Food & Fitness

Cassasse | Know the Importance and Nutrients of Wellness

Cassasse

You might have heard the term Cassasse several times, but do you know the beneficial components of it? The history and origin of this medicinal food product are a mystery to some people. 

In this article, we are going to solve all your suspicions. The article sheds light on the extraordinary ingredients and components of the dish and delivers tips on how you can enjoy the benefits. 

What is Cassasse? 

Cassasse is made from a traditional plant called Cassava that has been used for centuries for food and medicinal purposes. This restorative plant has oval green leaves and it could grow up to six feet tall. The most treasured part of the tree is its root, which is mild brown and woody.

History and Origins 

The exact origin of Cassasse has remained a mystery to people. Some people believe it originated in South Asian countries like Indonesia and Malaysia. On the other hand, some believe the origin lies in the South American sticks. 

However, the mahogany characteristics of the Cassava tree symbolise that it is native to the Caribbean and Southern America. Ancient people from Arawak and Spanish explorers used this plant for various purposes, such as building houses, furniture, boats, and many more. 

This plant has gained a reputation for its awesome fitness benefits in recent years. However, due to overexploitation and pollution, those timbers are a hazard. This rare tree needs to be protected. 

Ingredients to Incorporate with Cassasse

This Caribbean-American origin dish is flavorful and enriched with beneficial ingredients. The core ingredient of this thick stew-like delicacy is the root of Cassava. Adding it with other ingredients provides a harmonious combination of savours. You can also add meat, seasonal vegetables, automatic spices, and tubes and steam everything in a rich tomato sauce to make the Cassasse

The traditional recipe for this delightful dish contains ingredients like salted beef, salted pigtail, and cow foot. It complements the distinct taste of the stew filled with protein. It also includes staple tubers such as green bananas and yuca (Cassava Root) to add a delightful texture. You may even encompass veggies in line with your choice, consisting of carrots, okra, peppers, onions, and plantains. 

The taste of Cassasse dishes is similarly greater with the aid of adding aromatic herbs, such as thyme, garlic, hot papers, allspice, and scallions. It will create a base flavour to a tomato sauce complemented by water or flavour broth. It offers a comforting meal traditionally served with bread or rice. This dish is known by diverse names in different Caribbean islands and has unique flavours. 

How To Make Cassasse?

This culinary dish is loved by the residents and visitors of Trinidad and Tobago island. If you want to explore the deliciousness of this dish, try making it at home. Follow the below instructions for a detailed recipe for Cassasse

Ingredients 

  • Vegetables: Carrots, okra, onions, peppers
  • Tubers: Green banana, yuca
  • Spices: Garlic powder, thyme, and hot paper 
  • Sugar and salt as per taste 
  • Meat or seafood as per your choice 
  • Tobago fish broth (traditional name “Trinidadian fish broth”)
  • Tomato paste 

Instructions 

  1. To start, cut the meats or seafood of your preference, such as salted beef, salted pigtail, cow foot, or any fish into bite-size pieces.  
  2. Peel and chop the tubers into small chunks.
  3. Wash and police preferred vegetables.
  4. In a large pan, heat some oil over medium to high flame and cook the meat or seafood for 15 minutes until brown.
  5. After that, add the Tobago fish broth into the pan and boil to submerge the meat. Lower the heat and cook for about 20 minutes, wait until the meat is tender. 
  6. Add the tubers and cook for another 10 minutes. You can add water or broth if necessary. 
  7. Add the vegetables and stir with tomato sauce or paste, spices, salt and sugar as per taste for approximately 10 minutes. 
  8. Your Cassasse is all ready to serve and enjoy with bread or rice. 

Tips for Adding Cassasse into Your Diet 

Salad 

Add this flavourful dish to a green salad to get extra nutrition. You can integrate diced culmination of your preference, and nuts like pecans or walnuts with spinach or arugula to enjoy the deliciousness.

Desserts 

You can use this food product in various desserts, such as pies, crisps, tarts, or crumbles. It is one of the best combos that balances excellently with ice creams and custard fillings. 

