Tapioca Starch in the Philippines

Introduction

 

Do you use tapioca starch for your sweet and savory food? Are you aware of its background and benefits before using it as an ingredient? If you’re on a gluten-free diet, tapioca starch is the perfect wheat substitute for your culinary dilemmas.

In this blog, we will extensively discuss a lot of things about tapioca starch in the Philippines. Get ready to know some tapioca starch details with the help of WIlls International Sales Corporation!

Not all starches are created equal, but tapioca can help you in ways you can’t imagine. Read the following information below!

 

What is Starch?

 

Before we delve into discussing tapioca starch, let us first identify the meaning and different benefits of starch for the body.

For starters, starch is an odorless, tasteless white substance that occurs widely in plant tissue. As an ingredient, it is obtained chiefly from cereals and potatoes. It is also a polysaccharide, which functions as a carbohydrate store that is an essential constituent of the human diet.

Carbohydrates, such as starches, provide the majority of fuel for the body, so it makes up a significant part of your caloric intake. In fact, starch is one of the primary sources of food energy for people.

Since then, starchy foods have been an essential source of energy for human beings. After they are eaten, they are broken down into glucose, which is the body’s primary fuel for the brain and muscles.

Starchy foods also provide essential nutrients to the human diet, including B vitamins, iron, calcium, and folate. It can likewise contribute fiber, which is needed for good digestive health and is associated with a lower risk of heart disease, stroke, type 2 diabetes, and bowel cancer.

According to Britannica, “starch, a white, granular, organic chemical, is produced by all green plants. It is a soft, white, and tasteless powder that is insoluble in cold water, alcohol, or other solvents. The basic chemical formula of the starch molecule is (C6H10O5)n.”

 

Use of Starch for Cooking in the Philippines

 

When it comes to cooking, starch takes the form of tiny granules to which water, broth, or other liquids bond. As the starch absorbs liquids, the liquid thickens, which is why it is the preferred secret ingredient behind a perfect pie filling or custard.

When it comes to baking, bakers are needed to be equipped with deliberate control and precision. They also need to pay attention to small details and honestly think about everything they consume. However, aside from having those skills, they should be generally concerned with the ingredients.

Build your baking pantry with essential ingredients to level up the quality of your finished product. A tip from us: consider starches for your next-level of success.

Starches for baking will be your jack-of-all-trades that can turn out everything from pieces of bread to pancakes and muffins. Thankfully, you can get them in stores and markets around you.

Most commercial starch is made from corn, although wheat, tapioca, and potato starch are also common for culinary use.  Corn, potatoes, and tapioca starches are generally gluten-free and can be used to accommodate a range of dietary restrictions.

 

What is Tapioca Starch?

 

 

Background Information

 

Why is tapioca so important? And why do so many people around the world count on it as an important part of their routine diet?

For beginners, tapioca is a starch derived from the cassava plant’s storage roots. It originated in Brazil but is a typical diet staple in many tropical countries worldwide because it provides a quick source of carbohydrates.

The cassava root is relatively easy to grow and a dietary staple in several countries such as Africa, Asia, and South America.

Tapioca starch is native to South America, mainly Northeastern Brazil, where it is simply known as “cassava.” Aside from cassava, it is known by other names, including manioc, yuca, and Manihot from the family Euphorbiaceae, with the scientific name “Manihot esculenta.”

Manioc

Manioc (or cassava, or Yuca, especially in Latin America) is a shrub that belongs to the Spurge family of plants. It grows in tropical climates and can be used in dumplings, soups, stews, and gravies.

Yuca

Yuca is the root of the Cassava plant. It is a primary staple food in the developing world, providing a basic diet for human beings.

Manihot

Manihot was one of the first crops to be originated in Brazil.

 

Benefits of Tapioca Starch in the Philippines

 

There are quite a variety of tapioca products in the Philippine market, which can be confusing to some people. However, its production varies by location, but it always involves the squeezing of starchy liquid out of ground cassava root.

According to Healthline, “tapioca is a starch extracted from cassava root. It consists of almost pure carbs and contains very little protein, fiber, or nutrients. Tapioca has also become popular recently as it is becoming a gluten-free alternative to wheat and other grains.

Lastly, tapioca starch is a dried product and is usually sold as white flour, flakes, or pearls. Although some people believe that it provides numerous health benefits, it is almost as pure as starch and has minimal nutritional value.

