Are Plantains Bananas?

If you're shopping for fresh fruit for your restaurant, you may wonder if plantains and bananas are the same thing. While these two tropical fruits look similar and belong to the same plant family, plantains and bananas should not be interchanged for each other in recipes. Discover the definitions of each fruit and its applications so you can select the right option for your recipe.

What Is a Plantain?

As part of the banana family of plants, plantains look like large bananas with denser skins. In Spanish, plantains are referred to as platanos. Unripe plantains range from green to yellow in color and are difficult to peel. They have a starchy flavor and are excellent when boiled or fried.

Fully ripened plantains turn black and develop a similar flavor to bananas, though they are not as sweet. Even when fully ripened, plantains are typically cooked before consumption, earning them the moniker "cooking bananas". Plantains are typically inexpensive, and whether they are green, yellow, or black, they can always be cooked and used in a variety of dishes.

What Do Plantains Taste Like?

Plantains are starchier and less sweet than bananas. They are often described as having a mild flavor with a hint of sweetness, but their primary characteristic is their firm texture and savory quality. Unlike bananas, plantains are typically not eaten raw when they are fully ripe. Instead, they are commonly cooked before consumption to bring out their unique flavor and texture. When cooked, plantains develop a rich, complex taste that is often described as a mix of potato and banana with a subtle sweetness.

Is a Plantain a Fruit?

While plantains are technically classified as a fruit, they have a starchier, more vegetal flavor profile. Just like avocados and tomatoes, plantains are fruits that defy expectations.

Where Do Plantains Come From?

Native to Southeast Asia, plantains are now grown in tropical regions worldwide.

What Are Plantains Used For?

Plantains can be prepared in various ways, such as frying, boiling, or baking. The cooking method used can greatly influence the final taste of the plantains, whether they are caramelized and crispy from frying or soft and creamy from boiling. They are used in a variety of global cuisines, including Central and South American, Caribbean, African, and Southeast Asian. Discover some common plantain dishes below:

• Tostones: A popular Latin American dish, tostones are made from green plantains that are sliced, fried, flattened, and then fried again until crispy. They are typically served as a side dish or snack and are often paired with a dipping sauce like garlic sauce or a tangy salsa.
• Mofongo: A traditional Puerto Rican dish, mofongo is made by mashing fried green plantains with garlic, pork cracklings, and other seasonings. The mixture is then shaped into a ball or mound and served with a savory broth or sauce. Mofongo is a hearty and flavorful dish that is often served as a main course.
• Plantain Chips: Served as a snack in the Caribbean and Latin America, plantain chips are made by thinly slicing plantains, frying them until crispy, and then seasoning the chips with salt or other spices. Crunchy and mildly sweet, plantain chips can be enjoyed on their own or paired with dips like guacamole and different salsas.
• Fufu: A staple dish in West African cuisine, fufu is made by boiling and pounding ripe plantains or other starchy vegetables until smooth, elastic, and dough-like. It is often served alongside soups, stews, or sauces.
• Maduros: Made from ripe plantains that are fried until golden brown, maduros are a popular dish in Caribbean and Latin American cuisine. They're beloved for their sweet flavor and caramelized exterior.

What Is a Banana?

Bananas are oblong edible fruits that belong to the Musa genus. Technically classified as berries, bananas have sweet, soft flesh and are rich in potassium, Vitamin B6, and fiber. These fruits grow on large herbaceous plants, are typically harvested when they are green, and ripen best when stored at room temperature.

Ripe bananas can be identified by their yellow skin with brown flecks, and can be easily peeled and eaten raw. A banana's flavor becomes sweeter as it ripens, making ripe bananas a popular choice for snacking or incorporating into recipes.

What Does a Banana Taste Like?

Bananas have a sweet and creamy taste with a hint of tanginess and a subtle floral aroma. The sweetness of a ripe banana is often compared to that of honey, making it a popular choice for desserts and sweet dishes. Ripe bananas have a more pronounced sweetness and a softer texture, while green or unripe bananas are firmer and have a slightly tangier taste.

Is a Banana a Fruit?

Botanically speaking, a fruit is the mature ovary of a flowering plant, typically containing seeds. In the case of bananas, they develop from the ovary of a banana plant's flower. This means that bananas are indeed fruits, specifically classified as berries due to their structure and how they develop.

Where Do Bananas Come From?

