24 FOOD FOR THE TROPICS 



Cassava must go straight from the garden to the pot, if 

 possible, the same morning, as the day after it is dug up it 

 becomes hard and unfit for food. It can be grated and 

 exposed to the sun, or dried on heated plates, when it will 

 keep for almost an unlimited time. It has a non-poisonous 

 juice, and tough portions in the centre ; but becomes quite 

 soft by boiling. It is also eaten roasted, but is not nearly 

 so much used as the Bitter Mandioca. 



The green tops are excellent fodder for cattle, and the 

 stems for firewood. 



