Bananas and plantains resemble each other a way too much and that’s the key reason why we somehow feel that it’s the same. But NO!  They are both different in their culinary uses.

Plantains are mainly used in savoury dishes, whereas bananas go well in desserts. Plantains have thicker skin, larger in size than bananas and are also starchier and low in sugar. They both come from the same plant genus musa, a family of heat resistant herbs native to Southeast Asia and South Pacific. The plant of bananas are considered to be herb as they do not contain woody tissues and the fruit bearing stem dies after the growing season.

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Now, let us make you understand the difference between the two:

What are Bananas?

Bananas belong from Malay Archipelago in Southeast Asia. They are elongated, yellow in color and covered with a thick skin. However they are different kinds of bananas and all taste different. Bananas can be eaten raw and can also be cooked for incorporating it in desserts. They are grown from a bulb and it takes 9 -12 months for a banana to sow and then harvest it. They can be eaten raw in dishes like smoothies, shakes, etc.

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What exactly Plantains are?

Plantains look similar to bananas but work well in savoury dishes. They have larger and thicker skin than bananas. They are grown all over the world like India, Egypt, Indonesia, etc. They are green, yellow, or dark brown, etc. They are starchier than bananas and are not very sweet when green. One can eat plantain at any stage of their ripening process. They are commonly used in African, Caribbean cuisine, etc.

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Difference in their nutrient profile

Bananas and plantains both contain several nutrients like potassium, magnesium, vitamin C, Fiber, etc and both are equally nutritious. Plantains are high in complex carbs but these carbs come from starch whereas in bananas carbs come from sugar. Both can be included in your diet to reap its potent health benefits. Due to high natural sugar there is no need to overeating. Both are healthy sources of carbohydrates.

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Plantains in food

Plantains are used like a vegetable as it is starchy. In order to get rid-off the starch one needs to cook them properly. They are popularly used in cuisine of African countries such as Nigeria. Green and Yellow Plantains are also served as an accompaniment in countries like Jamaica and Cuba. The green and fried ones are called tostones and the riped ones are called muduros. You can also enjoy them boiled, baked or fried.

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Things that you can make from Bananas

Whether for breakfast or for dessert you can make endless recipes using bananas like choco chip banana muffins, banana bread, banana pancakes, etc.

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Health Benefits of Banana and Plantain

• Bananas are high in fiber, potassium, folate, and antioxidants, etc.
• The fiber in bananas keeps you fuller and slows your digestive system.
• Bananas are full of antioxidants including flavonoids and amines. These antioxidants are associated with health benefits which reduce heart diseases and degenerative illnesses.
• Plantain contains vitamin B6 which reduces cardiovascular risk.
• It is an excellent source of fiber, vitamins, minerals, etc.

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Neither bananas nor plantains have a higher nutrition profile than each other. They both contain potassium, magnesium, and fiber, etc. Plantains are considered a bit healthier than bananas as bananas contain more natural sugar. Bananas are used raw in desserts and plantains go well as an accompaniment.

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