How did the four children found in the jungle survive for 40 days? What is cassava flour?

Search parties rescued four children who had been missing in the Amazon jungle for 40 days after their plane crashed. The siblings, aged 13 to one, managed to survive their ordeal with the help of seeds and six pounds of fariña, or cassava flour, which they had with them on the plane. They also had a bottle which they used to collect water in the jungle.

The kids hid themselves in tree trunks for shelter and to protect themselves from animals. The youngest child turned one during the time they were missing.

What is cassava flour?

The children were nourished for some time by eating fariña, which is a specific type of coarse flour made from cassava, also known as yuca or manioc. Cassava is a starchy vegetable native to South America that belongs to the root and tuber family, along with potatoes, sweet potatoes, yams, and taro.

It’s a staple crop in many tropical regions due to their ability to grow well in poor soil conditions and withstand drought.

The vegetable is primarily grown for its starchy roots, which are the main edible part of the plant. These tuberous roots are rich both in carbohydrates and calories, and serve as a significant source of food for millions of people all over the world.

Familiarity with the rainforest: Key to the kids’ survival

The cassava flour was essential in the children’s survival by providing them with energy for days. However, authorities and family members have said that the children, who are members of the Huitoto indigenous group, also had some familiarity with the hostile environment and knowledge of the fruits in the rainforest which helped them to stay alive.

Their indigenous origins are also believed to have provided them with some immunity against diseases that could be acquired in the jungle.