Plantain

Fried plantains

• It is a starchy banana-like fruit; eaten (always cooked) as a staple vegetable throughout the tropics; 
• A banana tree bearing hanging clusters of edible angular greenish starchy fruits; tropics and subtropics; 
• Any of numerous plants of the genus Plantago; mostly small roadside or dooryard weeds with elliptic leaves and small spikes of very small flowers; seeds of some used medicinally

Other names: Green Plaintain Yellow Plaintain Black Plaintain

• Are you aware that plantains are usually cooked before they are eaten?

• Are you aware that plantains look like bananas but are longer, thicker skinned and starchier in flavor?

• Are you aware that plantains are often referred to as cooking bananas?

Banana farm

• Are you aware that the plantain is popular in Latin American, Caribbean and Asian countries?

• Are you aware that plantains are a staple food in tropical regions and are prepared and served much like the U.S. uses potatoes?

• Are you aware that plantains are used more like a vegetable than a fruit?

• Are you aware that plantains have three different ripening stages?

• Are you aware that for each of the plantain’s ripening stage it has a different taste and cooking method?

• Are you aware that the first stage, the green plantain, tastes more like a potato and the interior is yellowish or slightly pink? (It is starchy at this stage.)

• Are you aware that the second stage, the yellow plantain, is used in dishes that require a slightly sweet taste and firm texture? (At this stage the plantain has a creamier texture and a light banana scent.)

Ripe plantains

• Are you aware that the third stage of growth when plantains are black they are used in sweet recipes or can also be eaten raw? (Black plantains are still firm and can be cooked. Their pulp is a deep yellow.)

• Are you aware that plantains grow on trees in bunches like bananas?

• Are you aware that plantains are usually stored at room temperature?

• Are you aware that plantains are a good source of vitamins A and C and potassium? (Vitamin A is important for cell growth, for fighting off diseases and for good vision. Vitamin C is needed by the body to form collagen in bones, cartilage, muscle, and blood vessels, and aids in the absorption of iron. Potassium balances the fluids in your body, is important for normal blood pressure, muscle growth and the functioning of the brain and nervous system.)

• Are you aware that plantains can be baked, boiled, fried, grilled and roasted?

Ogbonon plantains

• Are you aware that plantain chips are a popular snack in many countries? (Plantains are sliced and fried, producing chips.)

• Are you aware that plantain leaves are larger and stronger than banana leaves?

• Are you aware that plantain leaves are used in some countries as wrappers for certain dishes such as tamales or seasoned meats?

• Are you aware that plantain leaves in India are used like plates?

Nutritional information on Plantain

NB:Carbohydrate, by difference(total carbs-fiber) is also called net carbs