Plantain

This is a popup dialog that overlays the main content of the page. The popup includes a search form to help you find the information you are seeking. Pressing the close button or using the escape key will close the popup.

Search for...

Characteristics

Plantains look like large bananas but are much starchier and versatile. They are cooked like vegetables and taste similar to potatoes.
They are an important part of Central and South American, Caribbean, African and Southeast Asian cuisines.
Plantains can be eaten at any stage of ripeness. They ripen like bananas.
1 medium plantain contains:
- 25% of your recommended daily value of vitamin B-6 to support your metabolism and immune system.
- 25% of your recommended daily value of potassium to support your kidney, heart, muscles and nerves.

Prepare

Plantains should be cooked before eating. To peel a green plantain, slice off both ends and cut a slit in the peel from tip to tip. Remove peel under cold running water to avoid staining hands. Peel ripe plantains like a banana.

Try plantains:

Sliced and fried in 2 tablespoons of cooking oil
Chopped and added to your favorite soups and stews
Boiled and mashed with oil and your favorite seasonings for a side

Store

Plantains can be stored at room temperature. To ripen green plantains, store out of direct sunlight 7-10 days.
If plantains have reached their desired ripeness and you aren’t ready to us them, peel and freeze them in a freezer safe plastic bag or container for up to 3 months.

Help end hunger. Join our community.