How to Pick a Good Plantain Like a Pro

Plantains are enjoyed all over the world in various dishes. They’re not only tasty but also full of good stuff your body needs. But to really get the best out of them, it’s important to pick a good one. We’re here to show you just how to find that perfect plantains for whatever you’re cooking up next.

Plantains are like bananas, but bigger, not as sweet, and you usually cook them before eating. Lots of people from Latin America, the Caribbean, Africa, and Southeast Asia eat them. You can fry, boil, bake, or even grill them. But before you get to cooking, you’ll need to know how to choose the right ones from the store.

The Importance of Selecting the Best Plantain

Choosing a great plantain makes all the pieces come together. The taste will be better, the texture just right, and it’ll be packed with more nutrients. Plus, a bad plantain can spoil your dish, so it’s key to learn which ones to take home with you.

Understanding Different Plantains

Green and ripe are the two big categories for plantains. Green ones are just that – green and firm. They’re starchy and not sweet, making them perfect for savory meals. Then, there are the ripe ones. These can be yellow or black, sweeter, and much softer, which is ideal for sweet recipes.

The Best Time to Buy Plantains

You can usually find plantains in stores no matter the time of year. But they’re at their best from May to August in the United States. That’s when you can grab the freshest ones from local farmers’ markets.

How to Spot a Top-Notch Plantain

There are a few things to look at when picking a plantain. One is the color of the skin. Green means it’s unripe, good for savory food. Yellow is ripe, just right for those sweeter dishes. Black ones are usually too ripe and not the best choice.

Then there’s the feel of it. You want it to be firm, but not rock hard. If it feels too squishy, it’s past its prime and might end up mushy after cooking.

Also, check for bruises or dark spots on the skin. A plantain without any blemishes is a good sign that it’s fresh and hasn’t been damaged.

What to Avoid When Picking Plantains

There are some definite no-nos to watch out for. If you see any of these, it’s best to skip them:

• Darks spots or bruises on the skin
• A texture that’s too soft or mushy
• A smell that’s overly sweet, it might be overripe

How to Store Your Plantains

Keep your plantains at room temperature until they ripen. Once they do, put them in the fridge where they’ll stay good for about five days. If you bought too many ripe ones to eat right away, you can always freeze them for later.

To freeze plantains, peel and slice them first. Spread them out on a tray and freeze for a couple of hours. Then move them into a container or bag that’s safe for the freezer. They’ll be good like this for six months.

Getting Plantains Ready to Eat

Peeling a plantain isn’t too hard. Slice off the ends, make a lengthwise incision in the skin, and use your fingers to peel it away. Once it’s peeled, you can slice it however you like or mash it up if you need to.

Different Ways to Cook Plantains

There are many ways to cook plantains. You might want to try:

• Frying: Slice ripe plantains and fry them until they’re a nice golden color.
• Boiling: Chop up green plantains and boil them until they’re soft.
• Baking: Cut a ripe plantain down the middle and bake it until it turns golden.
• Grilling: Split a ripe plantain and grill it until you see nice grill marks on it.

Tasty Plantain Recipes to Try

Here are a few recipes that make plantains the star of the show:

1. Tostones: These are fried plantains squished flat and fried again until they’re super crispy.
2. Mofongo: This is a dish from Puerto Rico where plantains are mashed with garlic and bits of pork.
3. Plantain Chips: Slice the plantains really thin, fry them up, and sprinkle with salt for a crunchy snack.
4. Pastelón: This is a bit like a lasagna from Puerto Rico, but with layers of sweet plantains, ground meat, and cheese.
5. Fried Plantain Sandwich: Use fried plantains as the “bread” and fill it with your favorite sandwich stuff like meat, cheese, and veggies.

Conclusion

Getting the right plantain is key to cooking up something really yummy and healthy. With these tips, you’ll be able to pick a winner every time you’re at the store.

Don’t forget to check the plantain’s color, how it feels, and look for any bad spots. Once you’ve got the hang of it, try making some of the tasty dishes we’ve shared with you.