Plantains are longer, thicker, and have a tougher peel compared to bananas. While bananas are bright yellow, plantains often show green or dark black hues.
Bananas are naturally sweet, making them perfect for snacking. Plantains, on the other hand, are starchy and mild, ideal for savory or cooked dishes.
Bananas are eaten raw, while plantains need to be cooked. Plantains are delicious when fried, baked, or boiled, creating versatile meals.
Bananas are rich in sugars and potassium, great for quick energy. Plantains contain more complex carbs, offering a sustained energy boost.
Plantains are staples in African, Caribbean, and Latin cuisines, used in hearty dishes. Bananas are common in desserts, smoothies, and quick snacks globally.
Bananas get soft and mushy as they ripen. Plantains remain firm even when ripe, making them suitable for frying or mashing into savory dishes.
Don’t let ripe bananas sit with green ones. Ripe bananas speed up the ripening of others, so keep them apart to maintain freshness longer.