In fact, plantains are occasionally referred to as “cooking bananas.” But to call a plantain a banana is a bit of an oversimplification. Think of plantains as a subcategory of banana.

You make a beeline to the produce section, only to find the thickest, biggest bananas you’ve ever seen. Before you add them to your cart, let us fill you in: They’re plantains.

If you've seen the two side by side at a grocery store, bananas and plantains look pretty similar. But are these fruits one ...

Plantains are harvested when they are green, at which point the flavor is earthy, vegetal and funky, Diaz says. Unlike even an unripe banana, there is no hint of sweetness.

Versatile recipes for starchy plantains and unripe green bananas. By Tejal Rao A few weeks ago, my uninsulated home had a chill in it that I couldn’t chase away. I don’t think it’s a ...

Tostones are crunchy, savory and salty. Peeling the green banana is tricky. Amy recommends wearing plastic gloves because, you will stain your hands.

Like bananas, plantains are originally from Southeast Asia. However, they are now grown all over the world, including in India, Egypt, Indonesia, and tropical regions of the Americas.