How to Freeze Green Plantains

Freezing green plantains is no longer an issue if you follow these simple steps. Green plantains are the perfect substitute for potatoes and yams. They are easy to cook and great with any meal.

What are plantains

A Plantain is both a vegetable and a fruit. It is considered a fruit because it is part of the banana family. When a green plantain is ripe, it becomes yellow. The more ripened the plantain, the sweeter it will be. There are green plantains and yellow plantains.

What are the benefits of plantains?

Plantains are a carb-rich food and a good source of fiber, vitamins, and minerals. They also contain antioxidants that fight free radicals. (https://www.medicalnewstoday.com)

Can you freeze Green Plantains?

Green Plantains are easier to freeze than yellow plantains
Very firm to the touch
Starchy textured
Can be consumed fried, boiled, baked, and grilled
Available year-round

Can you freeze Yellow Plantains

Not easy to freeze because they contain more moisture
Sweet compared to green plantains
Can be consumed fried, boiled, baked, and grilled
Available year-round
Green plantains turn yellow when ripe

Buy the greenest plantain.
Peel the plantains: Cut off both ends of the plantain first, then gently slice down the entire length of the plantain with the tip of your knife. Make sure you do not slice too deeply – only slice the skin. Do this a couple of times along the ridges, then peel off the skin. You should try to work quickly as the plantains will begin to oxidize when exposed to air.
Slice the plantains: slice the plantains into pieces about 1 inch thick.
Fry the slices in hot oil until golden all over. You will have to turn the slices so they can cook evenly. Remove quickly from the oil and set on a plate.
With a plantain smasher, a cleaver knife, or 2 saucers, smash the plantains. Working one at a time while the plantains are still warm. Place them on a large plate, and let cool off.
Place in a freezer bag and place in the refrigerator.
Frozen Plantains will last in a well working freezer for 4 – 6 weeks.

Green Plantains and Ground Turkey Meat Pie, Gemma's way

How to fry frozen plantains

There’s no need to thaw plantains.
Heat skillet filled with just enough oil to cover the 1-inch slices.
Do not crowd the pan, fry as many plantain slices until golden brown on both sides.
Place plantains in a dish layered with paper towel or napkin so as to drain/soak up the oil.
Sprinkle salt to taste if desired

Freezing plantains this way is perfect for a quick snack and to save on time when preparing dinner.

Recipes with plantains to try

Source

https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/plantain-benefits#summary

How to Freeze Green Plantains

What are plantains