Plantain: Production, Uses, and Nutritional Value

Abstract

To the consumer, 'banana' ( Musaspp.) is the common name for the numerous yellow, arcshaped "hands" of fruit marketed for fresh, uncooked consumption and 'plantain' ( Musaspp.) for the larger, dark green, angular shaped fruit intended for cooking but also edible raw when fully ripe. In some countries, there is no distinction between plantains and bananas. They are simply rated as to whether they are best for cooking or for dessert. The following is a review of the production, uses, and nutritional value of the plantain.