Tapioca starch is readily available in the Philippines. If you’re looking for one, please do not hesitate to contact or email us in any way possible. We’re more than willing to help you with what you deserve.

 

The Difference: Tapioca Starch vs. Tapioca Flour

 

Through the years, people have mistaken tapioca flour as tapioca starch because of its likeness in appearance. Although they can be confusing to identify, they are not similar to one another.

Tapioca Flour in the Philippines

Healthline mentioned that “tapioca flour is often mistaken for tapioca starch, which is ground cassava root. However, “tapioca is the starchy liquid that’s extracted from ground cassava root.” Even though they both originate from the same plant, tapioca starch uses the whole root, while tapioca flour only uses the starchy pulp.

Tapioca Starch in the Philippines

Tapioca starch is typically sold as cassava flour in the market. It has a neutral flavor and strong gelling power, making it useful as a thickening agent in sweet and savory foods. It is also referred to as dried yuca that is obtained from the dried root and has many culinary applications around the world.If you need to use an ingredient for gluten-free baking, we recommend sticking with something that is clearly marked as tapioca starch or tapioca flour.

Where Does Tapioca Starch Come From?

 

Tapioca is a starch extracted from the cassava root, a tuber native to South America. You might recognize tapioca as the base of a sweet pudding in most recipe books worldwide. As an ingredient, it is a gluten-free starch that can be used as a thickening agent in sweet and savory dishes in most parts of the world.

The cultivation of the cassava plant, a native of Brazil also known as yucca, has spread throughout South America and Africa – leading to tapioca starch being a popular ingredient in culinary use. For some reason, Asian cuisines prefer to use tapioca starch more than other types of starches such as cornstarch, potato starch, and wheat starch.

What About Modified Tapioca Starch?

 

As mentioned by Bob’s Red Mill, “a modified tapioca starch is made by physically, enzymatically, or chemically altering starch to change its inherent properties.” A modified tapioca starch is often applied as food additives for its thickening, stabilizing, and emulsifying capabilities.

 

Besides, Web MD mentioned that “modified tapioca starch may have properties that help lower insulin levels.” High insulin levels can lead to many health problems, which is why you need to take steps to increase your insulin sensitivity. In that way, you can lower the risk of having a disease and increase your life quality.

How is Tapioca Starch in the Philippines made?

 

The production of tapioca starch varies by location, but it always involves the squeezing of starchy liquid out of ground cassava root. Once the starchy liquid is out, the water will soon evaporate. When all the water has evaporated, a fine tapioca powder is produced afterward.

According to Very Well Fit, “many of the tapioca starch’s health benefits come from the yuca or cassava root’s nutrients. However, most of these nutrients are lost in the manufacturing process that turns cassava into tapioca.” Still, you will see some brands that advertise the health benefits of it wherever you go.

 

What is Tapioca Starch Used for in the Philippines?

 

Tapioca starch does not provide significant amounts of nutrients, such as protein, fatty acids, vitamins, or minerals. In short, its nutritional profile is very similar to wheat flour.

Also, tapioca starch only provides very little protein, with a serving providing just 0.2 grams of the macronutrient. Still, Filipinos love using tapioca starch to thicken soups and sauces, much like one would use potato starch, cornstarch, or even rice flour.

Gluten and grain-free bread

 

Tapioca starch doesn’t have many health benefits, but it is grain- and gluten-free. It is a very fine, white powder that works well in gluten-free baking. In fact, it can replace cornstarch as a thickener and aids in creating a crisp crust and chewy texture in baking.

Make sure to create a delicious gluten-free sandwich bread by using tapioca starch. Without the stretch of gluten, the starch helps hold the bread together.

Without tapioca starch as the ingredient, the loaf or gluten-free bread will turn out dense and heavy.

 

Flatbread

 

For bakers, tapioca starch is a significant ingredient in flatbread recipes as it is used to add elasticity and chew to gluten-free baked goods. Besides adding the most natural flavor,  it also makes the flatbread nice and sturdy, which is the best for rolling up burritos or wraps.

With different toppings, it can be served as breakfast, lunch, dinner, or dessert.

Desserts

 

Tapioca starch is used for a variety of desserts worldwide. Check the following to have an idea of what to make:

  • Pao de Queijo – Brazilian Cheese Bread
  • Apple Pie Dessert
  • Pandan Jelly Dessert
  • Quick Persimmon Dessert
  • Easy Sopapilla Dessert
  • Banana-Apricot Dessert Crepe
  • Autumn Amaranth Cookie Bars

Aside from these delicious and easy-to-make desserts, tapioca’s pearls are used to make puddings, desserts, snacks, or bubble tea. If you’re looking for more flavorful ones, you could search for them online or contact us for assistance!

