Further processing of dried chips

128. Cassava chips occupy considerable space. By milling the chips or pounding them in a mortar, you can reduce the volume.

Reducing volume

129. The flour that you prepare by grinding the dried chips is called cassava meal.

130. Cassava meal keeps well in storage. It is not affected by insects as the dried chips are.

131. Cassava meal must be stored in airtight containers because it will absorb water from outside, become moist and can get spoiled.

132. In Thailand, Malaysia and Indonesia, cassava is processed and exported to Europe for use as an animal feed. In Colombia and Brazil, more and more farmers are processing cassava and selling it as dried chips.

133. In these countries, part of the cassava is marketed as dried chips. The balance is marketed as pellets.

134. Pellets are made by pressing the meal into a cylindrical shape. Pellets are made in different sizes, but are usually about 2 to 3 cm long and 0.6 cm in diameter.

135. To make pellets, you need a special machine. Pelleting machines are expensive

136. Pellets have several advantages over cassava meal:

- They are less bulky.
- They are not dusty.
- They can be handled easily.
- They get a high price.

Cassava chips

137. Once you are experienced in making cassava chips, you may be interested in making pellets and selling them for more money.