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How to Distinguish Plantain and Banana: Which is the Healthier Fruit?

10 September, 2024

Let’s explore the unique nutritional value and flavors of different types of bananas to help you make the best choice:

Distinguishing Between Banana Varieties: Cavendish and Pisang Raja

Cavendish bananas have a crescent moon shape, with a longer fruit. Their peel has about five to six ridges, and they have a shorter stem. These bananas have a strong, sweet aroma and a deep sweetness. They are juicier and softer than Pisang Raja bananas, and the unripe fruits are used for cooking, stir-frying, and other culinary delights.

Pisang Raja bananas are shorter, with tapered ends and a bulging middle. Their stem is longer, and the peel has three ridges. They have a sweet-sour taste and are less aromatic than Cavendish bananas, but they make up for it with their chewy texture and firm flesh. Besides being a delicious snack, Pisang Raja bananas are also used in baking and can be steamed or boiled.

Nutritional Value of Cavendish and Pisang Raja Bananas

Here is the nutritional value per 100 grams of each banana variety:

Which Banana is Better: Cavendish or Pisang Raja?

In reality, all banana varieties, including Cavendish and Pisang Raja, offer excellent nutritional value and provide essential nutrients beneficial to human health. The choice between the two ultimately depends on your personal preference and intended use.

Frequently asked questions

Plantains and bananas come from the same family, but they are distinct in terms of appearance, taste, and usage. Plantains are larger and more angular, with thicker skin, while bananas are curved and slightly smaller. Plantains are typically used in savory dishes as a starchy vegetable, whereas bananas are eaten ripe and are sweeter in taste, often used in desserts or as a snack.

Both fruits offer nutritional benefits, but plantains have a higher nutritional value overall. They are richer in vitamins A, C, and B6, as well as fiber and potassium. Bananas, on the other hand, have a higher natural sugar content and are a good source of vitamin C and potassium.

When choosing between plantains and bananas, consider their color and texture. Ripe bananas are bright yellow with some brown spots, while ripe plantains are yellow with some black spots. Plantains will also feel firmer to the touch. Additionally, the shape differs, with plantains being more angular and bananas curved.

No, it is not recommended to use them interchangeably. Plantains are best suited for savory dishes due to their starchy and less sweet nature. Bananas, being sweeter and softer, are ideal for baking, smoothies, or as a quick snack.

Plantains are versatile and can be boiled, baked, fried, or mashed. You can create delicious side dishes like plantain chips, baked plantain fries, or mashed plantains as a healthier alternative to mashed potatoes. They also work well in curries and stir-fries.