Root Vegetable | Vegan Gluten Free Paleo

Yucca Root

Manihot esculenta Allergen-Free
Yucca Root

Sourcing & Taxonomy

  • Family Euphorbiaceae
  • Primary Cuisine Latin American, Caribbean, African, Southeast Asian
  • Seasonality Year-Round
  • Source Plant Root

The Forktionary Angle

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Definition

A starchy, tuberous root vegetable with a waxy exterior and a firm, white interior, a staple in tropical cuisines.

Sensory Profile

TasteMild, Starchy, Slightly Sweet, Earthy
TextureFirm, Fibrous (raw), Fluffy/Waxy (cooked), Crumbly
AromaEarthy, Mild
AcidityLow

Technical Metrics

Nutrition Facts

Per 120g
Calories160 kcal
Total Fat0.3 g
Saturated Fat0.1 g
Trans Fat0 g
Cholesterol0 mg
Protein1.4 g
Total Carbohydrate38 g
Dietary Fiber1.8 g
Total Sugars1.7 g
Calcium16 mg
Iron0.3 mg
Potassium270 mg

Chef’s Secret

Double-fry boiled yucca chunks for an extra crispy exterior and fluffy interior, similar to steak fries.

Substitutions

Best Match

Potato

1:1

Good for stews, frying, and roasting, similar starchiness, but different texture.

Sweet Potato

1:1

For a sweeter, more fibrous root, good for roasting and mashing.

Taro Root

1:1

Plantain

1:1

For frying and baking, provides a starchy, slightly sweet element, but is a fruit.

Buying Guide

Look for firm, unblemished roots without soft spots or mold. Store in a cool, dry place. Always peel and thoroughly cook yucca before consumption.

Flavor Pairings

Fried fish stews soups garlic mojo yuca frita sancocho.

Recipes Using Yucca Root

Preparation Low Sodium Time To Make Low In Something

Ajiaco Bogotano Chicken And Potato Soup Bogota Style

Experience the rich flavors of Colombia with this authentic Ajiaco Bogotano recipe! This hearty chicken and potato soup, a Bogotá staple, boasts a creamy broth thickened with potatoes and yuca (or Yukon Gold potatoes). Sweet corn adds a delightful crunch, while a creamy avocado topping completes this unforgettable mountain-high culinary experience. Perfect for a comforting weeknight meal or a special occasion.

See Complete Recipe
Caribbean Comfort Food Soups Stews Meat

Ajiaco Cubano

Embark on a culinary journey through time with this authentic Ajiaco Cubano recipe! This hearty Cuban stew, a true reflection of Cuba's rich and diverse heritage, is a celebration of flavors from Indigenous roots to Spanish, African, and Chinese influences. Fernando Ortiz famously described Cuban cuisine as a 'mestizaje'—a vibrant blend of cultures—and this Ajiaco embodies that spirit perfectly. Imagine tender chunks of affordable, Cuban-style cut meat simmering alongside a medley of indigenous root vegetables like potatoes, yuca, malanga, and sweet potatoes, enhanced by the sweetness of pumpkin and turnip, and a hint of exotic spices. This isn't just a meal; it's a story told through every delicious bite. Learn the secrets passed down through generations, from 1925 cookbooks to modern Cuban kitchens, and create a dish that's both comforting and historically significant. Serve with crusty bread and fresh fruit for a truly authentic Cuban experience.

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