Youll need to add something to your plantains if you want to have a high-protein snack. Because of their appealing coloring, they are popularly grown as decorative plants. It also becomes progressively easier to peel. They have a similar flavor to any starchy vegetable; however, they are softer than potatoes. They can grow 3-10" long, and grow from the base quite erect. List of plantations - Wikipedia Bananas typically have a long, slender shape and are covered by a thick skin. Plantains are high in complex carbs, but most carbs come from starch, unlike bananas, which have more carbs from sugar. See additional information. That is, of course, unless you're fortunate enough to live in a tropical climate and can grow your own. 2. These are; the horn type, French type, false type and false horn type. However, in Western cultures, the term banana usually refers to the sweet, yellow variety. This is why high-fiber foods are often recommended to people who are trying to lose weight. Plantains are closely related to the banana, but theyre a distinct food. You can find out more about our use, change your default settings, and withdraw your consent at any time with effect for the future by visiting Cookies Settings, which can also be found in the footer of the site. Each variety has subgroups based on size or growth style. The main differences are in how each plant grows and the fruit bunches each produces. They can also help with immune system functions with their levels of vitamin C. Their vitamin B6 level may also aid in lowering cardiovascular risk and improving mood. Fried plantains are definitely less healthy than their non-fried counterparts. All rights reserved. They are typically smaller than other Central and South American bananas. Not only do they contain healthy levels of potassium, magnesium, fiber and vitamins A, C, and B6, but theyre also a good source of antioxidants that can help with everything from inflammation to immune system response. The calories and nutritional information are based on the plantain only. Find Plants by Plant Types - Gardenia.net They are very nutritious and could contain up to a third of an adults daily vitamin A requirement! 27 Common Types of Weeds with Names & Picture Identification This type of plantain is resistant to black Sigatoka, which is a serious disease that causes leaf spots. Plantains have a very small amount of protein (about 3.6 grams in one medium sized plantain) but its not enough for plantains to be considered a good source of it. Green (unripe) plantains are savory, while yellow/black (ripe) plantains will be quite sweet. In Haiti, they are called bannann peze. Plantains are usually larger and tougher than bananas, with much thicker skin. Or they have an insignificant amount. Plantains, like banana, grow in bunches called "hands". Plantain plants can grow up to 25 feet tall, and the large, attractive leaves reach up to 2 feet wide and 9 feet long. Plantains pack a surprising amount of health benefits into a small green package! Finally, you want to score along the seams, which equals four times. Plantains may have been grown in eastern Africa as early as 3000 BCE, and in Madagascar by 1000 BCE. Two groups of plantains are thought to have a common origin: the horn plantain and the French plantain. Carbohydrates arent necessarily a bad thing for weight management like most people believe. Video of the Day Description They are both firm and drier when not ripe. In fact, plantains can be a great boost to your diet. Endocrine Surgeon. Vitamins and Minerals. 5 If youre not used to eating a lot of fiber, plantains can cause discomfort like gas, bloating, and constipation. Im a traveler and photographer. Each bunch type has a variety of cultivars associated with Read More How Many Varieties Of Plantains Are There? This list is just a handful of the amazing meals using plantains. Most people prefer them cooked even at this stage. While a black banana will turn most stomachs, a black plantain is super sweet and ready for cooking. They are similar to banana chips but not as sweet and often not as thick. The biggest differences between bananas and plantains are their flavor profile, size, and skin thickness. For example, you can mash them as a side dish for meats and veggies, or you can distill them for banana juice to add to drinks and desserts. Most often, the first step to cooking plantains is to peel the fruit, which can be tricky. What does broadleaf plantain (Plantago major) look like? It is necessary for the metabolism of macronutrients, the formation of healthy red blood cells, and the production of neurotransmitters. Is there different types of plantain? A Guide to Buying and Cooking With Plantains. This is based on a weight of 0.5 lbs. Here are 7 benefits of red bananas and how they differ, Parmesan or Parmigiano-Reggiano is a hard Italian cheese. They