Cassava is a woody shrub native to South America. It is the root part of the crop. You may also know it as Yuca or Brazilian Arrowroot. When it is powdered it is known as Tapioca (according to Wikipedia) or Garri is the flaky version.

High in carbohydrates, it tastes bitter or sweetish. It can be used as a potato substitute to cook, eat as a supplement or even to make alcohol. But care should be taken to cook cassava properly because it contains toxins that can lead to a cyanide residue.

But it can also be a very healthy food because it has a very low fat content. It is also commonly eaten to prevent and sometimes treat cancers.

In India, Kerala and Tamil Nadu are big producers and consumers of tapioca or cassava.