plantains

Plantains are starchy, elongated fruits that belong to the banana family but are typically larger, firmer, and less sweet when ripe; they are commonly used in cooking in many tropical regions around the world, especially in Latin America, Africa, and the Caribbean, where they are a dietary staple; plantains can be enjoyed at various stages of ripeness, from green to fully ripe, with each stage offering different culinary possibilities, including savory dishes like fried plantains (tostones), boiled or mashed plantains (mangu), and sweet preparations such as ripe plantain desserts (maduros), providing a versatile and nutritious ingredient rich in complex carbohydrates, fiber, vitamins, and minerals.