it's a starch, and therefore used to thicken liquids just like authentic arrowroot - excellent for sauces, etc.

Tapioca takes the form of uneven hard white grains that are partially water-soluble. The rhizome from which it comes contains a very dangerous juice, of which the poison is naturally eliminated during the washing and drying process. It is sold as small, medium or large grains.

Medicinal properties

In Brazil, tapioca is given to invalids as a nutrtional supplement