Some horticulturists believe that bananas were the first fruit on earth, with their origin placed in Southeast Asia, specifically in the jungles of Malaysia, Indonesia, or the Philippines. Today, bananas are cultivated in tropical regions worldwide.

What Are Bananas Used For?

While often enjoyed raw as a snack, bananas are a popular ingredient used across the food and beverage sectors. Discover common applications for bananas in various industries below.

• Culinary Uses: Bananas are a versatile fruit commonly used as a garnish and in baking. Popular in global breakfast dishes, bananas are folded into crepes, incorporated into pancake batter, and used as a garnish for oatmeal. Bananas are a popular ingredient in desserts such as banana bread, banana pudding, and banana cream pie. They're also the foundation of the timeless frozen treat, the banana split.
• Sauces and Condiments: Bananas can be used to make sauces and different types of condiments. One famous example is Filipino banana ketchup. Banana puree can also be used as a natural sweetener in sauces and dressings.
• Beverage Applications: Banana puree can be added to juices or used to make banana-flavored cocktails. The fruit is commonly layered into smoothies and milkshakes.
• Snack Industry: Bananas are a common snack food and are often coated in chocolate for a sweet treat. They are also dried into banana chips and offered as a healthier alternative to traditional potato chips.
• Nutritional Supplements: As a rich source of vitamins and minerals, bananas are a popular ingredient in nutritional supplements and energy bars. They are often included in protein shakes and meal replacement bars for their natural sweetness and nutritional benefits.

Plantains vs Bananas

Plantains and bananas, while belonging to the same genus, Musa, are distinct fruits with unique characteristics. Plantains are often referred to as "cooking bananas" due to their starchy nature, which sets them apart from the sweeter and softer bananas that are enjoyed raw when ripe.

Bananas are a popular choice for snacking or adding to desserts. On the other hand, plantains' starchy flesh, which requires cooking before consumption, allows them to function similarly to potatoes in savory dishes.

• Appearance: Plantains are longer than bananas and have a thicker skin that is green when unripe and yellow or black when ripe. Bananas are typically shorter and slimmer, with a thinner skin that turns from green to yellow as they ripen.
• Taste: Plantains are starchier and less sweet than bananas, making them ideal for savory dishes when green and suitable for sweet recipes as they ripen. Bananas are sweeter and softer, with a flavor that ranges from slightly tangy when green to honeyed when ripe.
• Uses: Plantains are versatile and commonly used in savory dishes such as plantain chips, tostones, and mofongo. They can also be fried, boiled, or mashed. Bananas are popular in sweet applications like smoothies, desserts, and baked goods, but can also be enjoyed fresh or even grilled.
• Origins: Plantains are native to Southeast Asia and were introduced to Africa and the Caribbean by explorers and traders. They are now grown in tropical regions worldwide. Bananas are believed to have originated in Southeast Asia as well and have become one of the most popular fruits globally, with major producers including India, China, and the Philippines.

Plantain and Banana FAQ

Now that you understand what plantains and bananas are, how to use them, and their key differences, we address common questions that arise amongst culinary professionals working with these related yet unique fruits.

Can You Use Plantains in Place of Bananas in Recipes?

While plantains and bananas are related, they have different flavors and textures. Plantains are firmer, starchier, and less sweet than bananas, so they are usually not a suitable substitute in recipes calling for bananas.

Are Plantains as Nutritious as Bananas?

Plantains and bananas have similar nutritional profiles, but plantains tend to have higher levels of certain nutrients like vitamin A and potassium due to their starchier composition.

How Do You Know If a Fruit Is a Banana or a Plantain?

The easiest way to distinguish between a banana and a plantain is by their size and skin. Plantains are larger and have thicker skins than bananas.

Can You Eat Plantains Raw like Bananas?

While ripe plantains can be eaten raw, they are typically cooked before consumption to enhance their flavor and texture. Green plantains are often fried or boiled, while ripe plantains can be baked or grilled for a sweeter taste.

Are Plantains More Versatile than Bananas in Cooking?

Yes, plantains are more versatile in cooked applications. Plantains are known for their versatility in cooking, as they can be used in both savory and sweet dishes. They can be fried, boiled, mashed, or baked, making them a popular ingredient in various cuisines around the world.

While plantains and bananas share similarities in appearance and taste, they are distinct fruits with unique characteristics. Plantains are starchier and firmer, making them ideal for savory dishes, while bananas are sweeter and softer, perfect for desserts. To appreciate the versatility of these fruits, experiment with both in your recipes.