Soak or Ferment
Grate or peel the root and cover it with clean water for 24–48 hours. In Northern Brazil, farinha d’água (cassava flour) follows this method.
3. Cook until tender
Boiling for at least 20 minutes breaks down the toxic molecules. Raw roots should never be consumed.
4. Combine with protein
The body detoxifies cyanide better if amino acids are available. Include eggs, fish, or legumes in the meal.
When does cassava become the villain?
Serious cases occur in extreme situations: prolonged drought, war, or poverty.
