Versatile Jamaican Plantain
Have it YOUR way!

Watch! See the real Jamaica in VIDEOS!
Click Here and see why over 90,000 fans are raving about my YouTube Channel!

Tasty Jamaican Plantain
by Rose-Marie Gordon-Cole

Ripe, green, fried, cooked, baked, grated, blended; this list speaks of the versatility and wholesomeness of the Jamaican plantain. It’s hard to get bored with something that can be served in so many different styles.

Plantain, a sibling to the banana just a bit bigger, and though not indigenous to Jamaica is an important part of the Jamaican diet.

There is no Sunday rice and peas without fried ripe plantains on the side. It is also a popular part of many morning breakfasts here as well. Jamaicans, lets say a big thank you to Southeast Asia from whence the plantain cometh :-)

This very low maintenance plant can be found all over the island, and is one of the many crops found in a number of backyards gardens.

The different ways of preparing this fruit is endless, and it is so easy to put a cultural spin on its’ preparation.

Here are a few of my favorite ways to prepare plantain - Jamaican style!

• Fried – this can be either green or ripe. The ripe can be added to either, lunch, breakfast or dinner.
  
  Fried green plantain is my absolute favorite. Seasoned with local herbs and spices, the plantain is peeled sliced half fried taken out, pressed and then returned to complete the process.
  
  New!: Shop for your Jamaican products here.
  
  
• Plantain dumplings – grate or blend the green plantain, add flour and salt then, mix as you would to make dumplings.
  
  
• Porridge – grate or blend again the green plantain, mixed in a small portion of flour (the flour is use as a thickening agent and is optional) adding spices and sweetening to taste.
  
  
• Drink – the very ripe fruit (when the skin starts getting black and the fruit is a bit soft) is blended, adding milk and your choice of spices and sweetener if needed. You can also add other fruits to the blend to make a smoothie.
  
  
• Chips – both ripe and green plantains are used to make chips. The ripe plantain chips are a bit sweet as plantains, like the banana gets sweet when ripe. If you have never tried plantain chips you can pick up a pack in any supermarket around the island.
• And how can I forget plantain tart!
  
  I am salivating just writing about it. Flaky crust filled with sweet stewed ripe plantains aaaaahhhhh. My high school friends would tell you that most of my lunch money was spend on plantain tarts before school starts. Who remembers roasting plantains in the hot ashes in grandmas outdoor kitchen in the country? I do, and it was tons of fun.

Yes, lot's of ways you can prepare plantains. Also, do bear in mind that it's nutrient content is far more than that of the banana and is said to be very low in fat when cooked. It also provides a healthy dose of carbohydrate, dietary fiber and vitamins and minerals.

See: More Pictures of Jamaican Food.

Posted: 08/22/2011

Return to Food From Jamaica from Jamaican Plantain .
Return to HomePage from Jamaican Plantain.

Selected pictures from Flikr

Sister's first crop from her backyard Plantain plant

fried plantains

My sister's Jamaican fried plantain

Pages Related To Jamaican Plantain

• Free Jamaican Recipes
• Jamaican Drink Recipes
• Jamaican Black Cake Recipes
• Jamaica Travel Guide
• Jamaican Product Shopping
• Shopping in Jamaica

Make sure you subscribe to my free monthly e-zine My Island Jamaica Digest (MIJD) and stay with the latest from Jamaica!

Other Great Articles You Might Have Missed

P.S. Didn't find what you were looking for? 
Still need help?

Click Here to try our dependable and effective Site Search tool. It works!

Or, simply click here and here, to browse my library of over 500 questions and answers! Chances are someone already asked (and got an answer to) your question.

---

Book Your Tour

Things to do

Travel info

Places to stay

Watch My Videos!

Featured Video!

Trending Now!

Top Articles

Recent Articles

• 
• 
• 

1. Jamaican Guinea Hen Weed | Amazing Health Benefits

   Feb 04, 23 06:53 PM

   
   Did you know that our very own Jamaican guinea hen is a wonder muscle relaxant but also has rich in antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties?

   Read More

2. The Strata Lot Number | What Is It?

   Jan 30, 23 04:18 PM

   What is a strata lot and where do you find the strata lot number for your property? Find out here.

   Read More

3. Is Netflix available in Jamaica? Steaming Services in Jamaica

   Jan 30, 23 09:38 AM

   
   Is Netflix available in Jamaica? Here are the streaming platforms and services you will have access to while on vacation in Jamaica.

   Read More

4. How Do I Apply For My Jamaican Birth Certificate While Living Abroad?

   Jan 29, 23 03:20 PM

   
   How do I apply for my Jamaican birth certificate while living abroad? Here are the steps to apply for your birth certificate while living overseas.

   Read More

5. Can You Bury someone in a dirt grave in Jamaica?

   Jan 28, 23 08:01 AM

   
   This was once a common practice in Jamaica years ago, but what about today? Can you bury someone in a dirt grave in Jamaica still?

   Read More