Therefore, stay off sugary foods as much as you can. I was not aware that plantain can be baked or even grilled for that matter!!! I know there are nutrients in there. Some scientific studies on animal subjects have suggested that extracts from the plantain plant may have a cholesterol-lowering effect. Hi, loved this hub of yours. :-). Thank you for the tutorials. Have to try the grilled banana soon. Find out about more foods that have an anti-inflammatory effect and can help prevent the development of chronic disease. I'm craving some of those right now. Rinse in cold water, and leave the plantains in the water, till you are ready to eat them. And yes, they can also be roasted and boiled-mashed-&-fried as you described. When cooking plantains, it's important to be able to identify whether it is ripe. Whichever method you choose to prepare your plantains, one thing is certain: you and your family will enjoy eating them! Sautéing Plantain. Using a knife, score the skin of the plantain from tip to tip. Thank you for stopping by and commenting. I like to keep a few plantains in my kitchen at all times. Thank you again. Fried, ripe plantains, on the other hand, tend to be very sweet and soft. It has narrower leaves and sometimes called narrowleaf plantain. (16). (15), Ribwort plantain (narrowleaf plantain) is also classed as an herb that is good for the skin. Love trying new recipes from other cultures. It's always good to have plantains handy. Studies have shown that the skin benefits of plantain come from a number of antioxidant compounds. My favorite snack: roasted or grilled plantain with Spanish peanuts. Make a plantain pulp with mashed up leaves and water. However, heat and light … To treat small cuts, grazes, or wounds, you can also buy plantain healing salve from online stores (like this one) or health stores. Soak some plantain leaves in water until soft and then mash into a pulp. Before taking the fried chips , pour a mixture of water and salt into it. Everyone around us were tuned in once I started talking. Plantain is a common garden herb with healing properties. Plantain for spider bites and other insect bites. Frying is the most popular method of cooking plantains, although some people are gradually beginning to move away from this method due to health concerns. It need to be just right. Boil the water and pour over the leaves in the bowl, cover with the lid and let them steep until the bowl is cold to touch. Flavonoids, polysaccharides, and caffeic acid are just a few of the phytochemicals in plantain. https://drhealthbenefits.com/herbal/herbal-plant/health-benefits-of- However, plantain seeds are also used medicinally. However, plantain should be regarded as an herb due to its many health benefits. Your detailed and very interesting hub has convinced me to try them! Let’s look in more detail at how to use common plantain for its many health benefits. Avoiding these habits and consuming these proven foods to cleanse your liver will promote good liver health. (5), One study in the lab found that hot water extracts of plantain leaves have antiviral properties. Set your frying pan or wok on the stove over medium heat. Aerate the boiled water by pouring it from one container to another several times to improve the "flat" taste left by boiling, then refrigerate for best results. Plantain for sunburn. However, already baked, roasted, or fried plantain can be frozen. Crush a washed plantain leaf to help release the healing compounds. Comfort Babatola (author) from Bonaire, GA, USA on May 02, 2013: @chocomaggie - Here on Hubpages, we learn new things everyday. Peggy from Oahu, Hawai'i on November 20, 2011: My co worker gave me a bunch of plaintains from her back yard, and I had no idea how to cook them. From what I’ve read, freezing is a good way to preserve the nutritional value of many food items, and many of the nutrients will keep quite well when frozen. Researchers have found that using plantain for upper respiratory tract infections can help to soothe coughing, boost immunity, and reduce inflammatory responses. Once a lady behind me at the checkout lane asked the cashier what those are (referring to plantain). Though I have never heard of plantain being cleaned first before frying, but I'm sure it can be done. Thanks for stopping by, and commenting. Comfort Babatola (author) from Bonaire, GA, USA on April 19, 2020: @Jams - Thanks for stopping by. Cover and simmer for about 15 to 20 minutes. These methods are a healthier option to the frying. I hope I can make it.. Haha.. Comfort Babatola (author) from Bonaire, GA, USA on April 29, 2013: @Kevin Peter - Thanks Kevin for your contribution to this hub. Esther Strong from UK on February 06, 2014: I have always fried plaintain in