Is tapioca all the same? Find out how to choose yours –

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Recently, some brands of tapioca or tapioca gum, a source of carbohydrates par excellence, the main raw material for energy production and therefore good for those who work out, were put in check by the Brazilian Association of Consumer Protection. Analysis of the products showed that they were not recommended for consumption because they contain, for example, more sodium chloride than recommended by health agencies and even bacteria. Excess sodium is harmful because it overloads the kidneys. Bacteria increase the risk of food poisoning. “If tapioca does not deliver what it promises on the label or is adulterated, only the competent food control bodies can diagnose these problems through laboratory analysis. But it is up to the consumer to pay attention to some aspects of the product”, warns Dr. Paula Vasconcelos, nutritionist at Espaço Volpi (SP). To minimize the risks of buying or consuming deteriorated tapioca, the doctor gives some tips:
1. Pay attention to the product label. With regard to sodium, the ideal is that tapioca has less than 120 mg of the nutrient in 100g. Between 120mg and 600mg, the consumption of the product should be moderate. Above that value, do not buy.
2. Good tapioca is white. There is no variation in the color of this food, as occurs with some types of flour, for example. Any other color means that the tapioca is not in good condition for consumption.
3. The product must be dry. Humidity or, more rarely, the presence of mold, also means that there are problems with tapioca.
4. After opening the product, please take some precautions. What has not been used can remain in the packaging, usually a plastic bag, as long as it is closed (with a clothespin, for example) to prevent deterioration. It’s also worth storing in a clean, dry and closed container, like a can or tupperware. “But if you live in a city with high temperature, which is hot, it is better to keep the tapioca in the fridge, also protected in a closed container, to prevent the product from spoiling”, says Dr. Paula.
5. Alert on consistency. During preparation, the tapioca should gain consistency in the pan, as if it were a pancake. If it crumbles, for example, it is also a sign that the product is not good for consumption.

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