Gari
Description
Gari is a granular fermented cassava product widely consumed in West Africa, prepared as a dry staple or rehydrated into doughs and porridges.
Fermentation process
- Cassava roots peeled, washed, and grated
- Mash fermented spontaneously for 2–5 days
- Fermented mash pressed to remove liquid
- Granules roasted to produce the final product
Reported microbiology (examples)
- LAB: Lactobacillus spp., Leuconostoc spp. (commonly reported)
- Fermentation contributes to detoxification of cyanogenic compounds
Functional relevance
- Detoxification of cassava
- Improved shelf-life and safety
- Source of organic acids and fermentative metabolites
References
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