What is the difference between plantain and banana in cooking?

Plantains are starchier and less sweet than bananas. They're often cooked before eating, unlike bananas, which are usually eaten raw.

How do I store plantains at home?

Store unripe plantains at room temperature. For ripe plantains, refrigerate if you won't use them within a few days. Peeled or cut plantains should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator.

How can I tell when a plantain is ripe for cooking?

Ripe plantains have a yellow to black skin and feel soft to the touch. Green plantains are best for savory dishes, while yellow or black ones are great for sweet recipes.

What are the most common ways to cook plantains?

Plantains can be fried (tostones or maduros), baked, boiled, or grilled. They adapt to both sweet and savory dishes.

Can I freeze plantains?

Yes, you can freeze peeled plantains, whole or sliced. Store them in a freezer-safe bag for up to 6 months. Let thaw before cooking.

Do I need to peel plantains before cooking?

Yes, the tough skin should be removed before cooking. For green plantains, score the skin lengthwise and peel it off with your hands or a knife.

What oil is best for frying plantains?

Vegetable, canola, or sunflower oil are all good options due to their high smoke point.

Are plantains gluten-free?

Yes, plantains are naturally gluten-free and a great substitute for those avoiding wheat products.

Can I use plantain in baking?

Yes, ripe plantains add moisture and sweetness to baked goods like breads, muffins, and cakes.

Is there a quick way to ripen plantains?

To speed up ripening, place plantains in a paper bag at room temperature, or next to other ripe fruit.

How do I prepare plantains for making tostones?

Peel green plantains, slice them, fry the slices until lightly golden, flatten them, and fry again until crisp.

What is the difference between tostones and maduros?

Tostones are made from green, unripe plantains and are twice-fried and savory. Maduros use ripe plantains and are fried once, resulting in a sweet, caramelized snack.

How long can cooked plantains be stored?

Cooked plantains keep in the refrigerator for up to 4 days in an airtight container.

Where can I buy plantain?

You can buy it at MasGusto! Latino Market, www.masgusto.com.

Where can I buy plantain around me?

You can buy it now on the MasGusto! Latino Market App and get it delivered to your home as fast as tomorrow.

Can I eat plantain raw?

Plantains are usually cooked before eating, as their texture and flavor are best enjoyed after cooking.

Latin American store with free delivery available*

Where to buy plantain
near me?

*Orders above $35, varies by region

Shop now

Top 5 products for Plantain

#1

Green Plantains 2 lb

Perfect for making tostones, mofongo, or patacones, these fresh green plantains offer a starchy, mildly sweet flavor and firm texture ideal for savory Latin dishes. Rich in fiber, vitamins, and minerals, they're a nutritious alternative to regular potatoes.

$1.19 - $4.29

Shop now

Lina María
They're delicious and nice and green.
Lina María
Just as they show it, it's what I expected.
masgusto.18262839
Super green
La domini
Good size and good quality.
masgusto.17210166
Good quality
masgusto.15405046
I bought bananas and they never ripened, it's been about 2 weeks
weee.9218935
The first batch of bananas I bought was great! They ripened in just four days. This time I bought four pounds, but after eight days they're still green. I don't even know if they'll ripen.
Arisleidy
the platanos they send me are always huge
amandagonzalez2822
They are large and arrived in good condition.

#2

Yellow Plantain 2 lb

Ripe yellow plantains are sweet, firm and perfect for fried tostones, baked maduros, or added to mofongo and arroz con pollo. Rich in potassium, fiber and vitamins, they boost energy and support digestion, making them a versatile, nutritious staple for any Latin kitchen.

$1.99 - $5.29

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Altagrace
very big, not so Maduro good
Roquep725
They arrived in good condition, but I don't like it like this.
Arisleidy
everything is very fresh
whiteheart_namp_star
Ripe in good condition
Fercho
Excellent product, it arrived fresh and with its protection to prevent damage.
Yuri raquelPayares pineda
Two bananas arrived, but they look fine.
linaresyuly13
They came out overripe
Sweetopal182
Nice size and big
Sweetopal182
Ready to fry or boil
papaya
Two pounds of plantains, three plantains per serving, soft, sweet and fragrant.

#3

Goya Ripe Plantains, Frozen 11 oz

$2.09 - $3.49

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ana
Very well packaged
Wendy tatianaIglesias looez
I arrive very well protected
Nayara
Delicious banana, arrived perfectly frozen.
ana
Very well packaged and delicious
ana
Very easy to do
fluffyx93
Very quick and easy alternative to plantains
Daniela
Delicious for satisfying a craving for ripe plantains
zoilalibelula
It arrived very well packaged. I haven't tried it yet. Thank you.
popon29
Soo delicious and sweet
laressa2406
Very tasty and sweet.

#4

Green Cooking Banana 3 lb

Green plantains are perfect for Latino dishes like tostones, mofongo, and sweet maduros. Their firm, starchy flesh cooks crisp‑brown and develops a subtle sweetness. Rich in fiber and potassium, they add nutrition and authentic flavor to any plantain recipe.

$1.99 - $3.79

Shop now

masgusto.17210166
Super fresh
Eva
I rarely buy it, but I'll give it a try.
Roquep725
They arrived in good condition and fresh. Thank you.
PamelaCamacho
The package contained 7 large ones.
masgusto.17210166
They're a little small, I imagine it's because of the season.
weee.15113830
Good condition.
jajamdj71
Very large and green, very well cared for.
AgustinaDe Ferreras Santos
This time I'm not happy; they arrived ripe and one part damaged.
masgusto.16522642
very fresh
masgusto.16787517
Excellent, thank you!

