Why must Malanga generally be cooked before consumption?
Answer
To neutralize potentially irritating compounds
Malanga is not intended for consumption in its raw state, and cooking is a mandatory step before it can be safely eaten. The primary reason for this requirement is that the raw tuber contains certain compounds that possess the capability to cause irritation or discomfort if ingested without heat treatment. Cooking serves the dual purpose of rendering the tuber palatable by achieving a desired creamy texture while simultaneously deactivating these potentially irritating biological compounds, ensuring safe consumption.
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