How to Peel Yucca Root

By LeafTV Contributor

Yucca root, also known as cassava, is a fibrous vegetable that grows in warm climates including the southwestern United States, Mexico, Central and South America, and parts of Asia and Africa. Yucca is a root vegetable similar to carrots, parsnips, turnips and potatoes. It is used in southwestern, Caribbean and other types of cuisine, as well as for medicinal and cosmetic substances. Because its covering is like bark, peeling it is a bit more difficult than other root vegetables.

Microwave the yucca root for two minutes. This is an optional step, but helps to soften the root and the peel.

Make a vertical cut along the length of the yucca root with a sharp paring knife and lift one side. Peel away any skin that comes off easily.

Remove the rest of the skin from the root with a sharp sturdy potato peeler. Your sharp paring knife also can do the job, although this may require more work. Use a carving or scraping motion, whichever is easiest for you.

Peel the yucca root until you only see white vegetable and no brown crusty remnants of the yucca skin.