Cassava: The root that fed the Caribbean’s first people
Long before European ships crossed the Caribbean and before the first colonists planted sugar cane, the people of these islands already had a crop that sustained them through drought, hurricane and invasion.
Cassava, known to the Arawak and Taino as yuca or manioc, was more than food. It was culture, currency and survival. For a more complete summary of the story, please see the below link:
Published on: Oct 28, 2025 10:50 AM