How do you peel black plantains?

[3ladybugs]

Did we get the wrong kind or ripen them wrong? When we tried to peel the black plantains I needed a knife and it was a lot of things but easy isn't one of them!!

I tried to ask someone at a grocery store, but I don't know spanish and she didn't know english. So it was comical, but not very helpful.

Any tips?

Thank you!

[TamarE]

Apr 13, 2014 16:41:49 GMT -5 3ladybugs said:

Did we get the wrong kind or ripen them wrong? When we tried to peel the black plantains I needed a knife and it was a lot of things but easy isn't one of them!!

I tried to ask someone at a grocery store, but I don't know spanish and she didn't know english. So it was comical, but not very helpful.

Any tips?

Thank you!

Hi 3ladybugs. I think Sarah may discuss peeling plantains in this video: www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=rz4shev1w-U If not, it's still an educational plantain video.

[Irene Adamson]

Black plantains are the hardest to peel. The green ones are tough but since they are firm, it makes it easier and not so messy. With black ones I cut the ends off then cut a very shallow slit down the length. Then I try to pry a piece lose and pull. If you can get a good piece it will pull off a lot of the peel. Sometimes, though, you just have to work and work at it. This is one reason I don't let them get too ripe before using them. Another reason for not letting them get too ripe is the sugar!!! They are like candy!!! They are totally yummy but I worry about my sugars. I try to use them while they are still a resistant starch.

[lorriegray]

I do the same as Irene, except before cutting the slit down the length, I cut it in half so that it's a shorted piece and a little easier to manage.

[EJ]

You're not crazy. We've all experienced the plantain peeling frustration But hopefully the end result made it worthwhile

[salixisme]

I do the same as Irene - but sometimes with plantains you just have to use a knife.

[Mary]

Awhile ago I had several plantains that got tough/hard as they turned black, rather than soft and moist. They must have dried out as they ripened? Not sure. Anyway, they were near impossible to peel, and I ended up throwing them away. Just another possible reason for plantains being hard to peel!

[jkn079]

Since we're asking about plantains....Is there a good substitute for plantains in a recipe? I am sensitive to plantains, bananas & coconut (to name a few).

[TamarE]

Apr 18, 2014 22:10:57 GMT -5 jkn079 said:

Since we're asking about plantains....Is there a good substitute for plantains in a recipe? I am sensitive to plantains, bananas & coconut (to name a few).

I don't believe so, sorry. Maybe someone else will reply with more information, but I think bananas are the closest sub to plantains.

[jkn079]

Thanks for the quick answer, TamarE! I didn't think there was but thought I'd ask.