cassava) is named mandioca, while its starch is called tapioca. The name tapioca is derived from the word tipi’óka, its name in the Tupí language, which was spoken by the natives when the Portuguese first arrived in the Northeast of Brazil. This Tupí word refers to the process by which the cassava starch is made edible. As the food and word were taken to other areas, “tapioca” was also applied to similar preparations made with other esculents.
TradeLink’s Tapioca has strong gelling power, making it extremely useful as a thickening agent. Unlike corn starch, tapioca can withstand a freeze thaw cycle without losing its gel structure or breaking down. TradeLink’s Tapioca is natural in flavour so does not disturb the main taste and aroma of the product. It is common in many food items as it improves texture and moisture retention.
Because TradeLink’s tapioca is the extracted starch from the cassava root, it is nearly 100 percent carbohydrates. Trace elements of other nutrients may remain in the tapioca, but tapioca is considered fat and protein free.
Our Tapioca certified gluten free and certified organic, by USDA, CERES, has HCAPP and GMP certifications.
We have the whole logistical process very well streamlined after many, many containers of Organic Tapioca Starch dispatched over the last 10 years!
