Tag: Plantain varieties

Globally, plantains account for about 85% of all banana cultivation, but they aren't interchangeable with dessert bananas. Figuring out what is the best kind of plantain ultimately depends on the dish you want to create, as their flavor and texture change dramatically with ripeness.

Though often mistaken for a large banana, plantains are botanically distinct and primarily cultivated for cooking. The classification of a plantain places it in the same genus as the common banana, *Musa*, but with different hybrid ancestry and culinary uses that set it apart. These starchy, tropical fruits are a staple food for millions worldwide.