Description: Native to India, plantains are grown most widely in tropical climates. At first sight, many people confuse them with bananas. Although they look a lot like green bananas and are a close relative, plantains are quite different. They are starchy rather than sweet and are used as a vegetable in many cuisine's, especially those of Latin America and Africa. Plantains are sometimes referred to as the pasta and potatoes of the Caribbean. Sold in the fresh produce section of the supermarket, they usually resemble green bananas but ripe plantains may be black in color. They are longer and have thicker skins than bananas. They also have natural brown spots and rough areas. This vegetable-banana can be eaten and tastes different at every stage of development. The interior color of the fruit will remain creamy, yellowish or lightly pink. When the peel is green to yellow, the flavor of the flesh is bland and its texture is starchy. As the peel changes to brown or black, it has a sweeter flavor and more of a banana aroma, but still keeps a firm shape when cooked.
Availability: Plantains grow best in areas with constant warm temperatures and protection from strong winds. They have been grown in scattered locations throughout Florida since the 16th century. Because of the occasional freezes, Florida is considered a marginal area for plantain production. They are available year round in the supermarket.
[url=Description: Native to India, plantains are grown most widely in tropical climates. At first sight, many people confuse them with bananas. Although they look a lot like green bananas and are a close relative, plantains are quite different. They are starchy rather than sweet and are used as a vegetable in many cuisine's, especially those of Latin America and Africa. Plantains are sometimes referred to as the pasta and potatoes of the Caribbean. Sold in the fresh produce section of the supermarket, they usually resemble green bananas but ripe plantains may be black in color. They are longer and have thicker skins than bananas. They also have natural brown spots and rough areas. This vegetable-banana can be eaten and tastes different at every stage of development. The interior color of the fruit will remain creamy, yellowish or lightly pink. When the peel is green to yellow, the flavor of the flesh is bland and its texture is starchy. As the peel changes to brown or black, it has a sweeter flavor and more of a banana aroma, but still keeps a firm shape when cooked.
Availability: Plantains grow best in areas with constant warm temperatures and protection from strong winds. They have been grown in scattered locations throughout Florida since the 16th century. Because of the occasional freezes, Florida is considered a marginal area for plantain production. They are available year round in the supermarket. ]from here[/url]
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