Yucca Delivery or Pickup

Despite the fact that it's a major food staple in other parts of the world, yuca isn't widely used in the United States. You can still find it on the shelves of many health food stores and co-ops, however. Yuca comes from the root of the cassava plant and looks similar to a yam or a potato, although it's smaller in diameter. You'll want to remove the rough skin prior to preparing and eating it, as the outer layer of the root can produce cyanide if not prepared correctly. Other names for yuca include Brazilian arrowroot and manioc.

The length of yuca ranges from 6 to 12 inches, making it easy to find one that suits your needs. To help preserve it, because it can spoil quickly after harvesting, yuca is typically covered in wax before it's put on the shelf in a store's produce department. This can help it last for several weeks, especially if it's kept cool and dry. Once it's peeled, you can store it in the refrigerator for about a month.

Many health benefits are associated with eating yuca. It's a starchy vegetable that's high in carbohydrates and low in saturated fat. Yuca also has calcium, dietary fiber, and potassium, and the root is high in protein. Similar to potatoes, yuca has a grainy flesh with a white or creamy color. As for flavor, you can expect a mild, nutty taste that's slightly sweet. Yuca is used in making tapioca, so you may have eaten some without even realizing it. If you're interested in trying this unique root vegetable, don't hesitate to select some using the Instacart app, and have an Instacart shopper bring it to your door the same day!