are, in fact, plantains. Each bunch type has a variety of cultivars associated with it: French cultivars: Obino lEwai (Nigeria), Nendran (India), Dominico (Colombia). Yellow plantains often have many black spots on the outside. They may even be dipped in chocolate or spread on toast with nut butter. Today, plantains grow in dozens of countries around the world. But their commonalities dont end there. In fact, they share some nutritional and health-promoting qualities too. You can use this technique on all plantains, even the ripe ones. The horn variety produces a small number of hands of fruit, but they are large. They have leaves that are broad and may be up to two feet wide. Plantains are from the Musaceae family, which is the banana family. They are, in fact, plantains. It really depends on your personal preference and where the plantain is as far as its ripeness goes. Two groups of plantains are thought to have a common origin: the horn plantain and the French plantain. Plantains are more common in dishes in Central and South America and the Caribbean. The chart below expands on their base nutritional value of 100 grams of plantain. They must be cooked and are an important part of Central and South American, Caribbean, African, and Southeast Asian cuisines. Their leaves and pseudostems are covered in red spots. Plantain Nutritional Facts One cup (approximately 148 grams) raw plantain contains roughly the following: 181 calories 47.2 grams carbohydrates 1.9 grams protein 0.5 grams fat 3.4 grams fiber 27.2 milligrams vitamin C (45 percent DV) 1,668 international vitamin A (33 percent) 0.4 milligram vitamin B6 (22 percent) Then you suddenly realize what you thought was a banana is not. A. fter you have pried up a full section of the peel, you can get the rest of the skin up but sliding your fingers under the skin and lifting it. Once they ripen and become yellow, their starches have been converted to sugars, so theyll be less healthy for diabetics. Storyteller.travel shares the best travel insights, facts, and photos. You should be able to get the skin off in four whole sectioned pieces. French plantains, on the other hand, have large bunches with many fruits. Plantains are an excellent option for gluten-free or paleo-friendly recipes, like paleo pancakes. They should be cooked to be eaten. Plantains are commonly prepared while either ripened (while theyre yellow with black spots) or unripened (when theyre light green). Vitamin B6 is involved in a wide range of functions in the body. 57 mg. Plantains are a poor source of protein and fat, so they only represent one part of a healthy, balanced diet similar to many grains in the United . Plantains are related to the common Cavendish banana, and both share some similarities. Table of Contents Where do plantains grow? And for good reason. How long does it take a plantain tree to bear fruit? Can you smoke plantain leaves? You can do just about anything with plantains. Plantains vs. Bananas: Whats the Difference? Depending on the state of ripening, plantains are classified as both a vegetable and a fruit. Fiber and complex carbs are less processed and more slowly digested than the simple carbs found in processed foods. Bananas are originally from Malay Archipelago in Southeast Asia. Learn tips for creating your most beautiful home and garden ever. Can you eat bananas if you have diabetes? fruitsBananas and plantains are both fruits that come from the same family of plants. Tostones: Twice-Fried Green Plantain Chips Recipe, Cuban Fufu: Sweet Plantain Stuffing With Garlic and Bacon. They can be thinly sliced and fried to create plantain chips at this stage. They are starchy and tough when green and raw but soften as they ripen. Plantains contain a good amount of your daily recommended amount of vitamin C in a single cup. Plantains vs. Bananas: What's the Difference? - Healthline Plantains, unlike the common sweet banana, are usually cooked or processed in some way and not eaten raw. So, if your tree does die off above the ground, the rhizome will send up new shoots come spring. The French Horn is a false type. Bananas and plantains are both fruits that come from the same family of plants. Most people know this, but many wonder how many calories and carbs bananas contain. When a plantain is completely black, it is still good to eat. Mulching can help keep the soil from drying out too quickly, as well as protect the plantain tree's shallow roots. If you arent ready to use them when theyve reached the desired stage of ripeness, you can peel and freeze them for up to three months. There are several different varieties of banana-like fruits, which are all part of the same family, but taste very different from each other. Yellow plantains are often sliced into small pieces and deep-fried and eaten as a side dish. This goes back to the fiber content of