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bostonoak

Yuca/Cassava vs Maseca

bostonoak
5 years ago

I'm very curious about something.


There's a dish I make out of Maseca, an instant corn flour (https://www.eatthismuch.com/food/view/maseca-instant-corn-masa-flour,502406/).


I recently discovered that I can make a similar type of dish while using fresh yuca (cassava) instead of Maseca.


Would you consider yuca healthier than Maseca? The nutritional info for Maseca is included in the link above.

Comments (8)

  • PRO
    Lars/J. Robert Scott
    5 years ago

    I would avoid cassava if maseca is working for you, as it is almost pure carbohydrate with very little protein.

    You did not mention what this dish is, however, and that could make a difference.

  • Solsthumper
    5 years ago

    True, what Lars said.

    Yuca - like potatoes and corn, is very starchy. All are high in carbohydrates.



    Unlike potatoes, or corn-based products, such as Maseca, yuca provides a plethora of health benefits that potatoes, or corn, seem to lack.


    Plus, yuca is far more flavorful and pleasant to eat (well, to me, anyway; I find potatoes extremely bland and boring).



    I suppose, it all boils down (no pun intended) to your taste preferences.



    But, since you asked about yuca and its health benefits, the choice is up to you.



    Sol



  • plllog
    5 years ago

    bump

  • bostonoak
    Original Author
    5 years ago

    The dish that I make is called ugali (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oCSKiK-31Vc). It's from East Africa. I eat it a lot. :)

    I'm new to yuca but I really like it. I want to try substituting ugali with yuca, every now and then. These two yuca recipes, for example, are wonderful. I've tried both:

    How to make cassava (yuca) chips--Steven Heap:

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T499xyUIDVA

    Best Yuca Recipe - How to Cook Cassava Root:

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OFqBPFEfdBM

  • PRO
    Lars/J. Robert Scott
    5 years ago

    From the videos, it appears that yuca is the same as yucca. I love yucca, but I had not seen it spelled yuca, and so that threw me off. There are some definite health benefits from yucca root - one of which is that it will alleviate pain from tendinitis, although only temporarily. This is an old Native American remedy, and I noticed it when I was eating yucca root at a Brazilian restaurant in Culver City. Pills made from yucca root do not work, but fresh yucca does.

    I'm still confused as to whether yuca and yucca are the same or not.

  • bostonoak
    Original Author
    5 years ago

    My understanding is that yuca and yucca are different. See the link below:

    https://www.thekitchn.com/whats-the-deal-17-24054

  • PRO
    Lars/J. Robert Scott
    5 years ago

    So what I've been eating has been yuca instead of yucca!

  • bostonoak
    Original Author
    5 years ago
    last modified: 5 years ago

    I feel more comfortable with yuca than Maseca (instant corn flour). I just feel as though I have more control with yuca since I get it in its raw or fresh form.

    With Maseca a whole process has already taken place before I buy it from the store.

    I could, of course, be wrong with feeling that yuca is better for me. :)

    The other thing with yuca is that you can make yuca fries with it! Now I know anything fried isn't the best for you but... :)

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