Does Cassava Go Bad?

Cassava is a creamy vegetable that is eaten and loved world-wide. Cassava resembles a sweet potato and is rich in starch. It has two varieties, namely sweet and bitter. It is grown in tropical regions of the world.

Cassava is a rich source of carbohydrates, vitamins, and minerals. Never eat raw Cassava because it can be dangerous to health. Cooking destroys all the harmful chemicals present in the raw vegetable.

Despite its many health benefits, Cassavas can go bad if not properly stored. The vegetable may be no more fit to eat, which is bad news.

How to store Cassava?

Cassava is a delicate and soft vegetable. You should store it carefully to avoid damage. You can choose a suitable method of storage depending on your requirement.

When you go to buy fresh Cassavas, always choose the ones with firm roots. Like all other vegetables, the fresher the vegetable, the longer it will last.

Appropriate water and moisture conditions are needed for the safe storage of the vegetable. Below is a list of important storage methods.

Keep in the pantry

Cassavas can be stored in a cool and dark place in the pantry. It is better to store them fresh. This will increase the shelf life. They can last for up to 1 week in the pantry.

Store in an air-tight container

In the case of cooked Cassava, store it in a plastic bag or an air-tight container. The entry of air may cause the Cassava to go bad quickly. This is due to a chemical reaction. So, it is important to prevent the entry of air and keep the container tightly closed.

Store in sawdust boxes

Boxes lined with sawdust may also be used to store Cassava. It is a cheap and suitable storage method. Alternate layers of Cassava and sawdust are kept in a box.

Refrigerate

If you wish to store your bulk of vegetables for a long, store it in the refrigerator. Peel and cut the vegetable into pieces for better storage. Peeled Cassava can also be refrigerated in a container of water. Don’t forget to change the water after some time. This method can save your Cassava for up to 1 month.

Can you freeze Cassava?

Cassava has a high-water content, so you can freeze it well. Freezing increases the shelf life of the vegetable up to 3 months. The vegetables are usually available in rainy seasons. But, you can store them for a couple of months by freezing them carefully. You need to follow the following simple steps for freezing the vegetable.

• Peel the skin properly. This is done to remove harmful toxins in the skin of the vegetable.
• Cut it into small pieces.
• Place it in a freezer bag or an air-tight container.
• Remove as much air as you can from the bag before sealing it. This is done to avoid the risk of early spoilage.
• Place the freezer-bag at a suitable place in the freezer.
• Remove only the quantity of the vegetable you need. Store the remaining batch as such.

How long does Cassava last?

Cassava has a limited shelf life. The shelf life varies with the methods of storage. It may last up to 1 week at room temperature in the pantry. Cooked vegetable, however, usually lasts for 1-2 hours.

In the refrigerator, the shelf life can increase up to about one month. Your fridge drawer is the best place to store the Cassavas.

Cassavas maintain their best quality if properly frozen in air-tight bags. This is a suitable method for long-term storage. It will keep them fresh for three months.

How to tell if Cassava has gone bad?

As already mentioned above, Cassavas should be stored in a cool place. This prevents them from going bad. Exposure to direct sunlight and other heat sources can spoil the food immediately.

Ideal conditions should be provided for safe storage. Following signs can help you confirm that your Cassavas are not good to eat anymore.

• Spoiled Cassava loses its original color that is quite obvious. Small blackish spots indicate that it has gone bad.
• It loses its firm texture and appears unpleasant.
• Cassavas may smell very bad if molds or bacteria have grown in them. Throw them at once in such a situation.
• If your Cassava has gone bad, it loses its delicious flavor and may taste bad.

Cassava is a very popular vegetable. It is treated and used similarly to potatoes. It can be a delicious addition to many recipes.

Cassava can be used to prepare snacks, soups and, several dishes. It can be baked or roasted adding, to the pleasure. The vegetable can also be converted to flour to make bread in some countries.

It is easily available in the market. You can store it safely for few months. In this way, you can enjoy its long-lasting benefits.