plantains. They are always ready for cooking no matter what stage of ripenessgreen, yellow, or blackand used in a variety of dishes, from appetizers to desserts. You cannot peel a plantain the say way that you peel a banana, especially not a green plantain. There are many dishes where plantains are a central ingredient. If you happen to enjoy bananas or potatoes, the plantain tree (Musa paradisiaca) might be the perfect choice for you. Plantains are a high-carbohydrate snack that's also high in fiber, vitamins, and minerals. Plantains contain roughly 32 grams of carbs per 100-gram serving, while bananas contain about 23 grams. Types of Plantain Bananas | eHow In Nigeria, plantains are roasted with palm oil or groundnuts. Plantains have less sugar than bananas and are often served as a savory side dish or as part of a main dish. It is maintained by the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador as a provincial heritage site. Plantains are typically a larger size than bananas. Afterward, place the peeled fruit in salted water to keep it from discoloring before cooking. They can also be found in the cuisine of African countries such as Ghana and Nigeria. Adding plantains to your diet might just help with fitting into those skinny jeans again! Plantains that are green to yellow are not ripe. (2018). It is their version of a tamale. When green, they can be boiled and mashed and eaten as you would mashed potatoes. Bananas are a popular, sweet fruit, but you may not know that they come in over 1,000 different varieties. Green plantains are underripe, very firm, and savory in flavor. In Nigeria, four main types of plantain are available with distribution strictly based on their bunch characteristics. This plant grows from an underground rhizome reaching 12 to 15 feet tall with huge leaves, which wrap around the trunk. Health Benefits of Plantains Diabetes: In Nigeria, people use plantains as a natural way to manage diabetes. Its better to think of plantains as a starchy vegetable or a substitute for potatoes. Opt for a balanced 8-10-8, slow-release fertilizer. There are more than 1,000 species of banana, including plantains. The simplest way to eat plantain, regardless if it is ripe or not, is to fry it. Plantains and bananas are genetically similar, but plantains are primarily eaten cooked. French French plantains grow in tropical lowlands, which are usually wet and hot. A Guide to 6 Different Types of Bananas - The Spruce Eats It aids in the digestion of carbohydrates and the production of protein. Think of cooking plantains as you would potatoes. Two types dominate the market: French or Horn, each with a number of varieties. The harvest cycles continue for a minimum of four to six years, or more, depending on land rejuvenation system and farm maintenance practices. Believed to be native to Southeast Asia, plantains are grown in tropical regions around the world and in a variety of cuisines. That is until you try to peel them. One cup of plantains measures around 140 grams. How many type of plantain do we have? The following is a list of banana cultivars and the groups into which they are classified. When it is made, it is a dome shape that is served with pork skin, broth, vegetables, and meat. Aside from their botanical classifications, one of the most obvious similarities between plantains and bananas is their appearance. Bananas can be eaten raw, and their edible flesh becomes sweeter, darker, and softer as it ripens. Plantains look similar to large bananas. Neither the banana nor the plantain is superior to the other nutritionally, as they are both nutrient-rich foods. They can be green, yellow, or deep brown in color. They are technically fruits, but much like the tomato and unlike the banana, they are eaten and cooked as if they were a vegetable. Unripe plantains how shown to have a hypoglycemic effect. The plants thrive in almost any type of well-drained soil and are healthiest . The fiber and starch found in plantains are complex carbs. By contrast, a cup of cooked white rice, another starchy food that's a staple in many cuisines . Theyll break down slowly and keep you fueled for hours at a time. Bananas and plantains are very similar in their nutritional content, containing a variety of vitamins, minerals, and fiber. A popular method of fixing plantains is to fry them. Here are 22 simple and healthy. Plantains and bananas both come from the same plant family. Medium ripe plantains are yellow or yellow dappled with black, and they are slightly sweet. That said, if youve ever peeled a banana and noticed little black spots within the yellow pulp, those are the immature seeds that never grew into anything more! Bananas are a common sight in many fruit baskets. These are; the horn type, French type, false type and false horn type. You can often find them with other seasonings, like garlic