Jams, jellies and preserves 

Cassasse has a perfect tangy and tropical flavour that goes well with jams, preserves and jellies. Cook the thick stew with lemon and sugar until you get a thick and satisfying consistency. Enjoy it with pancakes, scones, or toast. 

Cocktails 

Blend some of this pulp with fruit, rum, and citrus juice to make a tangy margarita. You can also add fresh mint and sugar to make a refreshing mojito for summer days. 

Where to Find? 

You can find Cassasse in most of the local grocery stores. It is mostly available in areas with diverse culinary scenes. Nowadays, many retailers sell this dish online as it is quite demanding. However, it is essential to check the description and reviews to make sure the product is authentic. 

How to preserve Cassasse? 

Follow the below steps to prepare and preserve Cassasse to enjoy the benefits later.

  1. First, you need to harvest or purchase the Cassava plant’s root. 
  2. Wash and peel the root and grate into fine pulps. 
  3. Squeeze the pulps carefully to remove unnecessary bitter compounds and moisture. 
  4. Spread out the remaining pulps into a clean surface and dry under the sun. You can use a mechanical dryer. 
  5. Once the pulps are completely dried, store a fine powder in a dry pot. 

Nutritional Benefits 

Fibre 

Cassasse has enriched with fiber and only one sup of it contains approximately 65% of your daily needs. It is an excellent source to maintain bowel health and cholesterol. It can again help you with digestion and prevent constipation. 

Carbohydrates 

This food product is high in carbohydrates which is an important part of your daily diet. Carbohydrate contains glucose which is converted to energy after consumption. It increases productivity and physical activity. 

Vitamin C

It provides an excellent amount of vitamin C. Vitamin C has antioxidant properties which support your immune system and increase collagen production in your body. Daily consumption of Vitamin C is essential for repairing your tissues and maintaining bodily growth. 

Magnesium 

Through Cassasse, you will get the benefits of magnesium. It is one of the important components of your bone health, metabolism, and blood pressure. Your body needs magnesium for about 300 biochemical reactions and turn the food you eat into energy. 

Gluten-free 

If you have gluten sensitivity, you could add this to your weight loss program plans. This food product is a superb opportunity for gluten and can be used to make pancakes, pies, cakes and other cakes.

Potassium 

Potassium is an electrolyte and quite a critical mineral. This food product contains potassium that helps in maintaining electrolyte levels, blood pressure and pH balance. Adding potassium-rich rood into your diet will allow proper functioning of nerves, cells, and muscles. It reduces the chances of stroke and high blood pressure. 

Conclusion 

The ancient wonder Cassasse primary ingredient is the Cassava root, which is native to the Caribbean and Southern American islands. Different culinary people use various recipes to make this historical dish. 

The deliciousness of this dish contains meats, vegetables, tubers, and various traditional spices. It incorporates miscellaneous nutritional elements such as Vitamin C, fiber, carbohydrates, magnesium, and potassium because of the variety of ingredients. It can be an effective alternative if you follow a gluten-restricted diet. It is also good for blood pressure, immune system, and bone health. Include this flavourful dish in your diet to venture on this delectable adventure today. 

FAQs:

What is Cassasse? 

Cassasse is an ancient recipe that is derived from the South American native plant “Cassava”. The root of the plant is the primary ingredient for making this delicious dish. 

What is the origin of the Cassava plant?

The origin of the Cassava plant is in South America. Some people think this plant is from the vast tropical forest of Brazil. 

Is Cassasse beneficial for your health?

Yes, Cassasse is highly beneficial for your blood pressure, bowel health, nerve and cell function, immune system, and bone health.

What are the nutritional components of Cassasse? 

Cassasse contains various nutritional components like fiber, vitamin C, potassium, carbohydrates, magnesium, and a lot more. 

Can I preserve Cassasse? 

Yes, you can grate the Cassava root into pulps, squeeze the moisture, dry them in the sun and make fine powder from them. It is the most effective and natural way to preserve Cassasse

Hi, I’m Lija Parveen

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