the past but have been concerned of the health implications so knowing other ways of cooking them as you've presented here is very useful. It is mostly the plantain leaf that contains many of its therapeutic benefits. Thanks for sharing. To help flush out kidney stones and increase urine output, drink 1-2 glasses of plantain tea daily. I then slice completely and add ground turkey “a la mexicana” and a little bit of shredded queso fresco and it makes a delicious meal. I'm glad you found the information on plantain useful. (19). (20, 21). I’ve been making salve with Plantain and it is THE best skin care product to use yet! Consume the plantain tea to help fight infection whenever you have a cold or the flu. I hope it turns out right and delicious. As you rightly said, ripe plantain can be fried. Far from being an unwelcome weed in your yard, plantain herb should be prized for its medicinal uses. I like them fried (of course) and grilled, but I've never thought to roast them in the oven. Plantain leaf and plantain seed extracts help to bring down cholesterol levels. Fry the pieces for about 5 to 10 minutes, stirring or turning occasionally. If you got 3 correct answers: You did very good! For each question, choose the best answer. Ketchup. Plantains are also high in potassium and fiber. In Kerala [citation needed], ripe plantains are boiled with sago, coconut milk, sugar and spices to make a pudding. Drink 1-2 cups of this plantain tea a day to control diarrhea or to get relief from the symptoms of cold and fever. Thanks a lot Ma'am:) Big help. They are usually turned into. If you got 2 correct answers: You did good, but you need to familiarize yourself more with plantain by reading this hub. Plantains are usually bigger and thicker skinned than bananas. Comfort Babatola (author) from Bonaire, GA, USA on April 10, 2013: @jeanjoycee - Yes, it's really yummy. Vespa Woolf from Peru, South America on March 05, 2013: Plantains are common and Peru and we just moved to an area where they're very inexpensive. I love them fried, but recently tried them baked and I love them baked even more. A 2017 study found that extracts from plantain seed may have anticancer and anti-inflammatory activity. If you do not have a grill or an open charcoal pit, you can roast plantains in the oven. Many plantain recipes involve deep-frying, but that's not a healthy preparation method. At Healthy and Natural World, our mission is to empower people to take control of their own health by providing comprehensive, practical and well researched information. Place peeled, whole fruits in the oven. To make a healing plantain poultice, this is what you should do: It is generally safe to use plantain leaf tea or a plantain leaf poultice for medicinal purposes. In Nigeria (my native country), roasted plantains are called. This could take up to 40-50 minutes. Question: How would the plantain be cooked to put on fish tacos? Though many people are clueless when it comes to plantain it, but they are always delighted and willing to try it once they get the needed information. If the water is clear: Bring the clear water to a rolling boil for 1 minute (at elevations above 6,500 feet, boil for three minutes). dinkan53 from India on February 17, 2012: Love banana chips. Apply the plantain salve 3 times a day to encourage healthy wound healing. Doctors from WebMD advise that people with a pollen or melon allergy should avoid using remedies made from plantain. You'll find not only does it look delicious, it taste delicious! Comfort Babatola (author) from Bonaire, GA, USA on November 21, 2011: Hairybizness - Thanks for stopping by. They grow in my yard! They are handy as a quick snack or they can be incorporated into a delicious breakfast or main meal. When picking wild plantain leaves, always ensure that no chemicals or pesticides have been used on them. I love plantains and I have been eating them since I was a child. Further reading: Other ways to cure sunburn naturally. Yes. That reminds me, I've got some just like that that I need to prepare for breakfast, to eat with some eggs and salsa serving. Hiding. Answer: Plantain contains enzymes. Question: What are the nutritional value(s) of plantains? One of the most popular uses for taking plantain leaf tea is to treat gastrointestinal disorders. Plantain for poison ivy or allergic skin reactions. Thanks for SHARING. (27). Ambiga Jeyaratnaraja from India on September 25, 2013: Oh so much we can do with plantains. Personally, I prefer roasting in the oven because then I don't have to deal with the smoke from the grill or pit, but I get the same delicious results—if not better. The answer key is below. Also tastes great with scrambled eggs. It worked, never had a problem since cause I