Manioc

Originally from tropical South America, Manioc has been known in Peru for 4000 years. It was then exported to Africa and India during the 19th century and then to Asia in the 20th century. There is a wide variety of different types of Manioc and it has become an important food source. The leaves are eaten like a vegetable, the tubers provide flour or tapioca and are also the base for an alcoholic beverage.