Plantain known as Plantago major grows all over North America and around the world. It is commonly found in yards and gardens where pesticides aren’t used. Chances are if you’re a Climate Victory Gardener you’ve come across this plant.
What’s plantain called in USA?
Many cooking bananas are referred to as plantains (/ˈplæntɪn/, US: /plænˈteɪn/, UK: /ˈplɑːntɪn/) or green bananas. In botanical usage, the term “plantain” is used only for true plantains, while other starchy cultivars used for cooking are called “cooking bananas”.
Where are plantains grown?
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.
Are any bananas grown in USA?
US banana production is very limited; in 2009, US total banana production reached almost 7,000 mmt, or 0.01% of the total world production, on an estimated 16,000 acres. Hawaii is by far the largest banana producer in the United States, followed by Florida.
Why dont we grow bananas in the US?
There are no commercially available bananas grown in North America so everything available must be packed and shipped over long distances, using many tons of fossil fuels per year.
Can you eat American plantain?
Plantain is a highly nutritious wild edible, that is high in calcium and vitamins A, C, and K. The young, tender leaves can be eaten raw, and the older, stringier leaves can be boiled in stews and eaten. The seeds are also edible. However, ingesting large quantities can cause a drop in blood pressure.
How did plantains get to America?
Through trade, slavery, and colonization, the plantains found new homes in the Western Hemisphere. History tells us that plantains are indigenous to equator-bordering lands in Southeast Asia. Spanish and African slave traders brought the fruit with them to the Caribbean on slave ships.
What country has the best plantain?
Plantains are usually cooked, roasted, boiled, and steamed either when green or very ripe.
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 |
Which country is the largest producer of plantain?
Cameroon
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 country eats plantains the most?
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.
Where does the US get its bananas?
Mexico is one of the largest banana producers and exports a large portion of its bananas to the United States. The country has over 75 thousand hectares of which 15 thousand are in the states of Chiapas and Tabasco.
Which country has the best banana?
Top Banana Producing Countries In The World
| Rank | Country | Production (in tonnes) |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | India | 27,575,000 |
| 2 | China (mainland) | 12,075,238 |
| 3 | Philippines | 8,645,749 |
| 4 | Brazil | 6,892,622 |
Who is the biggest banana producer?
The biggest Banana producing country in 2016 was by far India – almost 30 million tons- , followed by China and Indonesia. Brazil and Ecuador complete the top five. While India is currently producing about 28% of all Bananas, it only exports about 0.1% of their harvest.
Are plantains sprayed with pesticides?
Plantain farmers have adopted use of highly toxic pesticides following banana production, but in conditions of extreme poverty. Aerial spraying in banana plantations was considered by most social actors a major determinant of exposure for the population living nearby these plantations, including vulnerable children.
What country imports the most bananas?
Import Trends of Top 10 Importers of Fresh Banana
| Country | Import % | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Global | |
| 2 | United States | 18.1% |
| 3 | Germany | 7.81% |
Who brought bananas to America?
Bananas were brought to the Americas by Spanish explorers in the 1500s. The first banana shoot is thought to be planted in the islands of the Caribbean in 1516. Bananas did not make their way to the US until the 1800s when sailors brought banana shoots home from the Caribbean.
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.
Is plantain native to North America?
Common plantain is considered a weed and grows in disturbed areas such as lawns, fields, and roadsides. It is not native to western North America; it appears to have been introduced to North America from Eurasia, where it is common and widespread. It is also common in BC, especially in areas of human settlement.
Where can I find wild plantains?
Look for Plantago in yards, alongside roadsides, and in disturbed areas. Plantain grows in the shade or in the sun, so check both areas thoroughly when foraging.
What came first plantain or banana?
It is probable that bananas arrived in India, Indonesia, Australia, and Malaysia, within the first two millennia after domestication. Plantains may have been grown in eastern Africa as early as 3000 BCE, and in Madagascar by 1000 BCE. The plantain had certainly reached the African continent between 500 BCE and 500 CE.
Can you eat plantains raw?
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.
Elvira Bowen is a food expert who has dedicated her life to understanding the science of cooking. She has worked in some of the world’s most prestigious kitchens, and has published several cookbooks that have become bestsellers. Elvira is known for her creative approach to cuisine, and her passion for teaching others about the culinary arts.