Tapioca is produced from the starch of the cassava plant. Officially known as Tapioca starch, it differs from Cassava flour in that the Cassava flour is ground from the root itself.
Tapioca flour plays an obvious roll in thickening products like pudding, starches and gravy. It plays a more subtle role in baked products like muffins, biscuits, and other baked goods.
Tapioca flour is very bland and clean in flavor and does not mask other flavors used.