Cassava Leaves: A Vegetable Rich in Benefits

Introduction to Cassava Leaves

Cassava Leaves

Cassava leaves (Manihot esculenta C.) are taken from cassava plants and then used as vegetables. Cassava leaves are processed by boiling, stir-frying, processing with coconut milk, or as an additional ingredient in processed dishes. Cassava is also known as ketela, a term derived from the word kastela due to the influence of the Portuguese and Spanish traders. It is believed that cassava originated from Southern Brazil, Eastern Bolivia, and other parts of South America, and has been cultivated for 8,000 to 10,000 years. The spread of cassava has reached almost all parts of the world, including Africa, Madagascar, and Asia, such as India and China.

Binomial name

Manihot esculenta Crantz.

Scientific Classification

Kingdom

Plantae

Division

Spermatophyta

Subdivision

Angiospermae

Class

Dicotyledoneae

Ordo

Euphorbiales

Family

Euphorbiaceae

Genus

Manihot

Species

Manihot esculenta Crantz.

The Origin of Cassava Leaves

From South America to Worldwide

Cassava originates from Brazil, Paraguay, and Peru in South America. It was first cultivated around 8,000 to 10,000 years ago. It is believed that cassava spread to Africa through Portuguese traders in the 16th century. In Indonesia, cassava was introduced in the 16th century by Portuguese and Spanish traders, along with other commodities such as sweet potatoes, potatoes, corn, peanuts, and tomatoes. Cassava was then cultivated extensively in Indonesia in the 19th century through techniques adapted to the local climate.

Interesting Facts

Burnt cassava tubers were found at a Classic Maya site dating back to 600 AD.
Cassava leaves contain cyanide acid, which is toxic, so they should not be consumed raw.
In Africa, cassava leaves are ground into a powder and used as a compress for fever and headaches.

You Should Know!

Cassava is found throughout almost all regions of Indonesia because it can grow in both dry and wet conditions, and its cultivation and care are relatively simple.

Nutritional Content of Cassava Leaves

Per (100 gram)

Energy

31 kkal

Total Fat

0,6 gr

Vitamin A

0 mcg

Vitamin B1

0,02 gr

Vitamin B2

0,1 gr

Vitamin B3

1,7 gr

Vitamin C

34 mg

Total Carbohydrates

4,8 mg

Protein

3,7 gr

Dietary Fiber

1,6 gr

Calsium

160 mg

Phosphor

50 mg

Sodium

13 mg

Pottasium

14 mg

Copper

100 mcg

Iron

2,6 mg

Zinc

2 mg

Main Health Benefits

Weight Control

Cassava leaves can be a good food source when on a diet. They contain more fiber than spinach. This high fiber content helps you feel full for a longer time. Additionally, it helps control appetite, reducing cravings for sweet foods.

Boosting Immune System

Cassava leaves are rich in vitamin A, vitamin C, antioxidants, and protein, which play a crucial role in enhancing the immune system. Vitamin C helps fight off viruses and bacteria entering the body by increasing white blood cell production.

Maintaining Bone Health

The compounds in cassava leaves that help maintain bone health include calcium, magnesium, protein, and phosphorus. The calcium in cassava leaves helps maintain bone density, while magnesium strengthens bones and makes them denser.

Promoting Skin Health

The antioxidants in cassava leaves can help prevent skin issues like acne and reduce skin redness from inflammation. Vitamin C in cassava leaves plays a role in brightening the skin, speeding up wound healing, and boosting collagen production.

Preventing Anemia

Cassava leaves are rich in iron, which is essential for red blood cell production. A stable production of red blood cells helps prevent anemia. Additionally, cassava leaves also help prevent hypertension.

Good for Pregnant Women’s Health

Cassava leaves contain various vitamins and minerals that can support the health of pregnant women. The high iron content helps prevent anemia during pregnancy. Additionally, the vitamins A and C in cassava leaves contribute to the strengthening of the pregnancy and provide essential nutrition for the baby.

Preventing Constipation and Diarrhea

Cassava leaves are high in fiber, which helps facilitate digestion and keeps the intestines active. Additionally, cassava leaves contain ethanol compounds that are beneficial for preventing diarrhea.

Did You Know?

Cassava leaves are very beneficial for pregnant women due to their high vitamin and iron content. Pregnant women can safely consume cassava leaves by choosing tender, non-bitter cassava tips, boiling them properly, and then consuming them.

Economic Potential and Market

Cassava Leaves Goes Global, Here's Its Economic Potential!

Cassava leaves are a green vegetable that is easily found in Indonesia. With a slightly bitter taste, this vegetable is widely consumed as fresh vegetables or cooking ingredients, especially Padang cuisine. This vegetable can be harvested many times from cassava plants. Cassava leaves can also be used as raw materials for the pharmaceutical and cosmetic industries. Cassava leaves are known as saka-saka or pondu in Africa which are used as cooking ingredients. Countries such as Malaysia, Singapore and the Middle East can also be export destinations for cassava leaves.

Fun Facts

Indonesia has exported 27 thousand tons of frozen cassava in the period 2018-2022.
The total export value of cassava leaves was recorded at 10,233 US dollars or equivalent to IDR 165 million.

Read Other Articles About Cassava Leaves on Kebunindo

Explore more articles about cassava leaves commodities on Kebunindo. Learn more about cassava cultivation, benefits, and economic potential.