Although plantains look like bananas and are related to bananas, there are some important differences to know about.
Our biggest & fastest selling produce item is bananas. And plantains are one of our slowest sellers. Tell's ya right there that most of our customers aren't familiar with how to choose and prepare plantains. When someone tries a plantain as a banana alternative they are usually disappointed. But you still might like 'em if you just knew a little more about plantains.
In cultures where plantains are more popular, they are usually prepared by cooking, and treated as a starch staple similarly to how American culture treats potatoes & yams. Plantains are even dried and ground into flour (gluten-free too!).
So how do you know which plantains to buy and when they're ready to prepare??
The above photos show them black, green and in-between, and each stage can be good. Dark to fully black plantains are softer and sweet, though still not as soft & sweet as bananas.
Black plantains are good mashed, formed into patties and fried in butter or oil. Some people put cheese between 2 patties. I like rolling them in coconut, then frying. They can also be grilled this way.
Green and not fully black plantains are harder, not as sweet, and can have a woody texture. These can be steamed, boiled or baked and eaten like yams or potatoes.
Another popular method with green/hard plantains is to slice them very thin and fry in oil for crispy plantain chips, just like kettle-style potato chips.
Plantains are a good source of potassium and fiber. Even better than potatoes. And if you fry them in coconut or avocado oil, which we also have, it will be a healthier snack.
Of course the internet is loaded with plantain recipes & info., for tons more ideas!
So when you see plantains of all shades & stages in our produce area, please know why-- and know that the darker ones aren't "bad", in fact, they could be closer to what you want.
Kennewick Grocery Outlet
1325 W. 4th Ave. (Corner of 4th & Olympia)
(509) 586-6306
Open Daily 8:00am - 10:00pm
All products, items, descriptions, pricing, images and availability subject to change. ©2015 Kennewick Grocery Outlet
