Other names: Plantain (Cooking banana, Platano)

Availability: All year.

Source: Central and South America.

Handling Tips: Room temperature. Do not chill.

General Information: The plantain is usually shipped green and will age to a dark black if desired. The fruit may be used in either state depending upon the flavor you wish to attain. The black plantain is a bit sweeter with more banana flavor. The plantain is used frequently as a vegetable - much like the potato. Fried into plantain chips or baked and served with butter and mild chile sauce are two popular uses