Cassava is one of the plants that is widely planted and used in Indonesia. Cassava has the scientific name Manihot esculenta and is included in the Euphorbiaceae family. Cassava originates from South America and has been cultivated for thousands of years. Cassava can grow in various types of soil and weather, making it suitable for planting in tropical and subtropical areas.
Cassava has tubers that contain lots of carbohydrates, so they are a good source of energy for the body. Apart from that, cassava also contains fiber, vitamins and minerals which are beneficial for health. Cassava can be processed into various kinds of food, such as flour, chips, tape, compote, getuk, and others. Cassava leaves can also be eaten as a vegetable that is rich in protein and iron.
Cassava has many benefits, such as a source of carbohydrates, processed food ingredients, industrial raw materials, and animal feed. Cassava is also resistant to drought, pests and disease, making it suitable for planting in various types of soil and climate.
How long can cassava be harvested?
Cassava can be harvested from 6 months to 12 months after planting, depending on the variety, soil conditions and purpose of harvest. Cassava that is harvested sooner usually has a lower starch content, while cassava that is harvested later has a higher starch content.
Cassava harvested for consumption is usually 8-12 months old
Cassava that is less than 8 months old usually has a sour and bitter taste, while cassava that is more than 12 months old usually has a hard and dry texture. Cassava harvested for human consumption should be washed thoroughly, peeled, and boiled or fried before eating.
Cassava harvested for processed food is usually 10-12 months old
This aged cassava has optimal starch content to be processed into cassava flour, tapioca, cassava chips, cassava tape and other processed products. Cassava harvested for processed food must be dried first before processing.
Cassava harvested for industrial raw materials is usually 8-12 months old
This aged cassava has a high starch content to be used as raw material for bioethanol, bioplastics, biogas and other industrial products. Cassava harvested for industrial raw materials must be broken down and fermented before processing.
Cassava harvested for animal feed is usually 10-12 months old
This mature cassava has a high fiber content to provide nutrition for livestock, such as cows, goats, chickens and pigs. Cassava harvested for animal feed can be given directly or mixed with other feed ingredients.
Benefits of Cassava for Health
Cassava is a source of carbohydrates which can provide energy for the body. Here are some of the health benefits of cassava that you need to know:
- The fiber in cassava can help digestion and prevent constipation. Fiber can also lower cholesterol and blood sugar levels, and prevent heart disease and diabetes.
- The vitamin C in cassava can improve the immune system and protect against infections. Vitamin C can also help heal wounds and maintain healthy skin, teeth and gums.
- The B vitamins in cassava can help metabolism and energy production. Vitamin B can also maintain healthy nerves, brain and red blood cells.
- The calcium in cassava can help form and strengthen bones and teeth. Calcium can also prevent osteoporosis and maintain electrolyte balance in the body.
- The iron in cassava can help form hemoglobin which transports oxygen throughout the body. Iron can also prevent anemia and increase stamina.
- Phosphorus in cassava can help form DNA and RNA which are important for cell growth and development. Phosphorus can also help kidney, muscle and heart function.
Examples of Products Derived from Cassava
Cassava is a plant that can be processed into various value-added products. Some examples of products derived from cassava are:
Cassava flour
Can be used as a basic ingredient for making cakes, bread, noodles, crackers, etc. Cassava flour is made by drying and grinding cassava that has been peeled and washed clean.
Cassava tape
It is the result of fermenting cassava using yeast. Cassava tape has a sweet and sour taste, and contains alcohol. Cassava tape can be eaten directly or processed into cakes, ice cream, compote, etc.
Garut
It is starch obtained from cassava. Arrowroot has a chewy and slippery texture, and can be used as an ingredient in making pudding, dodol, cendol, and so on. Garut is made by extracting starch from cassava that has been grated and filtered.
Bioethanol
It is a biofuel produced from the fermentation of sugar found in cassava. Bioethanol can be used as a substitute or mixture of gasoline for motor vehicles. Bioethanol is made by converting the sugar in cassava into alcohol using microorganisms.
That's the article about how long cassava can be harvested. Hopefully this article is useful for those of you who are interested in growing cassava or processing it into value-added products.
