Plantains are not sweet like apples or bananas. They are starchy and taste more like potatoes. Some varieties, however, have a hint of sweetness.
Plantains are eaten in many ways around the world and are most often used as a starchy vegetable. The green plantain is the most popular variety in North America. It is available year-round in supermarkets and can be prepared just like regular potatoes: baked, boiled, fried or mashed.
Plantains are actually quite versatile! You can even use them in desserts such as flan (a caramel custard) or sweet potato pie!
To find out which plantain is best for your recipe, simply refer to our list below:
Green Plantains
These are green on the outside and yellow on the inside. They are firm but not as hard as bananas and have a starchy texture when cooked. Green plantains can be peeled and eaten raw or cooked like potatoes (in soups or stews).
Yellow Plantains
Yellow plantains look like bananas but are darker in color than bananas and have harder peels than bananas do. They’re sweeter than green plantains but with less starch. Yellow plantains can also be fried or baked in an oven for about 30 minutes at 400°F (200°C).
Are black plantains sweeter?
There is some debate over whether or not black plantains are actually sweeter than regular plantains. Some say that the blacker the plantain, the sweeter it is, while others claim that there is no difference in sweetness between black and regular plantains. Personally, I think black plantains are definitely sweeter. I find that they have a richer, more caramelly flavor than regular plantains. If you’re looking for a sweeter plantain, go for the black ones!
How do you know if a plantain is sweet?
Are green and yellow plantains the same?
