Wondering if plantains are sweet? Good thing you’ve stumbled upon this article, we have all the info you need about the taste of this banana-like fruit.
Not only will we answer the question for you, but we have also compiled a bunch of other interesting facts about plantains.
Read on to get all of this info!
Are Plantains Sweet?
Plantains are incredibly similar to bananas, so most would assume that they taste the same. However, there are some differences.
Plantains taste starchier than bananas. They are also not that sweet while they are still green. People often compare the taste of green plantains to that of potatoes.
However, once they ripen, they become much sweeter. Their sweetness becomes even stronger when they are cooked.
So yes, plantains are sweet, but only once they are ripe enough. If you want to make them even sweeter, you will have to cook them. This shouldn’t be a problem, as they are most commonly eaten that way. You can boil, bake, or fry plantains.
What Is The Difference Between Plantains and Bananas?
Although they are genetically similar, plantains and bananas have several key differences. The most important one is that plantains are most commonly eaten cooked.
Both of these fruits originate from Southeast Asia but can be found all over the world now.
These two fruits look similar at first, but there are some subtle visual differences. Plantains are bigger and tougher. Their skin is much thicker than that of a banana.
Plantains can be green, dark brown, or yellow.
Naturally, they taste differently as well. At least at first. While still green, plantains taste starchy, similar to potatoes. Once they ripen they start to taste more like bananas, and the taste becomes really similar once you cook them.
Do Plantains Have More Sugar Than Bananas?
Plantains contain less sugar than bananas. This may come as a surprise given that they taste sweet once they ripen and are cooked. However, don’t forget about their starchy flavor when they are still green.
The carbs in plantains come from the starch, while in bananas they come from the sugars. Both have the same number of calories and actually share a lot of health benefits. More on that later!
Do Plantains Spike Blood Sugar?
Absolutely not, plantains actually help you regulate your blood sugar better. Green plantains contain plenty of resistant starch, which is a dietary fiber that makes you feel full.
It benefits your digestive health by feeding bacteria that maintain the health of your belly.
Resistant starch is also responsible for managing your blood sugar levels and your sensitivity to insulin. This is why plantains actually have a positive effect on your blood sugar.
Are Plantains Good For Weight Loss?
One thing that helps weight loss more than any other nutrient is fiber. Consuming lots of fiber can help you lose as much weight as someone who is on a low-fat diet.
Plantains contain a very good amount of fiber. If you consume 100 grams of plantains you will get 8% of the daily recommended fiber dose, which is 30 grams. However, plantains are usually larger than that, so by eating just one that is medium-sized, you will get almost 20% of the recommended daily fiber.
While fiber doesn’t help with burning fat, it does have lower energy density. It provides fewer calories per gram of food you consume. Of course, we also need to mention that plantains make you feel full, so you will eat less and portion your food better.
Are Sweet Plantains Healthy?
Plantains are an excellent source of some essential nutrients. These include magnesium, potassium, fiber, vitamin C, and antioxidant compounds.
Plantains are also a great source of complex carbohydrates. Every 100 grams of plantain contain around 32 grams of carbs. Bananas on the other hand have 23 grams in the same serving size. Keep in mind that the number of carbs in plantains can vary a little, depending on their ripeness.
As we already mentioned, the carbs in plantains come from starch. When it comes to calories, plantains contain between 89 and 122 in a serving size of 100 grams.
They don’t contain protein or fat in a significant amount. Based on this we can definitely conclude that there are some health benefits to plantains.
For starters, they have an antioxidant and an anti-inflammatory effect. Potassium helps lower your blood pressure and reduces the risk of heart disease.
We talked about fiber already, but its effect on digestive health is yet another health benefit of eating plantains. Resistant starch, also found in plantains, will help with digestive health as well. But, it will also improve insulin sensitivity and blood sugar management.
Based on all of this, we have to conclude that yes, plantains are indeed healthy.
What are Healthier Plantains or Bananas?
Bananas are higher in sugar while plantains are higher in starch. That is the main difference between the two, and based on that alone we can conclude that plantains are a bit healthier.
But, let’s take a look at another thing. Plantains are used as an ingredient in savory dishes, while bananas are mostly used in sweet dishes, ones that require extra sugar. This could be considered another reason why plantains are healthier.
Do Plantains Ripen Like Bananas?
Plantains ripen the same way bananas do, basically when left alone on your kitchen counter or wherever you please, but there are differences in the way they ripen.
Both fruits look incredibly similar, but plantains look different than bananas when they are ripe. Ripe bananas usually have only a single black spot or two, plantains are almost completely black. They only have a few yellow streaks on their skin.
Don’t be afraid and start thinking your plantains are overripe if they are too black, they need to look this way.
However, if they turn completely black, with no yellow stripes, that might mean they are a bit overripe.
Can Plantains Be Eaten Raw?
No, you shouldn’t eat raw plantains. This is another thing that differentiates them from bananas. Since plantains are higher in starch, eating them raw will remind you of eating a raw potato. This is of course, not something you want to do.
The starch needs to be cooked down before plantains become edible.
Eating raw plantains isn’t dangerous for you. They don’t contain toxic substances or anything like that. They just won’t be very tasty.
Do Plantains Grow in The Same Way As Bananas?
Yes, both plantains and bananas grow in exactly the same way. Plantains also grow in bunches and their trees look incredibly similar.
They have similar leaves and tree trunks that can grow quite high. Usually, both of these fruits are picked before they are ripe, so they are just starting to ripen when they reach grocery stores. It is recommended that you let plantains ripen for a bit before eating them. They are ripe enough when their skin turns black with only a few yellow stripes.
Hey, I’m Joey. I’ve been cooking since I was a little kid and love everything about it. You can find my writing about food, kitchen appliances (such as blenders) and much more. Thanks for stopping by!
