Tapioca is a starch extracted from the cassava root. It is used as a thickening agent in many foods. It can be made into flour -- it has a similar texture to cornstarch -- which is often times used in gluten-free breads. It can also be made into pearls in varying sizes. Personally, we like it best when it's floating in a tall glass of bubble tea.

　　木薯粉是从木薯根提取出来的一种淀粉，在很多食物中被用作增稠剂。木薯粉可以加工成面粉，跟玉米淀粉有相似的口感，经常被用来做不含麸质蛋白的面包。木薯粉也可以做成不同大小的珍珠。对我们来说，我们最喜欢的还是那一大杯奶茶里的珍珠。

　　If you don't live in a place where the bubble tea craze has hit yet, you should try it. You can make it yourself at home, giant tapioca pearls (or cubes) and all.

　　如果你住的地方珍珠奶茶还没有流行起来，那你更加要尝一下了。超大的木薯珍珠(或者方块)和其他所有的东西你都可以在家里自己做。

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（编辑：何莹莹）