What are plantains in the food pyramid?
Now you know that plantains belong to the starchy fruit classification. These raw fruits cannot boast any special flavor, but they have soft texture and sweet taste when ripe. Besides, ripe plantain can be eaten raw.
Where is plantain a staple food?
Plantain is popular in West Africa, especially Cameroon, Bénin, Ghana and Nigeria; when ripe plantain is fried, it is generally called dodo (dough – dough).
Are plantains an African food?
Plantains are widely consumed from West to East Africa, as well as Central America, South America, and the Caribbean. And for plantains – it is such a versatile fruit/vegetable that it’s no wonder there are tons of ways to prepare them and put them on the table!
Is plantain Caribbean or African?
Plantains are indigenous to the tropical regions of Southeast Asia. They made their way along trade routes to Africa and then were brought to the Caribbean by the Spanish and African slave traders. The plantain eventually became a staple ingredient in the Caribbean.
Where did plantains originate?
Southeast Asia
Plantains are believed to have originated in Southeast Asia. Two groups of plantains are thought to have a common origin: the horn plantain and the French plantain. Both types grow in India, Africa, Egypt, and tropical America. The French plantains also occur in Indonesia and the islands of the Pacific.
Which country eats the most plantains?
The countries with the highest volumes of plantain consumption in 2018 were Democratic Republic of the Congo (5.5M tonnes), Cameroon (4.8M tonnes) and Ghana (4.1M tonnes), together comprising 59% of total consumption.
How did plantains get to Africa?
Like all the people around our table, plantain is not indigenous to the Americas or the Caribbean. The African staple sailed across the Atlantic Ocean in the same slave ships. The crop was easy to grow, high in starch and provided energy to those worked by the whip. Bananas are eaten all over the world.
Where in Africa do plantains grow?
Plantains are more important in the humid lowlands of West and Central Africa. One hundred or more different varieties of plantain grow deep in the African rainforests.
Who brought plantains to Africa?
period, followed by dispersion in the continent long before European intervention, and (2) introduction to East Africa by Arabs, followed by introduction to West Africa by Portuguese.
When did plantains get to Africa?
Plantains may have been grown in eastern Africa as early as 3000 BCE, and in Madagascar by 1000 BCE. The plantain had certainly reached the African continent between 500 BCE and 500 CE.
Where did plantains originate Africa?
It is probable that bananas arrived in India, Indonesia, Australia, and Malaysia, within the first two millennia after domestication. Plantains may have been grown in eastern Africa as early as 3000 BCE, and in Madagascar by 1000 BCE. The plantain had certainly reached the African continent between 500 BCE and 500 CE.
What kind of food is cooked plantains in Africa?
Plantains are also referred to as cooking bananas as they are generally used in cooking. They can be eaten ripe or unripe and generally starchy. In West Africa (and some parts of Africa), plantains are often cooked as in ingredient to a main course or as a side.
When do they plant plantains in West Africa?
In West Africa, bananas and plantains are planted at the onset of the rainy season. This usually coincides with the planting period of several other staple crops like rice, cassava, and maize.
What’s the best thing to do with plantain?
These are my favorite plantain recipes that are simple, hearty and super simple to make. 1. Sweet Plantain and Black Bean Bowl My Sweet plantain and black bean bowl, its vegan ,hearty, spicy and oh so delicious. Part of me says I should feel guilty for pan frying, part of me says it’s the best way to treat plantains this ripe.
What kind of spices are in fried plantains?
Kelewele or Aloco – A mouth-watering African spicy fried plantain recipe seasoned with cayenne pepper, ginger, lemon, nutmeg, garlic, and bouillon cubes. It is a soft, spicy, and sweet snack that pairs well with crunchy peanuts or with any protein.