Every year, food lovers around the world celebrate National Tapioca Pudding Day on July 15. This day is dedicated to the small, chewy pearls that come from the cassava root and are most famously known for their role in the sweet, creamy dessert — tapioca pudding. But did you know that this versatile starch has a rich history and is used across global cuisines?
What Is Tapioca and Why Celebrate It?
Tapioca is a starch extracted from the cassava plant, also known as manioc. Commonly found in tropical regions like South America, this plant has provided sustenance for centuries. The starch is processed into small round pearls, flakes, or flour, which are used in many recipes. National Tapioca Pudding Day is a celebration of not just the pudding itself but the cultural and culinary significance of tapioca.
Ways to Celebrate National Tapioca Pudding Day
1. Enjoy Tapioca Pudding
The highlight of this day is, of course, indulging in a bowl of tapioca pudding. Whether homemade or from your favorite dessert shop, this dish brings nostalgia and comfort to many. For quick results, you can use pre-packaged “minute tapioca” from the grocery store.
2. Drink Bubble Tea
Originating from Taiwan, bubble tea (or boba tea) features tapioca pearls in a sweet, chilled tea. This is a modern, trendy way to enjoy tapioca if you aren’t a fan of pudding. Many cafés offer a variety of flavors, from classic milk tea to fruity options.
3. Try Global Tapioca Recipes
- In Colombia and Venezuela, tapioca flour is used to make arepas.
- In Congo, tapioca is cooked with fish and plantains.
- In India, tapioca (sabudana) is used in dishes like khichdi and vadas.
Cooking with tapioca opens doors to international flavors. Try making crisps, flatbreads, or stews enhanced with tapioca.
Surprising Tapioca Facts
- In the UK, tapioca pudding is jokingly known as “frog spawn” because of its appearance.
- Raw cassava from which tapioca is derived can be toxic. It must be processed correctly to remove cyanide.
- In 1972, a ship carrying 1,500 tons of tapioca caught fire off the coast of Wales. The heat cooked the tapioca, causing it to swell and almost burst the ship’s hull.
The History Behind The Day
Tapioca has roots in Brazil, where the cassava plant is called mandioca and the starch tapioca comes from the Tupi word “tipi’óka.” The first recorded use of tapioca pudding appeared in Cassell’s Dictionary of Cooking in 1875. It gained popularity thanks to Susan Stavers, a housewife from Boston, who refined the recipe into what we enjoy today.
Health Benefits of Tapioca
- Gluten-free – Great for people with celiac disease or gluten intolerance.
- Low in fat – A heart-healthy option.
- Rich in minerals – Contains calcium, potassium, magnesium, and iron.
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