 

Thickener

 

In the Philippines, tapioca starch is considered an excellent thickener that is superior to arrowroot and potato starch. It provides a crispy crust and chewy texture that serves as an effective thickening agent for recipes in the pudding, cookie dough, sauces, and gravies.

Some people choose tapioca starch because it is a wonderful ingredient for cooking. Cassava is a vegetable that is a staple ingredient of many diets worldwide. Indeed, tapioca starch is a great source of gluten-free flour to make bread and other baked products that are suitable for eaters with an intolerance to gluten.

 

Binding Agent

 

Starch is an important constituent in many foods because it’s a binding agent in achieving the desired viscosity in such products. As mentioned by Healthline, “tapioca starch is added to burgers, nuggets, and dough to improve their texture and moisture content. It also traps moisture in a gel-like form to avoid sogginess.”

 

Why Use Tapioca Starch in the Philippines?

 

From a nutritional standpoint, tapioca starch doesn’t really stand out because it is heavy in calories. However, it is more often preferred as it is a grain- and gluten-free product with many uses.

As mentioned by Web MD, “tapioca starch is a gluten-free substitute for wheat flour, making it an ideal alternative for people with celiac disease. It is also easy to digest, making it a good choice for people with Irritable Bowel Syndrome and other digestive issues.”

Some grocery stores sell tapioca starch in the produce section of the market. You’ll find it near other root vegetables like carrots, turnips, or yams. This type of starch is available year-round. Tapioca in all forms is also available year-round.

 

Nutritional Value of Tapioca Starch in the Philippines

 

Due to its lack of protein and other nutrients in ingredients, tapioca starch is nutritionally inferior to most grains and flours. It only contains minor amounts of nutrients, which amounts to less than 0.1% of the recommended daily amount in one serving.

However, it is a natural source of resistant starch, and it has been linked to a number of benefits for overall health. According to studies, resistant starch functions like soluble fiber that improves insulin sensitivity, lowers blood sugar levels, reduced appetite, and several benefits for digestion.

 

As mentioned by Web MD, “a  1/4 cup serving of tapioca starch contains the following nutrients:”

Calories: 100
Protein: 0 grams
Fat: 0 grams
Carbohydrates: 26 grams
Fiber: 0 grams
Sugar: 0 grams”

 

Health Benefits of Tapioca Starch in the Philippines

 

According to Healthline, “properly processed tapioca is safe to eat and cheap to buy. In fact, it’s a life-saving staple in several developing countries.” Although tapioca starch is readily available worldwide, people who use it on a daily basis may ultimately lack protein and other nutrients.

 

Tapioca Starch for Manufacturing Business in the Philippines

 

If you’re looking for a tapioca starch manufacturing business in the Philippines, you can contact us for more information. Wills International is a reliable supply chain partner for the local manufacturing companies in the Philippines to distribute a wide array of product lines to cater to the food specialty, commodity, non-food products, chemicals, and animal feed raw materials and ingredients.

Since its birth, Wills International Sales Corp. sourced quality but affordable products from both international and domestic markets and offered them directly to its clients.

 

When to Use Tapioca Starch in the Philippines?

 

Tapioca starch can be used in a variety of ways. Since it is a gluten-free flour made from the starch of cassava root,  it can be used for cooking and baking. Still, most recipes are for sugar-sweetened desserts only.

You can also use tapioca starch as a  thickener for sauces, soups, puddings, and stews.

 

Can Tapioca Starch Replace Cornstarch?

 

Cornstarch makes a great replacement for tapioca starch because it is naturally gluten-free, making it particularly suitable for gluten-free cooking and baking.

Yet, tapioca is often favored over other thickeners because it is much more affordable in the market. If you are using tapioca starch as a substitute for cornstarch in your favorite recipe, use two tablespoons of tapioca for each tablespoon of cornstarch.

 

Can Tapioca Starch Replace Flour?

 

Tapioca starch is a great gluten-free substitute for flour as it contains more fiber, making it a more nutrient-dense replacement.

 

Can Tapioca Starch Replace Potato Starch?

 

Tapioca starch is gluten-free and can replace potato starch. However, it has a heavier consistency and may result in a denser product, depending on what you’re cooking.

