At about 327 B.C. Plantain definition: A plantain is a type of green banana which can be cooked and eaten as a vegetable . As I mentioned, plantains are a close relative of the banana and tend to be mistaken for them. Plantain seeds are used in feeding tortoise and as herbs for various ailments. Bananas fruit all year round, making them a reliable all-season staple food. These historical bananas were not the sweet yellow banana we know today, but the red and green cooking variety, now usually referred to as plantains to distinguish them from the sweet type. See more. sense 1 mid 16th cent. Plantains and the cultivated varieties are derived from ancestors which originated from the Malaysian peninsula, New Guinea and South-East Asia. Arab traders had already brought the fruit to the Middle East by the time Muhammad was preaching, and they spread through the growing Islamic empire that his religion inspired. Many of the modern surnames in the dictionary can be traced back to Britain and Ireland. Physical description. Panama disease, caused by a soil fungus, inevitably led to the death of its host, and the Gros Michel varietal proved particularly vulnerable to the fungus. Historical analyses into the origin of plantains and bananas have these 300 or so varieties of trees originating in or … Globally, plantains account for about 85 percent of all banana cultivation worldwide. Main meanings of … Its fruits are cooked and consumed as a starch staple in many parts of the world. Biology: Broadleaf plantain (Plantago major) is a perennial, broadleaf weed that can be found in nutrient-poor soils; however, they prefer nutrient rich-soils that are moist and often high in calcium.Broadleaf plantain is a common weed in turfgrass, nurseries, and landscapes as it can tolerate very low mowing heights. Digestive health. Bananas and plantains are similar, yet have a few key differences in flavor and usage. Origin of plantain; Description and identification; Habitat; Ecology and biology; Impact and control; Medicinal properties; References; The plantain (Plantago major) is a perennial herb belonging to the Plantagináceae family (Plantaginaceae, as it is formally known in Latin). Plantains are a type of banana. Dreams about frying plantain could indicate bewitchment and curses. Eng.) Its fruits are edible, and are generally used for cooking. History of the Plantain: Before we get into the technicalities of growing plantains, let's take a quick look at their history! Plantain and banana are also important starchy staples in many tropical countries. Salt to taste (optional) Preparation. Bananas are basically giant herbs, rather than trees, and there are approximately 50 species in the Musa genus, which includes the edible forms of bananas and plantains. Now let’s leave the issue of the history of plantain alone. Both types grow in India, Africa, Egypt, and tropical America. The plantain (pronounced plan-tane or plan-tin) is a species of the genus Musa and is generally used for cooking, in contrast to the soft, sweet banana, which is sometimes called the dessert banana. The Plantain family name was found in the USA between 1880 and 1920. Bananas “Banana” is a term used for the edible fruits produced by various large, herbaceous plants in … Many cooking bananas are referred to as plantains or green bananas, although not all of them are true plantains. The plantain tree has its origins in India and Southern Asia, and usually grows best in tropical or subtropical climates. Using a sharp knife, cut both ends off of the plantain and carefully cut a shallow line down the long seam of the plantain, taking care not to pierce the flesh of the plantain. Nicholas Culpeper listed plantain in his herbal printed in 1652, The English Physitian. Plantain definition is - any of a genus (Plantago of the family Plantaginaceae, the plantain family) of herbs with basal rosettes of usually lanceolate or elliptical leaves and spikes of minute greenish flowers. By signing up for this email, you are agreeing to news, offers, and information from Encyclopaedia Britannica. This fruit was popular during the Trans-Saharan trade boom. Grown almost exclusively in the developing countries of the tropics, bananas and plantains are one of the world’s most important, yet poorly studied crops. Plantain fingers, generally of the horn or false horn type, are cooked in water with leafy vegetables (pumpkin leaves, amaranth leaves, etc.). The genus is split into four or five sections, based on the number of chromosomes in the … Feb 9, 2020 - Plantain: geographic origins; consumption history and today; Nutrition Facts: vitamins, minerals and phytochemical components; Health Benefits: medicinal uses based on scientific studies Plantain is known to be medicinal for people. Herbal medicine Western herbal medicine, plantains are used internally as bulk laxatives, for bronchitis, cystitis, diarrhoea, fungal infections, haemorrhoids, hepatitis, neuralgias and urinary tract infections, and topically for cuts, stings, bites, tumours and varicose veins. Vegetables, which were before hand washed in cold water and drained by hands are then added to the pastry as well as salt, pepper and unrefined palm oil. Dishes originating in the Iberian Peninsula played an important role in the evolution of Puerto Rican food. Plantain is native to northern and central Asia and Europe. We will only use your email address to send you your copy of our weekly newsletter. