Plantain

Transform your kitchen into a tropical paradise with fresh plantains, the versatile cooking banana that's a cornerstone of Caribbean, Latin American, and African cuisines. Unlike sweet bananas, plantains are typically larger, starchier, and are almost always cooked before eating, making them an incredible ingredient for both savory and sweet dishes. These elongated tropical fruits offer a unique flavor journey that changes dramatically as they ripen. Green plantains have a firm, potato-like texture with a mild, starchy taste perfect for savory applications like tostones (twice-fried plantain rounds), mangú, or hearty stews. As they ripen to yellow and develop black spots, plantains become sweeter and softer, ideal for maduros (sweet fried plantains), plantain bread, or as a caramelized side dish. The natural sugars develop beautifully when sautéed, creating golden, tender slices with crispy edges. Plantains are incredibly versatile in the kitchen and can be boiled, fried, baked, grilled, or mashed. Try slicing green plantains thin and frying them for homemade plantain chips, or mash ripe plantains into a sweet side dish seasoned with cinnamon and butter. They pair wonderfully with black beans, rice, grilled meats, and seafood. Whether you're preparing traditional Caribbean fare, exploring Latin American flavors, or simply looking to add variety to your cooking repertoire, plantains bring authentic tropical taste and satisfying texture to countless recipes.