Table of contents
History of the Plantain
The plantain is a fruit, and similar to avocadoes and tomatoes, which are both fruits that are consumed as vegetables, the plantain is also consumed as a vegetable.
The plantain (Musa paradisiaca) is a tall plant which can grow from 10 to 33 feet high. It has a cone-shaped false “trunk” which is formed by the leaf sheaths of its spirally arranged leaves. The fruit, which is green, is typically larger than and closely related to the common banana (Musa sapientum). The edible fruit of the plantain has more starch than the banana and is not meant to be eaten raw. The plant is believed to have originated in Southeast Asia. https://www.theplantaincouncil.com/about-the-plantain
How do I make plantains?
There are many different ways to consume the plantain – it can be steamed, boiled, grilled, baked or fried. Additionally, the plantain can be used when it is green, when it is yellow or beginning to ripen and when it is black, at its sweetest.
Plantain Recipe
Baked Plantains
Ingredients
- 3 ripe plantains dark yellow with many black spots
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 425° F.
- Line sheet pan with parchment paper.
- Peel plantains.
- Slice plantains on the bias or at an angle to make longer pieces, 1/4- to 1/3-inch thick.
- Pile the plantain slices on the baking sheet and drizzle with oil. Toss to coat all the plantain strips on both sides. Lay plantains out in a single layer. Sprinkle generously with salt.
- Bake plantains for 10 minutes.
- Take sheet pan out. Flip plantains and bake another 10 minutes.
- Serve warm or at room temperature.
SOURCES
www.FruitsandVeggiesMoreMatters.org
www.Dr.Axe.com/Brain-Boosting, Immune-Building Fruit
https://www.theplantaincouncil.com/about-the-plantain
Maple Cinnamon Spiced Plantains
Ingredients
- 3 plantains ripened (black with a little yellow still slightly firm to the touch)
- 1 pinch cinnamon
- 1 pinch ginger
- 1 pinch nutmeg
- 1 pinch allspice
- 1 pinch cardamom
- 1 Tbsp approx maple syrup
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 425° F
- Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Peel and slice plantains.
- In a bowl, add plantains and remaining ingredients. Toss to coat on both sides.
- Place plantains on baking sheet in a single layer. Sprinkle generously with salt. Bake the plantains for 10 minutes. Then flip and bake another 10 minutes.
- Serve warm or at room temperature.