Plantain Vs Banana: Difference Between Banana and Plantain

Plantain Vs Banana: The Difference Between Banana and Plantain

Consider this scenario: you’re browsing through a supermarket’s fruit aisle when you come upon some of the largest bananas you’ve ever seen. You buy a few and instantly peel one open with tremendous glee. You spit it out disgusted after taking a bite.

This banana is unlike any other you’ve ever had. An unripe plantain is most likely what you’re eating.

Plantains resemble bananas in appearance.

Bananas and plantains have a lot in common, including their appearance. There are, nevertheless, some significant variances.

Plantain Vs Banana

Let’s look at how they compare in terms of appearance, flavor, kitchen usage, nutrition, and storage.

You’ll have a fair idea of how these two long, finger-shaped fruits compare by the end of this page.

Is there a distinction between bananas and plantains?

Plantain Vs Banana Size

Plantain is a form of banana with a distinct flavor and culinary application. They are larger in size and have thicker skin than bananas. Plantains are also starchier and sugar-free than bananas. Depending on how ripe they are, they range in color from green to yellow to dark brown.

• Plantain Vs Banana Appearance

They appear to be very similar at first glance, which is unsurprising given that the plantain is a member of the banana family. Because the distinctions in their shape, skin, and flesh aren’t clear, you could be forgiven for mixing them up.

Plantains have thicker skin and are green in color.

There are a few differences between the two. A banana starts out green, but as it ripens, it turns yellow. Plantains stay green until they’re fully ripe, then turn yellow or black when they’re overripe.

Plantains have thicker skin than bananas and grow for a longer period of time. In the correct growing conditions, a giant banana can grow to be around 12″ long, whereas a plantain can grow to be around 12″.

The white tint of the flesh inside each type of apple is remarkably similar. When you cut the plantain in half, you’ll notice higher starch content, similar to when you cut a potato in half.

• Plantain Vs Banana Taste

Do plantains have a banana taste? Plantains do not have a banana taste. Because plantains are a separate fruit that isn’t eaten raw like most bananas, they don’t have a “banana” flavor. Plantains are sweet like bananas when fully mature, but have a distinct flavor.

• Plantain Vs Banana – Texture and Flavor

Bananas have a tropical sweet flavor and perfume, and their soft texture allows them to be eaten raw as a snack.

Plantains have a high starch content, so they should be cooked before eating. The texture of an uncooked plantain is comparable to that of a green banana.

Once cooked, an unripe plantain will be crisp yet considerably softer than ripe plantain. The more time a plantain is allowed to mature, the more sugar it produces.

Plantains contain less sugar and more starch than bananas.

• Functions – Uses – Plantain Banana Benefits

Bananas can be eaten raw, used in smoothies, fruit salads, or cooked in sweets due to their soft texture and high sugar content. They also add a burst of sweetness to savory meals like Hawaiian chicken.

Plantains should be treated as starchy vegetables. The horn plantain and the French plantain are the two types of plantains that are supposed to share a common origin.

Both varieties grow in India, Africa, Egypt, and tropical America.

Plantains are an important part of the Caribbean, Indian, and African traditional diets. When using them in recipes, treat them as if they were a vegetable like potatoes or butternut squash.

To minimize the starchy flavor and texture, peel, then bake, sauté, or roast. They’re great with ackee for a carb-heavy breakfast, as well as saltfish.

Weight control: Plantains are rich in a type of fiber that helps you feel fuller longer. This may help you control your weight if you’re overweight or obese

Caramelized and served with cinnamon and coconut for a sweet snack that is both simple and tasty.

Plantains should be dehydrated before being ground into a gluten-free, low-allergen flour.

Ripe Vs Unripe Plantain – Which is healthier green or ripe plantains?

Both are fantastic. Yes, green/unripe plantains are better for a low glycemic load, however, due to the consistency and starchiness of the dish, they cannot be substituted in recipes.

You’ll need unripe or somewhat ripe plantains if you wish to make plantain chips, Boli, or Gizdodo. The softer plantains are preferable for traditional Nigerian plantain moi moi (ukpo ogede), plantain rolls, and plantain pancakes.

The black is excellent for creating bread since it can be mushy and mixed with flour to form a flatbread or fritter. You’ll be alright if you don’t eat too much.

• Plantain Vs Banana Nutritional Facts – Is it healthy to eat a banana or plantain?

Plantains have more carbohydrates than bananas, but bananas have more fiber.

Plantains have more calories per pound than bananas.

Both are low in fat and protein, but abundant in potassium, vitamin A, and vitamin C.

• Storage

Plantains take longer to ripen than bananas. Store in a cool, dry location away from direct sunlight. Put them in the vegetable crisper if you want to speed up the ripening process.

It’s preferable to keep bananas separate from other fruits since the ethylene they release causes the other fruit to fast ripen.

Plantains should be kept in a cold, dry area with other starchy vegetables like potatoes.

FAQs on Plantain Vs Banana

• Is it possible to substitute bananas for plantains?

In a savory side dish, bananas would not be a good substitution for plantains because their texture is considerably softer. If you’re making a sweet dessert, bananas can be used instead of apples.

• Do plantains contain the same amount of potassium as bananas?

Plantains have a higher potassium content than bananas. A banana contains 716mg of potassium, whereas a cup of plantain contains 930mg.

• Is it possible to eat a plantain raw?

A raw plantain will not make you sick, but a green plantain’s flavor will be harsh, starchy, and unpleasant.

• How can I quickly ripen plantains or bananas?

Place a plantain or banana in a paper bag along with an apple or pear to ripen. Fold the bag’s opening a few times to close it, then set it on the counter. Check the fruit every day to see if it’s ready to eat.

• I’m looking for a place to buy plantains.

Fresh plantains can be found in supermarket produce sections, local markets, and Asian and African specialty grocers.

Summary on Plantain Vs Banana

On the supermarket shelf, plantains and bananas seem extremely similar. It’s understandable if an unwary shopper mixes the two.

Taste and texture are the most noticeable differences between these two fruits. Bananas are soft, delicious, and can be eaten right out of the hand. In the kitchen, plantain is more like a vegetable and should be cooked in most cases for the best results.