love plantains. Thanks for reading and commenting. :). Urinary problems: Make a decoction of Virginia snake root, jasmine and Plantago. Tests in the lab have shown that compounds in plantain leaves can help to kill off various bacterial and viral pathogens. Plantain extracts are also used in traditional medicine for treating parasite infections. Plantain (Plantago major): Why It’s an Herb and Not a Weed, Uses, Benefits and More, Jenny Hills, Nutritionist and Medical Writer. (11, 12). Very well appreciated. Thank you for taking the time to read and comment. Find out what else you can do to clear up a chest infection quickly. He has made plantains, but the only way we knew was to deep fry them when they were very sweet. According to this study, which compared the nutritional values of fresh, frozen and canned fruits and vegetables, vitamin C (Ascorbic acid) continues to degrade during prolonged storage of frozen products. I've been hearing a lot about them lately. I’m very interested about it. You could apply fresh plantain leaves to minor cuts or wounds to promote healing. Rinse the unpeeled plantains to remove any dirt residue. Thanks for the tips! Apart from helping to improve kidney function, regularly drinking plantain tea could help prevent kidney stones from forming. Because common plantain grows wild in many places, it shouldn’t be too difficult to find fresh leaves. Looks good and healthy. That's a double dose of iron right there. Waiting. There are 276 calories in 1 medium Boiled Ripe Plantain. These are perfect for grilling, frying, and boiling. I have them planted in my Philippines home yard. You can take a few young plantain leaves to make a medicinal herb tea. Get full nutrition facts and other common serving sizes of Boiled Ripe Plantain including 1 oz and 100 g. Make a poultice (recipe at end of this article) and apply to the itchy hives or swollen skin until you get relief. (4), Researchers say that plantain compounds are good for wound healing, reducing inflammation, managing diabetes, treating diarrhea, and killing germs. Gastrointestinal inflammation: Take the tincture under the tongue or drink plantain tea. They are almost all yellow, I have them hanging in my back yard. Can the leaves of this plant also be eaten? It is said that this method allows the fruit to retain all of its nutrients (unlike when they're boiled or fried). Ripe plantain can be used to make cake, like bananas too :) maybe when they have gone too ripe for frying or grilling. We make savory dishes with the green ones and desserts with the ripe ones. Question: Why does the plantain water turn black after boiling it? I will definitely check at my local organic stores if they carry it. There are some important differences between the two fruits, though. Herbal digestive remedies can help to soothe intestinal pain and treat other symptoms of gastric upset. Cut the lengths in half horizontally. People say that plantain leaves taste similar to spinach or asparagus but with a slightly more bitter taste. Question: What is the best way to cook a plantain that is too ripe? Peel, cut your unripe plantains into small pieces. Comfort Babatola (author) from Bonaire, GA, USA on July 30, 2012: @FreezeFrame34 - Now you know what to do next time. Fantastic! Just yesterday, I had fried plantain twice, with eggs for breakfast, then with rice and beans for lunch. Plantain is very versatile and cab be incorporated into any meal. Now you know how ripe plantain health benefits extend to treating hypertension. I'm not fun of cooking I swear! Applying plantain to the skin also has astringent, soothing, and moisturizing properties. The plantain plant has broad leaves that grow to around 2-4 inches wide. Question: I grate green plantain and fry like a rosti, can I use the same method for yellow plantain? Rinse the plantains and cut off both ends of the fruit to expose their flesh. Very well appreciated. It could be used as a meat substitute (when peeled and cut in chunks) in a collard green soup. She said, "I don't know", and then proceeded to ask me what they were and how to cook them. One test in the lab showed that plantain extracts have anti-parasitic activity against the Giardia parasite. Love reading more of ur hubs. Of these methods, the healthiest are grilling, baking, and roasting. Make a small cut in each half’s peel -- this makes it easier to remove the peel after boiling. Check out more cooking tips in this hub. At the end of the article, you can find out an easy recipe on how to make plantain tea. Drink. I love eating bananas so may give this recipe a try too. Leaving the skin on, cut the plantains into 2-inch chunks. Use plantain tea to cleanse the skin after removing the poultice to benefit your skin. Has water