That alarming headline about the “world’s deadliest food” can certainly grab your attention. But as with many sensational health stories, the reality is more nuanced.
The food in question is cassava, also known as manioc or yuca. It is a starchy root crop that serves as an important source of calories for hundreds of millions of people, particularly in Africa, South America, and parts of Asia.
Cassava can contain naturally occurring cyanogenic compounds, which can release hydrogen cyanide when the plant tissue is damaged or improperly processed. Eating cassava that
