Ash Plantain (Cooking Banana)

Cultivar

AAA, AAB and ABB

Major growing area

Dry & Intermediate Zones

ORIGINS

South and Southeast Asia

TASTE

Very bland taste compared to other bananas belonging to the same family

AYURVEDA & MEDICINAL USES

Ash plantains contain high volumes of dietary-fibre that helps reduce bowel-related problems such as constipation. The vegetable also contains more vitamin C than bananas, making it a strong ally against infectious agents and harmful oxygen-free radicals. The vitamin A in ash plantain acts as an antioxidant and also plays a vital role in the visual cycle maintaining healthy mucus membranes, and enhancing skin complexion. It is also rich in minerals that are essential for strengthening bones, cardiac protection and heart rate and blood pressure control.

NOTABLE FACTS

Ash plantains are cooked and eaten, while bananas (or dessert bananas) are eaten raw, without the peel. The latter are much sweeter too!

TRY-ME RECIPES

Try this fried ash plantain curry at home. Cut the plantains into 1 1/2” lengths. Mix with salt and a pinch of turmeric. Deep fry till golden brown. Heat a pan with 1 tsp of oil. Fry onion, curry leaves, fenugreek, rampe, green chillies till fragrant. Next add 1 tablespoon vinegar, 1 cup coconut milk, curry powder and turmeric powder. When the mixture comes to a boil, add the plantains. Add salt to taste. Cook for couple of minutes and serve.