soluble vitamins in it. sure, its full of the vitamins and nutrients that were released in the water during boiling. You can boil, bake, or roast plantain in its skin. (28), Another test tube study in laboratory conditions found that extracts from various species of Plantago plants have potential use in cancer treatment. Plantains are tasty baked or fried. Fried, unripe plantains are very crunchy. You can use plantain leaf to help protect the health and function of your liver. Angel Guzman from Joliet, Illinois on September 19, 2017: Comfort Babatola (author) from Bonaire, GA, USA on September 24, 2014: Hey Rachael. Cut the fruit into chunks, cubes, or coins. HAha.. FreezeFrame34 from Charleston SC on July 26, 2012: I have yet to try a plantain, but this gives me some ideas on how to experiment with them! Put the plantain pulp on your itchy red skin to help soothe pain, stop itching, and relieve inflammation. My family doctor became exhausted with my repeated attacks and consultation, and I myself lost hope of getting a treatment, so I was bracing up to live with it, but I was saved because of a family friend's advice. I'm glad you can now try baking or grilling your plantains. They fight intestinal diseases. Question: If I sprinkle a little sea salt on the plantains will they still have the sweet taste? A 2017 survey found that herbal weeds such as plantain are good for digestion. I’ll often follow the blanching step in the boiling water with a quick sauté. Try serving with scrambled eggs and salsa. Go Arizona. When plantain is cooked or boiled, these enzymes reacts with oxygen that turns the plantain water to a dark (brown or black) color. Also, plantain tea, tinctures, or tonics may not be safe to take if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. (6). Pour the water into a pot safe for use on a stovetop if it isn’t already in one. Since I live in Quebec Canada, it could use it all year round. I must taste good too. Plantain can be eaten anytime (breakfast, lunch, or dinner). Since the hot water will soften the fruit up quite a bit, it’s best to … Answer: You can use it as a substitute in recipes that calls for bananas. Then, turn up the heat and wait until the water begins to … I would love to know more. Voted up and awesome. Put your cut unripe plantain into a container with a cover (or lid) Fill the container with up to half or more with water. Store the boiled water in clean sanitized containers with tight covers. Your article is very educative although I think boiled plantain is the healthiest since the skin helps retain the nutrients. Before frying, they have to be put in water and then cleaned well. Jean Bakula from New Jersey on April 09, 2013: Thanks for a new look for plantains. I do not know where to buy them.. but if I do I will know how to cook them thank you. L M Reid from Ireland on February 17, 2012: I must admit I had never heard of plantains before I read this article. Plantain can be a helpful natural remedy if you have bronchitis. I was shopping during this pandemic and no bananas so I. Boiling plantains without a lot of added fat is a better option. The boiled plantain tastes very good. Always delicious however it's cooked. Scientific studies indicate that using plantain leaf tea could help to promote good oral health. Or you can try these teas for better digestive health. Most grocery store now carry them. Once the pieces are golden brown, remove them from the pan. Add the chunks into 2 to 3 cups boiling, salted water. (3), One of the reasons why plantain is a medicinal herb is that all parts of the plant – the leaves, roots, stems, flowers, and seeds – contain a lot of antioxidants. Good For Kidney Stones. Or, you can use plantain leaf tea as a cleansing skin tonic. (24, 25). I am a Nigerian native who loves sharing traditional and nontraditional recipes with everyone! Thank you! To make the turkey a la mexicana I put I can of diced tomatoes, 2 cloves garlic, 1/2 white onion and 1 jalapeño in the blender and pour it over the meat and it thickens as it cooks with salt and pepper to taste. Voted up and interesting. Put 1 teaspoon of dried plantain herb in a cup of boiling water, cover, and allow to infuse for 15 minutes. Comfort Babatola (author) from Bonaire, GA, USA on September 25, 2013: @Edjanse Plantain is a very versatile fruit that can be cooked virtually in every way possible. I would prefer not fried. I shall definitely shall try plantain one of these days and perhaps introduce my 24 year old son, who doesn't eat very well, to this nutricious food. Since the skin dental plaque naturally to lower your risk of gum and! Varied diet can help to kill off germs and remove grime from advise... 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