Tapioca flour, also known as tapioca starch, is a starchy white flour that is extracted from the root of the cassava plant. It is a common ingredient in various cuisines and is known for its versatile applications in cooking and baking.
Compare table for Tapioca:
| Flour | Calories | Fat | SaturatedFat | Carbs | Sugar | Fibre | Protein | Iron |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tapioca (100g) | 349 kcal | 0.2 g | 0.1 g | 85 g | 3.5 g | 1.2 g | 0.6 g | 1 mg |
| Almond (100g) | 571 kcal | 50 g | 3.6 g | 21 g | 7.1 g | 14 g | 21 g | 3.57 mg |
| Brown rice (100g) | 363 kcal | 2.8 g | 0.6 g | 76 g | 0.7 g | 4.6 g | 7.2 g | 1.98 mg |
| Buckwheat (100g) | 335 kcal | 3.1 g | 0.7 g | 71 g | 2.6 g | 10 g | 13 g | 4.06 mg |
| Chia Seeds (100g) | 486 kcal | 30.7 g | 3.3 g | 42.1 g | 0.01 g | 34.4 g | 16.5 g | 7.7 mg |
| Chickpea (100g) | 387 kcal | 7 g | 0.6 g | 57 g | 0.5 g | 11 g | 22 g | 5 mg |
| Coconut (100g) | 400 kcal | 13 g | 13 g | 60 g | 20 g | 33 g | 20 g | 6.67 mg |
| Corn (100g) | 361 kcal | 3.9 g | 0.5 g | 76.8 g | 0.6 g | 7.3 g | 6.9 g | 2.4 mg |
| Flaxseed (100g) | 534 kcal | 42 g | 4 g | 29 g | 2 g | 28 g | 18 g | 5 mg |
| Millet (100g) | 375 kcal | 3.5 g | 0.7 g | 74 g | 1 g | 7 g | 11 g | 2.5 mg |
| Oats (100g) | 389 kcal | 0.6 g | 1.2 g | 66.3 g | 0.9 g | 10.6 g | 16.9 g | 4.7 mg |
| Psyllium husk (100g) | 354 kcal | 0.6 g | 0.1 g | 88 g | 0.5 g | 80 g | 1.5 g | 16 mg |
| Quinoa (100g) | 368 kcal | 7.5 g | 1.6 g | 69 g | 3.6 g | 7 g | 10 g | 4.8 mg |
| Red lentils (100g) | 116 kcal | 0.4 g | 0.1 g | 20 g | 1.8 g | 7.9 g | 9 g | 3.3 mg |
| Semolina (100g) | 357 kcal | 1.2 g | 0.7 g | 74 g | 2.4 g | 4.8 g | 12 g | 3.43 mg |
| Soya (defatted) (100g) | 330 kcal | 1.2 g | 0.8 g | 38.4 g | 18.9 g | 17.5 g | 47 g | 9.2 mg |
| White rice (100g) | 359 kcal | 1.3 g | 0.1 g | 80 g | 0.1 g | 0.5 g | 6.9 g | 0.22 mg |
| White wheat (100g) | 364 kcal | 1 g | 0.2 g | 76 g | 0.3 g | 2.7 g | 10 g | 1.17 mg |
| Whole grain wheat (100g) | 340 kcal | 2.5 g | 0.4 g | 72 g | 0.4 g | 11 g | 13 g | 3.6 mg |
Here are some key characteristics and features of tapioca flour:
Gluten-Free:
- Tapioca flour is naturally gluten-free, making it suitable for individuals with gluten sensitivities or those following a gluten-free diet.
Neutral Flavor:
- Tapioca flour has a neutral taste, allowing it to blend well with other ingredients without imparting a distinct flavor. This makes it suitable for both sweet and savory recipes.
Fine Texture:
- Tapioca flour has a fine and smooth texture, similar to that of cornstarch. It is often used as a thickening agent in recipes to create a smooth consistency.
Excellent Thickening Properties:
- Tapioca flour is valued for its superior thickening properties. It can be used to thicken soups, sauces, gravies, and fruit fillings without clouding the liquid.
Gelatinization:
- Tapioca flour undergoes gelatinization when heated, resulting in a clear and glossy appearance. This property makes it an excellent choice for thickening pie fillings and certain desserts.
Chewy Texture in Baked Goods:
- In gluten-free baking, tapioca flour is often used to improve the texture of bread, cookies, and other baked goods. It adds a chewiness that can be lacking in gluten-free alternatives.
Binding Agent:
- Tapioca flour is frequently used as a binding agent in gluten-free recipes, helping to hold ingredients together and improve the structure of baked goods.
Alternative to Wheat Flour:
- Tapioca flour can be used as a wheat flour substitute in gluten-free recipes, providing a light and airy texture to baked goods.
Common in Asian Cuisine:
- Tapioca flour is widely used in Asian cuisine, particularly in the preparation of tapioca pearls for bubble tea and various desserts.
Gluten-Free Flour Blends:
- Tapioca flour is often included in gluten-free flour blends to enhance the overall texture and performance of the blend.
Resistant to Freezing:
- Tapioca flour has good resistance to freezing, which makes it suitable for use in frozen products or recipes that undergo freezing and thawing.
Storage:
- Like other flours, tapioca flour should be stored in a cool, dry place to prevent spoilage. It is advisable to keep it in an airtight container to maintain freshness.