What is tapioca starch ?

tapioca starch

    Tapioca starch also called cassava starch is made from the roots of the cassava plant, or Manihot esculenta . Tapioca starch granules, similar to potato starch granules, gelatinize at a relatively low temperature and do not form rigid gels during cooling. Tapioca typically is used to thicken custards, puddings and fruit pie fillings. In addition to a powder form, tapioca is available as a quick-cooking, pearl variety, often used in two-crust fruit pies. The pearl variety of tapioca does not always completely dissolve during cooking and may be seen in the pie filling as small granular dots.