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Xanthosoma is a genus of about 50 species of tropical and sub-tropical arums in the flowering plant family, Araceae, all native to tropical America. Several species are grown for their starchy corms, an important food staple of tropical regions, known variously as malanga, new cocoyam, tannia, tannier, yautía, macabo, taioba, dasheen, quequisque and 'ape. Many other species (including especially X. roseum) are utilized as ornamental plants, and in popular horticultural literature are known as 'ape or elephant ear (from the purported resemblance of the leaf to an elephant's ear), although the latter name is sometimes also applied to members with similar appearance and uses in the closely related genera of Caladium, Colocasia (i.e., taro), and Alocasia.

Source: Wikipedia

Malanga
DESCRIPTION
The malanga root is wrapped in a though brown and shaggy patchy thin skin that reveals its pinkish, beige or yellowish flesh, not consistent in shape, with a very crisp slippery texture.
Cooked delivers a distinct nutlike flavor and texture resembling a potatoe, boiled develops a smooth and melting quality.
People with food allergies sometimes find that malanga is a great hypoallergenic flour alternative because of its very small particles of starch, reducing the risk of an allergic reaction.
yuca de Costa Rica
Nutritional facts
Serving Size: 1 Cup    
Calories 132 (552 kJ)
    % Daily Value 1
Total Fat 0.5g 1%
Sat. Fat 0.1g 1%
Cholesterol 0mg 0%
Sodium 28mg 1%
Total Carbs. 32g 11%
Dietary Fiber 2g 8%
Sugars 30g  
Protein 2g