The exact answer to "What is tapioca powder in English?" is Tapioca powder. It is the standard English term for this product.
Tapioca powder is also often referred to as tapioca starch or tapioca flour, although technically, starch is refined from the flour. However, in common usage, these terms are frequently used interchangeably.
Understanding Tapioca Powder
Tapioca powder is a starch extracted from the storage roots of the cassava plant (Manihot esculenta). It is widely used in cooking and various industrial applications due to its unique properties.
Key Uses of Tapioca Powder
Based on the provided reference, tapioca powder has several notable uses:
- Thickening Agent: It is commonly used as a thickener for soups and other liquid foods. This is one of its primary culinary applications due to its ability to create a clear, glossy finish when cooked.
- Binding Agent: Tapioca powder serves as a binder in pharmaceutical tablets and natural paints. Its adhesive qualities help hold ingredients together.
- Baking Ingredient: The flour is used to make tender breads, cakes, biscuits, cookies, and other delicacies. It contributes a light, chewy texture to baked goods, often used in gluten-free recipes.
Versatility in the Kitchen and Beyond
Tapioca powder's ability to thicken quickly and remain stable when frozen makes it a versatile ingredient. Its neutral flavor also means it doesn't affect the taste of the dishes it's added to. Beyond food, its binding properties make it valuable in specific non-food industries.
Here's a quick look at its applications:
- Culinary:
- Thickening stews, sauces, gravies
- Adding chewiness to bubble tea (boba)
- Providing structure and tenderness in gluten-free baking
- Making desserts like puddings and custards
- Industrial:
- Binder in medications
- Ingredient in paper production
- Component in certain adhesives and textiles
| Application Area | Specific Use Examples | Benefit of Using Tapioca Powder |
|---|---|---|
| Food | Soups, Sauces, Gravies, Baked Goods, Desserts, Bubble Tea | Thickening, Binding, Texture, Gluten-Free |
| Pharmaceutical | Tablets | Binding |
| Industrial | Paints, Paper, Textiles | Binding, Structure, Adhesion |
In summary, tapioca powder is the English term for the starch derived from cassava root, prized for its thickening, binding, and texturizing capabilities in both food and industrial applications.
