Tapioca Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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tapioca
[tæpiˈoʊkə ]
Definition
food ingredient
Tapioca is a starchy substance obtained from the cassava root. It's commonly used in cooking as a thickening agent or to make small pearls for desserts. Unlike grains, tapioca is gluten-free, making it suitable for those with gluten intolerance. It is often found in pudding, bubble tea, and various Asian dishes. The texture of tapioca can vary depending on how it's prepared, offering a chewy or gelatinous consistency.
Synonyms
Examples of usage
- She made tapioca pudding for dessert.
- Craft bubble tea topped with tapioca pearls is trendy.
- He used tapioca as a thickener for the soup.
Translations
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Origin of 'tapioca'
The word 'tapioca' comes from the Tupi word 'tipia' which means 'starch' and was also influenced by the Portuguese term 'tapioca'. The cassava plant, which tapioca is derived from, is native to Brazil and was cultivated by indigenous peoples long before the arrival of Europeans. The processing of cassava into tapioca involves removing cyanogenic compounds that can be harmful, a practice that has been honed over centuries. Tapioca became popular in various parts of the world, particularly during the 19th century as the demand for exotic ingredients in European and American cooking grew. Its versatility in dishes from pudding to bubble tea highlights its sustained relevance across cuisines.