A food that is both life-sustaining and potentially fatal is the quintessential paradox. About 200 poisoning deaths occur each year from cassava, which is ingested by about half a billion people globally. Natural cyanide chemicals found in this starchy tuber must be carefully prepared before consumption.
About 200 people die from poisoning each year from cassava, a starchy tuber that contains natural cyanide chemicals that must be carefully prepared to make it safe to eat. It is the ultimate paradox: a food that can sustain life but can be deadly.
However, cassava continues to be a vital crop for millions of people in tropical areas. When other crops fail, this calorie-dense, drought-resistant crop ensures food security. Traditional knowledge provides the key to distinguishing between danger and sustenance, demonstrating that food preparation can be just as significant as the actual food consumed.
