Time to try....Plantains!

Is that a banana?! This larger than life cousin to the banana is actually a plantain. This month, Eat Right Philly encourages students to try PLANTAINS. Botanically, a plantain is the fruit of a plantain tree, but when it comes to MyPlate, we categorize it as a vegetable, because of its nutrient content. In many countries, plantains are prepared in a savory manner, as well as in sweet recipes. A serving of plantains counts towards our daily intake of vegetables (1-3 cups depending on individual needs). Unlike the banana, most people do not like to eat a raw plantain. Instead, try using one of these cooking methods to make it a tasty treat: boil, bake, or fry.

Did you know that in Africa plantains provide more than 25% of all carbohydrates in the diet for over 70 million people?! They are jam-packed with potassium, magnesium, iron, Vitamin A, Vitamin C, and high levels of dietary fiber, all of which we need to maintain a healthy body.

Plantains can be found in the produce section of the grocery store, usually next to their cousin the banana. Choose a greener plantain to create a savory side dish or a yellow-ish color for a sweeter dish. When it comes to brown spots on the peel, the more there are, the sweeter the plantain! Pick up a plantain during your next grocery trip and explore the many ways to enjoy this versatile veggie!