1. Plantains Type of banana Grown in tropical climate; believed to have originated in Malaysia or India (East Asia) Tree is actually a perennial herb; average height of 30 feet Slender fruits/fingers are seedless berries Curved because fruit tip grows upward against gravity Picked when green –When ripened - sweet –When eaten green – starchy Used as a vegetable in Latin America and Africa

2. Plantains Used as a fruit in other areas of the world Called the “potatoes of the air” Has many medicinal benefits –Treatment of GI disorders –Treatment of Urinary tract ailments Color comes from carotenoids –excellent source of betacarotene (an antioxidant and precursor to vitamin A)

3. How to cut green plantains Start by cutting off the tips of the green plantains

4. How to cut green plantains Run your knife along the length of the green plantain Make sure that you only cut the skin and not the flesh of the plantain

5. How to cut green plantains Gently peel the skin away from the flesh of the plantain Skin will peel off in strips Can be tough in certain areas Be careful not to damage the flesh of the plantain

6. How to cut green plantains Success! Your plantain should look something like this Then you will follow the rest of the recipe