Plantains vs Bananas
Many people tend to get confused between plantains and bananas. For some, plantains seem like another name for bananas. After all, they look very much the same. Plantains that are usually sold in the supermarket look like nothing more than huge, unripe bananas. But, in reality, there are many differences between the two. Here are the differences between plantains and bananas.
Just exactly what is a plantain? A plantain is usually treated as a vegetable, and not a fruit like it’s cousin the banana. Plantains are used in many Indian and Caribbean dishes as part of the main dish itself. In some cases, plantains are baked or fried and served as a side dish. Plantains are often considered to be the potatoes of the Caribbean. This is because of the rich starch content and low sugar that plantains possess, making it a rich source of carbohydrates. When they are unripe, they are usually bland in flavor. They do become slightly sweeter as they ripen and they remain rather firm, even when they are cooked. This is partly due to the low moisture content that plantains have as compared to bananas. This is the reason why plantains are first cooked before they are eaten. They cannot be eaten while they are raw, even if they are already ripe, because their high starch content and firm texture can make them rather unpalatable.
On the other hand, bananas are often consumed raw, and only when they are ripe. They are usually much smaller than plantains, and have a much thinner skin. Bananas are usually eaten as a desert, and are commonly used in salads, pies and cakes. At times, they are also used to create beverages, particularly in tropical countries. They are also made into banana chips, which is a great and healthy snack.
Bananas serve as a great source of potassium, and are usually part of the diets of people who are trying to build up muscle mass, since the potassium found in bananas helps to repair muscle tissues and minimize them from feeling sore after a workout. On top of this, bananas also contain anti-oxidants, which greatly help flush out harmful toxins and free radicals from the body.
While there are a lot of differences between plantains and bananas, both are highly nutritious, and should be included as a part of your diet. Plantains and bananas are high in dietary fiber, and rich in Vitamin A and C.
Summary:
1. Although plantains and bananas look alike, plantains are a lot longer than bananas, and have a much thicker skin.
2. Plantains need to be cooked before they are eaten, because they are rich in starch. They are often used as part of the main dish or as a side dish. On the other hand, bananas are more versatile since they could be eaten raw, preserved, made into chips, or as part of a rich desert.
3. Both plantains and bananas are highly nutritious, and are rich in dietary fiber, Vitamin A and Vitamin C.