Plantain (Plantago spp.) is a common weed all over the world. Here in Australia, it grows everywhere, all the way up to the subtropics (see map below). The most common of the family is ribwort plantain (Plantago lanceolata) that grows wherever there’s space.
What are plantains called in Australia?
A large type of banana called the plantain is hard and starchy and is mostly used as a vegetable in cooking. In Australia, Cavendish and Lady Fingers are the two most popular varieties. Banana plants can grow up to nine metres high.
Where is plantain commonly grown?
The World’s Leading Plantain Producers
| Rank | Country | Plantain Production (Millions of Tonnes) |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Cameroon | 4.31 |
| 2 | Ghana | 3.95 |
| 3 | Uganda | 3.71 |
| 4 | Colombia | 3.54 |
Is English plantain edible?
Despite being considered a weed, the common garden plantain has edible leaves and seeds. It may even provide health benefits, such as improved digestion, enhanced wound healing, and lower inflammation.
Can you eat plantains like a banana?
Ripe plantains are sweet like a banana, without the banana flavor. They can be eaten raw but are best when fried. The edges caramelize and become crispy like the edges of pancakes cooked in butter.
Is a banana a plantain?
The main difference between bananas and plantains is how they’re used in the kitchen, though in some cultures there is not a clear linguistic distinction between the two. A plantain is sometimes referred to as a “cooking banana,” while the sweeter variety is classified as a “dessert banana.”
What country eats the most plantain?
The countries with the highest volumes of plantain consumption in 2018 were Democratic Republic of the Congo (5.5M tonnes), Cameroon (4.8M tonnes) and Ghana (4.1M tonnes), together comprising 59% of total consumption.
Which countries have plantain?
Cameroon is leading the plantain production with 4.3 million tons, followed by Ghana (just under 4 million tons), Uganda (3.7 mio tons), Colombia (3.5 mio. tons) and Nigeria (3.1 mio tons). Philippines, Peru, Ivory Coast, Myanmar and Democratic Republic of Congo complete the top 10.
What is the difference between a banana tree and a plantain tree?
While not the same as bananas, plantains do look quite similar. However, they have a firmer, less sugary fruit, and they are generally cooked rather than eaten fresh. Both the banana tree and the plantain tree are members of the Musa genus. They are technically large herbs, and their fruit is classified as berries.
Why is plantain called white man’s foot?
Plantain does particularly well in compacted or disturbed soils and can survive repeated trampling. Native Americans called it “white man’s footprint” because it appeared and thrived in disturbed areas around European settlements. Its roots work to break up hardpan soil and can help stop erosion.
What are the side effects of plantain?
Great plantain seems to be safe when taken by mouth by most adults. But it may cause some side effects including diarrhea and low blood pressure. It might be UNSAFE to apply great plantain to the skin. It can cause allergic skin reactions.
Can you smoke plantain leaves?
Can you smoke plantain leaves? The North American wild herb, plantain (Plantago major), helps reduce cravings for cigarettes. That could be one of the main reasons it is being used in many commercial smoking cessation products. For long-term storage, use fresh or dry leaves to create an infused herbal oil.
Are raw plantains poisonous?
Along with the texture, it’s a quite unappealing victual. However, unlike some other starchy fruits grown in tropical areas, there’s no danger in eating raw plantain. According to the Food and Agriculture Organization, it doesn’t contain toxic substances like cassava, which can cause cyanide poisoning if consumed raw.
Can ripe plantain cause diabetes?
Risks. Plantains are healthy. But they’re less so when you cook them with a lot of oil, fat, or sugar. High-fat, high-salt, or high-sugar foods can raise your risk of weight gain, diabetes, heart disease, or cancer.
Can a diabetic eat plantain?
Carbohydrate Content
Green plantains count as starchy vegetables in a diabetes diet and are relatively high in carbohydrates. Prepare them without added fat, sugar or salt, and they are one of the best starchy vegetable options, according to the American Diabetes Association.
Do plantains cause constipation?
The resistant starch in plantains may make them difficult to digest. Green, raw plantains are especially high in resistant starch. 5 If you’re not used to eating a lot of fiber, plantains can cause discomfort like gas, bloating, and constipation.
Is fried plantain healthy?
Cooked plantains are nutritionally very similar to a potato, calorie-wise, but contain more of certain vitamins and minerals. They’re a rich source of fiber, vitamins A, C, and B-6, and the minerals magnesium and potassium. This hidden superfood warrants a trip your local grocery.
Are plantains healthy for you?
Plantains are a carb-rich food and a good source of fiber, vitamins, and minerals. They also contain antioxidants that fight free radicals. With good levels of vitamin C, they can also support immune function. Likewise, their vitamin B6 content may reduce cardiovascular risk and improve mood.
Why are plantains so cheap?
Exposed to agro-chemicals and intense heat, plantation workers are usually in the field ten to 12 hours a day, six days a week, and still aren’t paid a living wage—to do so would increase the price of fruit that, despite traveling thousands of miles to the US, continues to be sold more cheaply than locally grown apples
Where did plantains originally come from?
Plantains are believed to have originated in Southeast Asia. Two groups of plantains are thought to have a common origin: the horn plantain and the French plantain. Both types grow in India, Africa, Egypt, and tropical America. The French plantains also occur in Indonesia and the islands of the Pacific.
Who eats most bananas in the world?
Based on a comparison of 153 countries in 2019, India ranked the highest in banana consumption with 24,194 kt followed by China and Indonesia. On the other end of the scale was Turkmenistan with 1.00 kt, Lesotho with 1.00 kt and Burkina Faso with 1.00 kt.
Justin Shelton is a professional cook. He’s been in the industry for over 10 years, and he loves nothing more than creating delicious dishes for others to enjoy. Justin has worked in some of the best kitchens in the country, and he’s always looking for new challenges and ways to improve his craft. When he’s not cooking, Justin enjoys spending time with his wife and son. He loves exploring new restaurants and trying out different cuisines.