or pepper. These young plantain plants will extract nutrients and moisture from the parent plant. But unfortunately, they look incredibly similar to bananas, and if you pick up a bunch of green ones without paying close attention, it is easy to mistake them. Many plantains, however, are much larger than the common banana, so theyre easy to recognize. Plantains have been eaten in Africa, Asia, and Latin America for centuries, but the Western world is only just beginning to realize the many nutritional benefits of the plantain. Both types grow in India, Africa, Egypt, and tropical America. The trees on which plantains grow vary between 12 feet to 25 feet. This disease is commonly known as banana wilt. You want to do your best not to use your nails because the plantain can get nasty and stuck under your nails. When youre actually picking a plantain out of a bunch, however, youll need to look at its size to gauge its calorie count. True plantains are divided into four groups based on their bunch type: French, French Horn, False Horn, and Horn plantains. Green plantains tend to have more of a root vegetableadjacent taste. Plantains contain a little more magnesium, but its not a huge amount. Can you eat black seed plantain? However, theyll easily soak up oil and salt, so you might want to skip the fried plantains if youre trying to drop a few pounds. A medium sized plantain has 372 calories. The majority of fruits are 2-3 times longer than they are wide. Because they seem so similar, its easy to mix up plantains and bananas. In other words, theyre good for keeping your blood sugar stable. Dietary fiber: Essential for a healthy diet. The starchy plantain is generally treated as more of a potato, though, and it can be boiled or mashed, or eaten with salt. They are thought to be native to Southeast Asia and grow in tropical regions. Im talking about the edible weed that grows wild in your yard and garden and vacant lots throughout North America. While they taste absolutely amazing, fried plantains arent exactly a healthy choice if fried in an unhealthy oil. However, carbs arent inherently bad. I also blog about photography on Storyteller Tech. Connect with her on LinkedIn. When you visit the site, Dotdash Meredith and its partners may store or retrieve information on your browser, mostly in the form of cookies. Prepare them without added fat, sugar or salt, and they are one of the best starchy vegetable options, according to the American Diabetes Association. Like common bananas, plantains are also an excellent source of potassium. Our experts continually monitor the health and wellness space, and we update our articles when new information becomes available. Horn plantain bunches are smaller than French, and have fewer fruits. The African Rhino Horn plantain produces edible, sharply curved, and elongated bananas, growing to a length of two feet, one of the longest fruits among plantain varieties and weighing up to two pounds each. Fiber softens your stool and increases its overall size and weight. We cover 22 nutritional elements and 16 facts regarding nutrition and general plantain facts. In Philippine cuisine, it is one of the most important banana kinds. Fruits are generally categorized as the edible portions of plants that develop from flowers and propagate through seeds. Plastic surgeons also provide follow-up care to address any problems that may occur during the treatment, such as swelling, infection or scarring. There are over 200 species of plantain within the genus Plantago, and, as far as I know, all are edible. It is able to resist the black Sigatoka, which is a disease that impacts plantains. All rights reserved. Both fruits are nutritious, whole foods and can be included as part of a healthy diet. They might give you a big thumbs-up. French types, also sometimes called Hembra, include Dwarf (and semi-dwarf), Medium, and Great; Horn varieties include French Horn and are referred to as either False (also called Macho in Central America) or True types. Unripe plantains are also more starch than sugar. Green bananas can be enjoyed when boiled until soft. Theyre hearty, flavorful, and grow in abundance in many countries of the world. This name is commonly used in Central America. The flower stalks are 6-20" tall, and end in dense spikes of small flowers, with visible white stamens. 