If you don’t already know plantains are one of my favourite fruits, especially whenever I feel the need to have a fruit party!
You can have it boiled, fried and steamed and in every way it makes my stomach wail in a gleeful cheer. In my country, plantains (we call it Dodo) are used widely and are viewed as a side for yams, stews and sometimes used for desserts. If you’ve never seen it before it does look almost identical to a banana, but its not! The colour itself is a more greeny sometimes yellowy brown and are much more taller and larger than their sisters, bananas.
So here are my 5 reasons why you should get to eating plantains!
-Plantains have a substantial amount of dietary fibre which enables normal bowel moment, reducing constipation problems and also eases discomfort associated with the menstrual cycle. Ladies!!! You know you want to eat tons more.
-Fresh fresh plantains have more vitamin C than bananas which helps the body to build resistance against infectious agents.
- They provide great amounts of iron and magnesiums which is valuable for strengthening your bones.
- They can help prevent kidney and bladder problems as they are fairly diuretic.
- Lastly, plantains have more potassium than bananas. This is important as it helps control your heart rate and blood pressure.
Here are furthermore tips when cooking it.
- When looking for your plantain, don’t be afraid to have a feel. The best plantains are not overly soft and definitely not too hard.
- They can only be eaten when cooked. Please do not try raw.
- If you pick a green plantain and its hard you can store it until its ripen.
- Like bananas, Plantains decay quite quickly so don’t leave it for too long in your cupboards etc.
- If it’s a first time for you, try it boiled, fried and steamed. Try it ALL. I tend to have it fried but its great to have variation
- No one ever really says this anymore, but be careful when trying it, same with bananas as if allergic it could end up with you having a mighty sore throat
- Be creative! Don’t just eat with stews and yams, use it instead of potatoes, try fried plantain with honey and some cheesecake or like what I made earlier try it with some avocados ( I cut it in half and fried it)!
TRY TRY TRY.. If you haven't tried, you're missing out!
