It’s a woody shrub native to South America with a starchy tuberous root. It provides an important source of carbohydrates in certain regions, although it’s not high in protein or essential vitamins.

Tropical Tapioca is designed to be a heart-healthy dessert with no sugar added. In a medium heavy-bottomed saucepan, stir together soy milk and tapioca pearls; let sit 30 minutes to hydrate pearls.

I’ve converted many people to tapioca with this recipe, so if you are a sceptic, I urge you to close your eyes and give it a try. This pudding is nothing like the frogspawn texture you might remember ...

An illustration of vintage desserts like a pink and cream Swiss roll, strawberry tart, and others - Graphicaartis/Getty Images Picture a cafeteria tray in the 1970s or '80s, where a sludgy scoop of ...