Malanga or yautia - equally popular Cuban and Puerto Rican names respectively, is a starch staple common in the tropics. Boiled, it develops a texture and flavor similar to earthy, full-flavored dried beans blended with waxy potatoes. Fried, it is nutty and crisp. Select light colored, rock-hard malanga, without soft, shrivelled or moldy areas. Keep at room temperature for a short period of time. Store at 55°F.