Yuca root (Manihot esculenta) also referred to as cassava or manioc is eaten in many parts of the world including Mexico. The tuber is used like a potato. Yuca is as known as manioc which is the root used to produce tapioca. The root is fairly perishable and should not be stored for over a week. Once peeled the root is a soft white color. It may be sliced and deep-fried into chips, cubed and used in soups and stews, ground and used as a natural thickener, fried like fritters, or baked, boiled, or broiled like potatoes. Yuca is sometimes grated and dried and referred to as yuca or cassava starch.

Although this tuber is sometimes called "yucca root" it should not be confused with the yucca plant which an inedible and astringent agave.