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
Caribbean, Latin American, and West Indian markets often have a more consistent stock of fully ripe (black) plantains. buy plantain
Ripe plantains should give slightly under pressure but should not feel mushy. To buy the right plantains, you must first
Expect it to take to go from solid green to fully black. Expand map How to Pick the Perfect Plantain - Food at the Center Ripe plantains should give slightly under pressure but
If your store only has green plantains but you want sweet ones: Store them at .