Climate Cuisine - The Tropical Starch Behind Fufu and Boba

The Tropical Starch Behind Fufu and Boba

12/08/21 • 29 min

3 Listeners

Around the world, farmers are increasingly planting cassava rather than other crops to mitigate the effects of drought. Due to cassava’s drought-resistant qualities and ability to survive defoliation, it's an ideal crop for communities impacted by climate change and food insecurity.

In today’s episode of Climate Cuisine, we’re discussing how cassava has been feeding people throughout South America, Africa, and Asia. It is one of the most resilient starches out there and can be processed into bread, couscous, and even boba. We’re speaking with Pierre Thiam and Andrea Castillo to learn more about this incredible crop.

Climate Cuisine is part of Whetstone Radio Collective. Learn more about Climate Cuisine here.

Find show notes here.

Climate Cuisine is part of Whetstone Radio Collective. Learn more about Climate Cuisine here.

Find show notes here.

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The Heart-Shaped Tuber That Created Humankind

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Taro is the basis of many Polynesian creation stories and one of the world's oldest food crops. In fact, it is so important that the Polynesians carried it with them on their boats as they migrated across the Pacific Ocean. Every part of the tuber can be eaten, from the leaves to the tuber, and back in the day a healthy taro patch meant a clean and vibrant waterway. This episode dives into the reason taro is such a staple crop, a bit about all the varieties, and why you cannot eat it raw. We chat with Arthur Wierzchos, chef Lance Seeto, and Ryan Nebeker from FoodPrint for more.

Climate Cuisine is part of Whetstone Radio Collective. Learn more about Climate Cuisine here.

Find show notes here.