What are the major varieties of cassava?

There are two major varieties of cassava.

• Sweet variety
  

-Contains low quantities of hydrogen cyanide and does not require much processing. -The roots of this variety will rot quickly if left in the soil after maturity.

-Rarely mass cultivated, due to limited demand

-Minute cyanide content

-Little application in food processing or bio-fuel industry

-Mainly consumed directly or as a cooking ingredient

• Bitter variety
  

-Contains a high hydrogen cyanide content

- requires the roots to be detoxified before consumption to avoid poisoning

-Unlike the sweet variety, the roots of this variety can be left unharvested in the soil for a long period and will not spoil even after ripening

-Not suitable for human consumption but highly valuable for industrial processing into cassava starch, chips, pellets which have various industrial applications.

The top three varieties of cassava in Thailand are Kasetsart 50, followed by Rayong 5, and Rayong 72.