Monthly Archives: November 2006

Trip to Peru, the 4th day No.12

papaya

The next one is Papaya (Carica papaya).  The tree leaning against Papaya is Manihot esculenta.  Its common name is Cassava.  It is also called Mandioca and Yuca.

The roots of this tree grow long and are eaten like potatoes. 

I ate this like chips at breakfast at the hotel in San Ramón.  It was a little sweet and tasty.

In fact, the root contains cyanide so it should be peeled and then boiled, baked or fried before eating.  Tapioca is produced from treated and dried cassava.