National tapioca day
June 28, Saturday
History of the holiday
The exact origin of the holiday is undocumented, but like many food-related observances, it was created to draw attention to a specific ingredient and support interest in culinary traditions. Tapioca Day is an opportunity to experiment with dishes containing this unique ingredient.
What is tapioca?
Tapioca is a starchy substance derived from the root of the cassava plant. After special processing, cassava becomes safe to eat and is used to prepare:
* tapioca pearls for desserts and drinks
* tapioca pudding
* flour and starch for gluten-free baking
* thickening agents for soups and sauces
Tapioca is especially popular in Southeast Asia, Latin America, and among people who follow a gluten-free diet.
How is National Tapioca Day celebrated?
* Making tapioca pudding, one of the most popular desserts with this ingredient
* Trying bubble tea (tapioca tea), especially popular among young people
* Sharing tapioca recipes on social media
* Visiting cafes and restaurants that serve tapioca-based dishes
* Experimenting with alternative preparations: pancakes, cookies, soups
Interesting facts about tapioca
* Raw cassava contains toxic compounds that must be removed before consumption
* Tapioca is gluten-free and suitable for people with celiac disease
* Tapioca pearls come in white and black varieties (the latter colored with caramel or sugar), especially in bubble tea
* In some countries, tapioca is cooked in milk with coconut and sugar — a traditional dessert
Why try tapioca?
* It is easy to prepare and widely available in supermarkets
* Suitable for people with food intolerances
* Has a pleasant texture and can be used in both sweet and savory dishes
* Adds variety to the diet