{"product_id":"untitled-may5_18-58","title":"Plantain","description":"\u003cp\u003ePlantain is a starchy, staple vegetable-fruit widely used in West African, Caribbean and Latin American cooking – valued as a healthier alternative to potatoes. They are a versatile ingredient, rich in complex carbohydrates and dietary fiber. They contain approximately 72 calories per 100 grams and are an excellent source of vitamins A and C. Their firm texture allows for various cooking methods, including boiling, frying, and baking, making them a staple in many cuisines.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e📋 \u003cstrong\u003eDetailed Information\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e• Appearance: Bright green, thick skin; firm pale-yellow flesh\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e• Taste \u0026amp; Texture: Neutral, earthy\/starchy (no sweetness); dense, holds shape when cooked\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e• Dietary: Naturally gluten-free, vegan, low sugar, high resistant starch\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e• Key Difference from Banana: Larger, thicker-skinned, always cooked (never eaten raw)\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e🔪 \u003cstrong\u003ePreparation Tip\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e• Peeling Trick: Cut off ends → slit skin lengthwise → soak in warm water 2 mins → peel (avoids brown stains on hands)\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e• Prevent browning: Soak peeled chunks in salted water\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e🍳 \u003cstrong\u003eCulinary Uses\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e✅ Boiled (Most Popular)\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e• Method: Peel, cut into 3cm chunks → boil 15–20 mins (salted water)\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e• Pair with: Egusi, Bitterleaf or Okra Soup; Stewed Beans\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e✅ Fried (Chips \/ Tostones)\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e• Chips: Slice thinly → deep fry until golden → salt\/spice\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e• Tostones: Thick slices (2cm) → fry 3 mins → flatten → re-fry 2 mins (crispy outside, soft inside)\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e✅ Flour \/ Fufu\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e• Dried \u0026amp; milled into unripe plantain flour – makes smooth, low-GI swallow\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e💪 \u003cstrong\u003eNutrition\u003c\/strong\u003e (Per 100g Boiled)\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e• 116 kcal | 31g Carbs | 1.2g Protein | 0.2g Fat | 2.4g Fibre\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e• Key Nutrients: High Potassium (465mg), Vit C, B6, Magnesium\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e• \u003cstrong\u003eHealth Benefits:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e◦ Low Glycemic Index (GI: ~40) – stabilises blood sugar\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e◦ Resistant starch = feeds gut bacteria\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e◦ Heart-friendly (low sodium + high potassium)\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e◦ Great for weight management \u0026amp; diabetes control\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e🗄️ \u003cstrong\u003eStorage\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e• Unripe: Keep at room temp (18–24°C) → stays green\/hard for 7–10 days\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e• Avoid: Fridge (turns skin black \u0026amp; flesh hard)\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e⏱️ Ripening\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e• Turns yellow (slightly sweet) in 2–3 weeks at room temp\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e• Speed up: Place in paper bag with banana\/apple.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Mama Africa Food Store","offers":[{"title":"Unripe (green Plantain) Half Box","offer_id":61766824001866,"sku":null,"price":28.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Unripe (green Plantain) Full Box","offer_id":61766824034634,"sku":null,"price":56.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Ripped (Yellow Plantain) Half Box","offer_id":61766824100170,"sku":null,"price":35.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Ripped (Yellow Plantain) Full Box","offer_id":61766824132938,"sku":null,"price":60.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1037\/2261\/5114\/files\/IMG-7003.jpg?v=1778005672","url":"https:\/\/mamaafricafoodstore.co.uk\/products\/untitled-may5_18-58","provider":"Mama Africa Food Store","version":"1.0","type":"link"}