malanga root It is a type of tropical root vegetable rich in B vitamins and complex carbohydrates. This plant, native to South America, is often confused with taro, another root vegetable from the same family, but the two are different. Malanga root has a slight sweetness, while taro is more nutritious.
This article tells you everything you need to know about malanga root, including its taste, texture, and nutritional benefits.
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Malanga Root: A Journey through the Senses
Malanga root has a unique flavor profile and texture compared to better-known root vegetables such as carrots. It is often replaced with taro, although the two do not taste the same and do not offer the same health benefits.
Taste
Malanga root is often referred to as the “potato of the tropics” because it is native to tropical places and is as versatile as the staple potato that many people keep in their pantries. Unlike typical potato varieties, malanga root is not a nightshade.
Although the texture and appearance of malanga root resembles potatoes, its taste and smell are not the same. Malanga has a rich, nutty flavor along with a slight sweetness when prepared. The taste and smell of malanga root are similar in that it is more flavorful and fragrant than other root vegetables with which it is often confused.
Tissue
Unlike taro, which is soft and slightly slimy, malanga root is hard and dry.
This makes it a versatile option for those looking to expand their culinary experience beyond potatoes, wanting something similar in feel and texture but with a different flavor profile.
Malanga root also has a hair-like texture to the touch, making it more difficult to peel.
Peeling Malanga Root
When peeling malanga root, you should approach it like a pumpkin. First cut the ends and then the entire vegetable into three small pieces. Next, you will cut the bark on both sides of the malanga root into thin slices until all the bark is gone.
Benefits and Nutritional Distribution of Malanga
Malanga root contains many nutrients that the body needs for various functions.
The distribution of nutrients and how they affect the body are as follows:
| Nutritional Profile | What is it for? |
| 200 calories | Energy for cells |
| 7.24 grams (g) fiber | Gut health, cholesterol levels, blood sugar levels |
| 25.6 milligrams (mg) calcium | Building and maintaining strong bones and heart, muscle and nerve health |
| 42.6mg magnesium | Muscle, nerve and bone health that maintains healthy blood sugar levels |
| 108mg phosphorus | Growth, maintenance and repair of cells, tissues and genetic material, including DNA and RNA |
| 683mg potassium | Hydration, maintaining fluid in cells, supporting proper blood pressure and muscle contraction |
Compounds in Malanga Root that Improve General Health
Malanga root contains high levels of carotenoids, which are plant compound pigments that act as antioxidants in the body. Antioxidants help fight inflammation.
Is There Anyone Who Doesn’t Use Malanga Root?
Malanga root is generally considered safe to consume, but should be avoided if a person already has high levels of potassium.
If a person gets too much potassium in their diet or has a health disorder that causes a buildup of the nutrient, consuming too much malanga root can lead to dangerously high levels in the blood, a condition known as hyperkalemia.
Hyperkalemia is a medical emergency if not addressed quickly. Symptoms include:
- Muscle weakness and spasms
- burnout
- Hyperventilation or shortness of breath
- Nausea and vomiting
- Paralysis
- Tingling feeling in the body
- Irregular heartbeat (arrhythmias)
- confusion, confusion
- Seizures, coma and death in the worst cases
How to Prepare Malanga Root?
Malanga root should never be consumed raw. There are many ways to prepare the vegetable to your liking. Since they resemble potatoes, you can cook them like this:
- Boil
- Cooking
- roasting
- steaming
- Mash (after boiling to soften)
According to the research, traditional ways malanga is prepared include:
- Peeling, boiling and mashing the vegetable with spices or other vegetables
- Serve in soup or stew
- Peel, slice and fry like you would french fries
Where Can I Find Malanga?
Although not every grocery store carries malanga root, many in the United States do. Its popularity has increased in recent years, and with demand increasing, more stores are able to stock it on their shelves.
Some grocery stores and online product stores that may contain malanga root include:
- Kroger
- Walmart
- Central Market
- Premier Production One
Summary
Malanga root is a vegetable similar to potatoes. It is often confused with or interchanged with yuca, but the two are not the same. They offer different nutrients and flavor profiles. People who want to consume malanga root can do so safely as long as they do so in moderation and do not already experience high levels of potassium in their blood.
Malanga root should only be consumed after cooking, and since it’s as versatile as potatoes, you can use it to make everything from stir-fries to mash.
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