#5

Bananas 2.6-3 lb

$1.49 - $3.99

Shop now

Angela Willmia
Nice selection, some of the bananas are more ripe than the others so i just know that these will last
蓉莲天王星
Super huge bananas! So many!
Yum&Yum
Usual banana!
情有独钟
Hopefully the next purchase will be fresh.
Miya8989
I received fresh bananas. I've purchased them many times before.
mayshu
The bananas were great this time; they weren't crushed or dropped.
牧心
Large quantity, cheap and delicious, will buy again next time
Roopa
ripe banana

Frequently asked questions

What is the difference between plantain and banana in cooking?
Plantains are starchier and less sweet than bananas. They're often cooked before eating, unlike bananas, which are usually eaten raw.
How can I tell when a plantain is ripe for cooking?
Ripe plantains have a yellow to black skin and feel soft to the touch. Green plantains are best for savory dishes, while yellow or black ones are great for sweet recipes.
Can I freeze plantains?
Yes, you can freeze peeled plantains, whole or sliced. Store them in a freezer-safe bag for up to 6 months. Let thaw before cooking.
What oil is best for frying plantains?
Vegetable, canola, or sunflower oil are all good options due to their high smoke point.
Can I use plantain in baking?
Yes, ripe plantains add moisture and sweetness to baked goods like breads, muffins, and cakes.
How do I prepare plantains for making tostones?
Peel green plantains, slice them, fry the slices until lightly golden, flatten them, and fry again until crisp.
How long can cooked plantains be stored?
Cooked plantains keep in the refrigerator for up to 4 days in an airtight container.
Where can I buy plantain around me?
You can buy it now on the MasGusto! Latino Market App and get it delivered to your home as fast as tomorrow.

How do I store plantains at home?
Store unripe plantains at room temperature. For ripe plantains, refrigerate if you won't use them within a few days. Peeled or cut plantains should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
What are the most common ways to cook plantains?
Plantains can be fried (tostones or maduros), baked, boiled, or grilled. They adapt to both sweet and savory dishes.
Do I need to peel plantains before cooking?
Yes, the tough skin should be removed before cooking. For green plantains, score the skin lengthwise and peel it off with your hands or a knife.
Are plantains gluten-free?
Yes, plantains are naturally gluten-free and a great substitute for those avoiding wheat products.
Is there a quick way to ripen plantains?
To speed up ripening, place plantains in a paper bag at room temperature, or next to other ripe fruit.
What is the difference between tostones and maduros?
Tostones are made from green, unripe plantains and are twice-fried and savory. Maduros use ripe plantains and are fried once, resulting in a sweet, caramelized snack.
Where can I buy plantain?
You can buy it at MasGusto! Latino Market, www.masgusto.com.
Can I eat plantain raw?
Plantains are usually cooked before eating, as their texture and flavor are best enjoyed after cooking.

Lina María
They're delicious and nice and green.
Lina María
Just as they show it, it's what I expected.
masgusto.18262839
Super green
La domini
Good size and good quality.
masgusto.17210166
Good quality
masgusto.15405046
I bought bananas and they never ripened, it's been about 2 weeks
weee.9218935
The first batch of bananas I bought was great! They ripened in just four days. This time I bought four pounds, but after eight days they're still green. I don't even know if they'll ripen.
Arisleidy
the platanos they send me are always huge
amandagonzalez2822
They are large and arrived in good condition.
Altagrace
very big, not so Maduro good
ana
Very well packaged
Wendy tatianaIglesias looez
I arrive very well protected
Nayara
Delicious banana, arrived perfectly frozen.
ana
Very well packaged and delicious
ana
Very easy to do
fluffyx93
Very quick and easy alternative to plantains
Daniela
Delicious for satisfying a craving for ripe plantains
zoilalibelula
It arrived very well packaged. I haven't tried it yet. Thank you.
popon29
Soo delicious and sweet
laressa2406
Very tasty and sweet.
masgusto.17210166
Super fresh
Eva
I rarely buy it, but I'll give it a try.
Roquep725
They arrived in good condition and fresh. Thank you.
PamelaCamacho
The package contained 7 large ones.
masgusto.17210166
They're a little small, I imagine it's because of the season.
weee.15113830
Good condition.
jajamdj71
Very large and green, very well cared for.
AgustinaDe Ferreras Santos
This time I'm not happy; they arrived ripe and one part damaged.
masgusto.16522642
very fresh
masgusto.16787517
Excellent, thank you!
Angela Willmia
Nice selection, some of the bananas are more ripe than the others so i just know that these will last
蓉莲天王星
Super huge bananas! So many!
Yum&Yum
Usual banana!
情有独钟
Hopefully the next purchase will be fresh.
Miya8989
I received fresh bananas. I've purchased them many times before.
mayshu
The bananas were great this time; they weren't crushed or dropped.
牧心
Large quantity, cheap and delicious, will buy again next time
Roopa
ripe banana
arisano04
I cooked sweet banana for dessert
joancon2020
Came green not ripe yet but it’s okay..
Aura
These are so good and crunchy.
alvarezkari875
The bag is a bit big
Tere0520
Very tasty
weee.16876736
Good product
alvarezkari875
They are very tasty and delicious. My children love them.
yololizaldi
The bag is quite large.
erikargueta1989
They are broken but they are fine
TT
was good, probably wouldn't order again tho, not my cup of tea
Eri Mexicana
I was surprised on how big the bag was. I was expecting a smaller bag, but this is better. I can't wait to try them it will be my first time trying this brand of plantain chips. These ones are from Honduras
MauricioForero
I’m very happy with másgusto!