Buy: Plantain

If you can't find ripe ones, many stores sell frozen, pre-sliced Goya Maduros in the frozen food aisle. Where to Buy

To buy the right plantains, you must first identify how you intend to cook them. Unlike dessert bananas, plantains are starchy "cooking bananas" that change flavor and texture significantly as they ripen. Quick Buying Guide by Ripeness Appearance Texture & Taste Bright green, firm Starchy like a potato, savory Tostones (twice-fried), chips, stews, fufu Yellow Yellow with some black spots Slightly sweet, holds shape Grilling, baking, or pan-frying Black Mostly or completely black Very sweet, soft, caramelized Maduros (sweet fried plantains), desserts, bread Selection Tips buy plantain

Expect it to take to go from solid green to fully black. Expand map How to Pick the Perfect Plantain - Food at the Center If you can't find ripe ones, many stores