Do you know how to peel plantains? This bright green vegetable may look like a giant banana, but they are handled differently in the kitchen.
Once you get the hang of peeling plantains you'll love cooking with them – they are great fried, baked, stewed and even stuffed with meat or cheese. Yum!
What is plantain?
Plantains are a tropical starchy fruit from the banana family. They can be eaten baked, fried, grilled, steam or boiled, either ripe or unripe. Sometimes referred to as 'cooking bananas' as opposed to 'dessert bananas', they are a cultivar of the Musa genus.
The nutritional benefits of plantain
Plantains are high in carbohydrates and are a rich source of fibre, vitamins and minerals. They are also packed with antioxidants and Vitamin C to support the immune system. Plantains are an excellent source of Vitamin B6.
Banana or plantain: what’s the difference?
Bananas are enjoyed ripe and their skin is easily peeled back. Plantains, on the other hand, can be consumed green or ripe, but must be cooked. Also, plantains require a bit more dexterity because they are much tougher to peel.
