tapioca starch

       Tapioca starch is made from the roots of the cassava plant, or Manihot esculenta, which is native to Brazil. 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.