Yellow Plantains

Transform your kitchen with the sweet, versatile flavor of ripe yellow plantains, a beloved staple that brings authentic Latin American, Caribbean, and West African cuisine to your table. Yellow plantains are the perfectly ripened stage of this tropical fruit, distinguished by their golden skin with characteristic black spots that signal optimal sweetness and softness. Unlike green plantains, these mature fruits offer a naturally sweet flavor with subtle banana notes and a tender, creamy texture that becomes beautifully caramelized when cooked. This makes them ideal for both savory and sweet preparations across many world cuisines. In Latin American cooking, yellow plantains are essential for dishes like Cuban maduros, Venezuelan tajadas, and Puerto Rican plátanos maduros, where they're sliced and pan-fried until golden. They're equally popular in West African cuisine for dishes like kelewele and in Caribbean cooking for sweet plantain preparations. The natural sugars in yellow plantains make them perfect for baking applications, where they can be mashed into breads, muffins, and cakes for added moisture and sweetness. For savory dishes, try pairing them with black beans and rice, incorporating them into stews, or serving them alongside grilled meats and fish. To prepare, simply peel and slice diagonally, then pan-fry in oil until caramelized, or bake in the oven for a healthier option. Store at room temperature until they reach your desired ripeness, then refrigerate to slow further ripening.