Cassava

Also known as manioc or yuka, this starchy vegetable is used extensively in Brazilian and Peruvian cooking. It has a thick, tough brown skin, which in the UK is usually waxed. It is cooked in a similar way to potatoes and is delicious deep-fried to make chips (fries), puréed or in pieces in various stews. It can also be purchased in a flour form for the popular Brazilian farofa dish.