What Is Plantain, All You Need To Know About This Ubiquitous Fruit

Plantain is a fruit that is extremely common. This article aims to provide information about the most popular fruit on earth. Plantains are a member of the banana family, which means they are similar in many ways including appearance, nutrients, and even how they grow! Find out more about this ubiquitous fruit in this article.

What is plantain?

Plantain is a type of fruit that is closely related to the banana. It is often used as a cooked vegetable or in stews and soups.

Plantains are a staple food in many parts of the world, especially in Africa, Latin America, and the Caribbean. In some cultures, plantains are considered to be a sacred food.

The plantain is a very versatile fruit, and can be used in a variety of dishes. It can be cooked and eaten as a vegetable, or used as a starch in dishes such as stews or curries. When ripe, plantains can also be eaten raw or made into desserts such as pies or ice cream.

When buying plantains, look for ones that are dark yellow or black in color. Avoid plantains that are green or have brown spots. ripe plantains will yield to gentle pressure but should not be mushy.

To prepare plantains, wash them thoroughly under running water. Peel off the skin using a sharp knife or vegetable peeler. Slice the flesh into thin strips or cubes as desired. Plantains can be cooked by boiling, frying, baking, or grilling.

Health benefits of plantain

Plantain is a fruit that is closely related to the banana, and in fact, is often referred to as the ‘cooking banana’. Plantains are an important food crop in many tropical countries and are a staple in the diets of many people.

There are many health benefits associated with plantains. They are an excellent source of dietary fiber, vitamins A and C, potassium, and magnesium. Plantains have also been shown to have anti-inflammatory properties and can help protect against certain diseases such as cancer.

Plantain Nutrition Facts:

A 100 gram serving of plantain (approximately 1 small plantain) contains the following nutrients:

– Calories: 121
– Fat: 0.4 grams
– Protein: 1.2 grams
– Carbohydrates: 31 grams
– Fiber: 2.7 grams
– Vitamin A: 3% of the RDI*
– Vitamin C: 16% of the RDI*
– Potassium: 8% of the RDI*
– Magnesium: 6% of the RDI*

*RDI = Recommended Daily Intake

Types of plantain:

There are two main types of plantain that are widely consumed:

– Green plantain
– Yellow/black plantain

Green plantains are unripe and have a firm flesh with a starchy taste. They are mostly used in savory dishes as they can be difficult to eat when ripe.

Yellow/black plantains are ripe and have a softer, sweeter flesh. They are often used in sweet dishes or simply fried as a snack.

Is plantain a fruit or vegetable?

Plantain is a fruit that is native to tropical regions of the world. It is often used as a food source in these regions and is also grown commercially for export. The plantain has a thick skin and a starchy flesh that can be cooked in many different ways. It is not as sweet as some other fruits, but has a unique flavor that many people enjoy.

Differences between banana and plantain

Banana and plantain are both fruits that belong to the Musaceae family. They are often confused with each other because they look quite similar. However, there are some key differences between the two fruits.

For one, banana is sweeter than plantain. Bananas also have a softer texture and are eaten raw, while plantains are starchier and need to be cooked before eating. Plantains are also longer and thinner than bananas.

Another difference is in how they are used in cooking. Bananas are typically used in desserts, while plantains are used more as a savory ingredient. Plantains can be fried, mashed, or even made into chips.

So, the next time you see a plantain at the grocery store, don’t mistake it for a banana!

Can you eat plantain raw?

You shouldn’t eat raw plantains if you’re not used to them because they can upset your stomach.

But if you are used to it then raw plantain can be eaten as is, or it can be cooked. When raw, plantain has a starchy taste and a firm texture. It can be hard to chew if not cooked properly.

We believe that plantain taste better when it is boiled, fried, or baked.

How to grow plantains:

To grow plantains, you will need a warm, humid climate with plenty of rain or irrigation. Plantains grow best in deep, rich soils that are high in organic matter. They should be planted in full sun at least 8 hours per day.

Before planting, the soil should be loosened and any large rocks or debris removed. The planting hole should be twice as wide as the root ball and just deep enough so that the plant’s crown is level with the soil surface. Water the plant well after planting.

Once established, plantains require little care other than regular watering during dry periods. Fertilize monthly with a balanced fertilizer during the growing season. When the fruit begins to form, you can increase the fertilizer to every 2 weeks.

Harvesting takes place when the fruit is fully ripe and has turned yellow or black. To harvest, cut the stalk close to the base of the plant using a sharp knife. Handle carefully as ripe fruit can bruise easily.

Baked plantain: Why this tastes so good!

When it comes to plantain, there is no denying that this fruit is absolutely delicious. But what exactly makes it so tasty?

Well, for starters, baked plantain is incredibly sweet. This is due to the high sugar content that is present in the fruit. Additionally, the baking process helps to caramelize the sugars, giving the plantain an even sweeter flavor.

Another reason why baked plantain tastes so good is because of its texture. The flesh of the plantain is soft and creamy, making it extremely pleasurable to eat. When combined with the sweetness of the fruit, this makes for a truly irresistible treat.

So there you have it – two reasons why baked plantain tastes so good. If you’ve never tried it before, then we highly recommend that you do!

A savory baked plantain recipe

When it comes to plantains, there are countless ways to prepare them. This baked plantain recipe is a savory take on the classic dish. Plantains are a starchy fruit, so they work well as a side dish or even as a main course. Serve this recipe with rice and beans for a complete meal.

Ingredients:

– 4 green plantains
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– 1 teaspoon salt
– ½ teaspoon black pepper

How to prepare:

1. Preheat the oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit.
2. Peel the plantains and slice them into thin rounds.
3. In a large bowl, toss the plantain slices with olive oil, salt, and black pepper.
4. Spread the plantains in a single layer on a baking sheet and bake for 20 minutes, or until golden brown. Serve immediately.

Baked plantains are a delicious and easy way to enjoy this versatile fruit. Of course you cab slice plantains lengthwise as well and bake in a hot oven until tender and caramelized.

Serve as a side dish or topped with your favorite toppings for a quick and healthy meal.

Some savory toppings are:

– Sautéed onions
– Sautéed peppers
– Cheese
– Sour cream
– Chimichurri sauce
– Tomatillo salsa verde sauce
– Hot chili sauce

Conclusion

From its humble beginnings as a trash fruit to its current status as a dietary staple, plantain has come a long way. This versatile fruit can be used in sweet or savory dishes, and is a favorite of both children and adults alike. Whether you’re looking for something new to add to your diet or just want to learn more about this ubiquitous fruit, we hope this article has been helpful. What’s your favorite way to eat plantains?