16 Plantain Nutrition Facts (Calories Guide) 6 Health Benefits Bananas are a staple in many household fruit baskets. As previously discussed, plantains are often bred without seeds, but theyre still fruits at the end of the day. In fact, if youre switching from fried cakes to fried fruit, you might even argue that its a step up in terms of nutrition. She has over 16 years of experience writing for various outlets including Time Out NY and NJ Monthly. Two types dominate the market: French or Horn, each with a number of varieties. Then, you want to score the skin of the plantain, being careful not to cut into the flesh. Peeling a plantain does require some patience, especially until you learn the technique. This article explains the differences between raw and regular honey. How Many Calories and Carbs Are in a Banana? One medium sized plantain: 372 calories 100 grams of plantain: 155 calories 1 cup (139 grams): 215 calories The calories and nutritional information are based on the plantain only. When propagating a new plantain plant, you can leave just one sucker on the plant at a time. We also share travel tips, packing lists, and gear reviews. Both ends of the medium-long (13-15 cm) fruits are tapered. Newfoundland. However, as plantains ripen, their starches are converted to sugars. The fiber in plantains could help your blood sugar levels stay steady longer. Plantain | Description, Uses, History, & Facts | Britannica Although they resemble a banana in some ways, they cannot be eaten raw. Below is nutritional info for 100 grams (roughly 1/2 cup) of bananas and plantains: They are both healthy sources of complex carbohydrates. Banana wilt is a disease that plagues plantations in Columbia, the Canary Islands, and Central America. One cup of plantain is around 140 grams, but plantains themselves can range from 200 to 300 grams depending on their size. When the skins have turned almost black, the plantains are fully ripe, aromatic, and sweet. The edges caramelize and become crispy like the edges of pancakes cooked in butter. How many different types of plantain are there? Theyre big, tasty and accessible everywhere, and their high starch and low sugar content makes them an excellent addition to savory dishes as well as sweet ones. They may be green, yellow, or very dark brown. In Nigeria, four main types of plantain are available with distribution strictly based on their bunch characteristics. Dessert types such as the Cavendish banana can be eaten raw, as they are sweet and easily digestible when ripe. Bananas from the Rhino Horn family can be eaten either raw or cooked. Long story short: Healthy amounts of carbs are a good thing, and plantains can be a quick and easy way to get them. When first planting a plantain tree, you'll want to be sure to remove any weeds that might be growing from the soil, and try to aim for the warmest, sunniest section of your landscape. They have leaves that are broad and may be up to two feet wide. And Im a co-founder of Storyteller.Travel. Fiber helps to regulate things downstairs, so if youve been having some trouble in the bathroom, a high-fiber diet can help with getting you back on track. Pltanos Maduros is a sweet plantain dish. Cookies collect information about your preferences and your devices and are used to make the site work as you expect it to, to understand how you interact with the site, and to show advertisements that are targeted to your interests. They are often mistaken for bananas because they are closely related to them. This article takes an objective look. But ask them about plantains. A plantain to the untrained eye could easily be mistaken for a banana. Thanks to the potassium, plantains may also reduce the risk of things like heart disease and high blood pressure. Each grown up plant would produce a minimum of three suckers, and if he could harvest one sucker from each and could sell at N100, the farmer would make additional N150,000. eHow may earn compensation through affiliate links in this story. Place the plantain leaves in a wire strainer and lower them into a pot of boiling water. Can you eat a plantain without cooking it? The .45 ACP round used in many handguns is 0.45 inches in diameterjust under half-an-inch wide. Are Plantains Good for You? - Consumer Reports They also share potential health benefits. As mentioned previously, fiber can also help with weight loss, and weight loss has been associated with improved digestion thanks to the way that it affects digestive enzymes. In Venezuela and Colombia, they are called patacones. The color of a plantain tells you how ripe it is. Another name for the French plantain is Hambra. What Are Plantains? And How Do You Cook Them? | Kitchn It is firm to the touch. In traditional villages of northeast Africa, theyre fermented with sorghum and distilled into banana beers.. A ripe plantain is black with just a bit of yellow. A single plantain can offer as much as half of your daily recommended intake of Vitamin C! While not the same as bananas, plantains do look quite similar. 1 Asiatic Bittersweet 2 Bindweed 3 Canada Thistle 4 Chickweed 5 Clovers 6 Crabgrass 7 Curly Dock 8 Dodder Weeds 9 Green Foxtail 10 Ground Ivy 11 Horsetail Weed 12 Japanese Knotweed 13 Knapweed 14 Lambsquarters 15 Nutsedge Weeds 16 Orange Jewelweed 17 Oxalis 18 Pigweed 19 Plantain Plants 20 Poison Sumac 21 Purslane 22 Quackgrass 23 Ragweed