Good morning, welcome to our series sharing Food Holidays: June 28th, 2022. Today is National Tapioca Day which I will pass on even though I love Pudding. Then I also asked Charlie if he wanted to celebrate today and he said no, as well. How about you. Would you like some Tapioca Pudding this evening?
- Tapioca is obtained from the fleshy root of the bitter Cassava .
- Tapioca is sold in flake or Flour form and as the pellet pearl Tapioca.
- Tapioca Flour is widely used in place of Wheat Flour in regions where it is grown, e.g., South and Central America, Africa, the West Indies, and parts of India.
- When cooked Tapioca becomes transparent and increases in size.
- Tapioca is used to thicken Puddings and Soups.
We’re bubbling with excitement to tell you about National Tapioca Day on June 28th when you can explore this less popular though no less delicious carb. Made from the Cassava Plant, Tapioca is versatile, though Tapioca Pudding is the most popular American dish made with this ingredient, including recipes. Tapioca Pudding combines Tapioca pearls with liquid to form a delicious, creamy mix. For many people including me, Tapioca is a love/hate relationship. Perhaps as a child, you plunged your spoon into Tapioca, expecting the smooth Vanilla Pudding you’re used to. Instead, you got a mouthful of squishiness. An experience such as this could leave you traumatized and wary of Tapioca for years to come. If this rings true for you, then National Tapioca Day is your time to be brave and give this Pudding another try. If you’re in the camp that has been a fan of Tapioca, then you’ll have no problem celebrating.
National Tapioca Day Activities
- Everyone knows about our most widely observed holidays, but how many of your friends have June 28th circled on their calendars? Help spread the news about this quirky holiday by snapping a photo of your cup of Tapioca Pudding and sharing on your preferred Social Media platform with the hashtag #NationalTapiocaDay day.
- Whether the recipes is taken from an online resource, your grandmother’s secret recipe, or you’re up for experimenting with your own style of Tapioca Pudding, try making your own. The fun here is seeing the process, and understanding how those little pearls form such a creamy dessert. You could even use Tapioca as a Science experience with your kids, who get a treat at the end.
- Even if you love Tapioca Pudding, it’s doubtful you’ve tried Tapioca in all its forms. Some of the most common variations include Bubble Tea which is a beverage typical in Thailand. Or you could try Flatbreads, and Tapioca Crackers, which are typical in Indonesia.
Why EVERYONE Loves National Tapioca Day
- While we typically don’t associate desserts with health foods, did you know Tapioca is packed with vitamins and minerals that do wonders for the body. If you want increased circulation? Have Tapioca. Need an extra dose of Vitamin K for strong bone growth? Tapioca Pudding can help! Of course the Sugar and Cream added to Tapioca doesn’t share these same benefits, but you can at least take heart knowing those little pearls are doing your body good.
- If you like experimenting in the kitchen, there’s no shortage of recipes to try when it comes to preparing Tapioca. including the old fashioned Tapioca our grandparents enjoyed, but recently new recipes have been catching on. How about making Tapioca with Coconut Milk and Mango? Or, for a true culinary challenge, try baking it as Tapioca Creme Brulee.
- Tapioca Pudding was a staple dessert all over the world in the mid 20th Century, but as other forms of Pudding emerged, notably instant Chocolate and Vanilla Pudding, many believe Tapioca lost a bit of its appeal. However, on June 28th, you can be a part of bringing back Tapioca.
Thank you,
Glenda, Charlie and David Cates
