Plantain

Plantain is a tropical fruit related to the common banana, but with a higher starch content and less sweet flavor. Unlike bananas, plantains are always eaten cooked, boiled, fried, baked, or grilled. Green, unripe plantains are firm and ideal for frying as crispy chips or as a side dish (tostones), while ripe yellow to black plantains are sweeter and suitable for sliced frying or baking. Plantain is a staple ingredient in African, Caribbean, Central American, and South American cuisines. It pairs excellently with meat or legumes as a hearty side dish.