 

How to Use Tapioca Starch for Business in the Philippines?

 

There are different uses for tapioca starch in the Philippines. Some people use it mainly for baking, and the rest use it for cooking meat, snacks, and even processed food.

You can find tapioca starch in the gluten-free section at many grocery and health food stores, so you won’t have any problems obtaining it.

 

Tapioca Starch for Baking

 

Even if you’re not a baker yourself, you’ve probably heard of tapioca starch before. Nonetheless, it is often considered a baker’s secret ingredient.

Truth be told, tapioca starch is just the thing you need to take your favorite recipe to the next level. Baking is very rewarding, and if you follow a good recipe, you will be satisfied in the end.

Experience The Best of Baking with Tapioca Starch

Tapioca starch is ideal to use for baking purposes. Gluten-free or ordinary bakers often recommend using tapioca starch to blend with other flours such as rice flour and potato starch.

In fact, people worldwide commonly use tapioca to make pudding and other baking goods. As an ingredient, it is useful as a thickener in pies, sauces, and soups since it never discolors and contains no discernible taste or smell for eaters.

Lastly, tapioca starch adds crispness to crusts and chew to baked goods. According to Bob’s Red Mills, “tapioca starch is an excellent way to amp up the texture of any baking recipe. Whether you’d like to thicken up your favorite pie pudding or create the ooey-gooey gluten-free cookies that you have saved online, tapioca starch is your new best friend.”

 

Tapioca Starch Meat, Snacks, & Processed Food

 

Throughout the years, manufacturers found success with tapioca starches. As eaters, we all want our foods and beverages to taste good without getting us too fat with calories and sugar.

Fortunately, product developers recognize that low-fat, high-fiber, and low carbs are critical factors today, and tapioca starches can help resolve the matter. Since then, starch is added to frozen products to prevent them from dripping when defrosted.

 

Who sells Tapioca Starch in the Philippines?

Tapioca Starch Supplier in the Philippines

 

If you’re looking for a trustworthy supplier and manufacturer of tapioca starch in the Philippines, you can always count on us.

Wills International Sales Corporation is a reliable supply chain partner for the local manufacturing companies in the Philippines for the distribution of a wide array of product lines to cater the food specialty, commodity, non-food products, chemicals, and animal feed raw materials and ingredients.

With our main objective to service our valued clients with an uninterrupted supply of high-quality goods at the most competitive price, Wills has grown the business partnership with our foreign and local principals and expanded our product portfolio to serve the Philippine market.

Make sure to check out our website for more product options aside from tapioca starch. We won’t let you down!

Find out how our tapioca starches can help you formulate in-demand, on-trend products for today’s consumers. Get more information on our products by visiting our website at www.willis.com.ph, or you may also contact us via [email protected].

 

Conclusion

 

Although tapioca starch isn’t something that gives you plenty of nutrients for the body, it is still an ingredient worth buying. It is gluten-free, nut-free, and grain-free for anyone to consider buying it.

It won’t cause problems for people with celiac disease, gluten sensitivity, and even nut allergies. Aside from being easy and helpful for the stomach, it is reasonably priced in the market.

Tapioca starch has been enjoyed throughout the world and is relied on as an essential part of certain cultural diets due to its composition. Although human beings are concerned about staying fit most of the time, there are also many who seek options for healthy weight gain.

 

Stay Fit with the Help of Tapioca Starch in the Philippines

 

Staying healthy, both physically and emotionally, can help you enjoy and appreciate life on a different level. If you’re eating the right food, your body will be strong enough to help you cope with stress and fight illnesses.

Eating healthy and exercising often will also help you stay in good health later in life. Being underweight can be just as dangerous as being obese, and tapioca starch can provide a quick and easy way to gain weight healthfully.

When we force ourselves to do something we don’t want to, it leads us to view it as a negative factor. Sometimes, exercise becomes something you do for others, not yourself.

Staying fit is a dream come true, but moderation and will are always important. Instead of tiring yourself, eat foods that can give you the proper nutrients you need, like tapioca starch.  What you eat each day affects your health and how you feel afterward. Remember this: good nutrition always plays a significant role in helping you lead a healthy lifestyle.

Consider adding tapioca starch to your diet from now on. Creating healthy eating habits doesn’t have to be hard. If you start by incorporating small changes into your daily habits, you can make a significant impact in time.

If you have any questions or clarifications, do not hesitate to contact us!

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