Services like Instacart or Amazon offer fresh plantain delivery to your door. How to Ripen at Home
To buy the right plantains, you must first identify how you intend to cook them. Unlike dessert bananas, plantains are starchy "cooking bananas" that change flavor and texture significantly as they ripen. Quick Buying Guide by Ripeness Appearance Texture & Taste Bright green, firm Starchy like a potato, savory Tostones (twice-fried), chips, stews, fufu Yellow Yellow with some black spots Slightly sweet, holds shape Grilling, baking, or pan-frying Black Mostly or completely black Very sweet, soft, caramelized Maduros (sweet fried plantains), desserts, bread Selection Tips buy plantain
Ripe plantains should give slightly under pressure but should not feel mushy. Services like Instacart or Amazon offer fresh plantain
Services like Instacart or Amazon offer fresh plantain delivery to your door. How to Ripen at Home
To buy the right plantains, you must first identify how you intend to cook them. Unlike dessert bananas, plantains are starchy "cooking bananas" that change flavor and texture significantly as they ripen. Quick Buying Guide by Ripeness Appearance Texture & Taste Bright green, firm Starchy like a potato, savory Tostones (twice-fried), chips, stews, fufu Yellow Yellow with some black spots Slightly sweet, holds shape Grilling, baking, or pan-frying Black Mostly or completely black Very sweet, soft, caramelized Maduros (sweet fried plantains), desserts, bread Selection Tips
Ripe plantains should give slightly under pressure but should not feel mushy.