Plantains belongs to the banana family, but they differ greatly from Cavendish bananas, the type commonly eaten raw in the United States and Europe. Cavendish bananas are sometimes known as dessert bananas because of their sweet taste. Plantains are starchier, less sweet and are usually cooked before serving.

Plantains are sometimes called green bananas, but they will turn yellow and then dark if allowed to ripen. Plantains are grown in South and Central America, Africa and Asia, where they are important food sources. Plantains are becoming eaiser to find in the United States and Europe as people learn different ways of cooking and consuming this nutrient-dense food.

Health Benefits

The resistant starch in Plantains has sparked a lot of interest for its health benefits. Resistant starch is a carbohydrate that doesn't readily digest in the small intestine. Instead, it passes into the large intestine, where it ferments and feeds the "goo" gut bacteria.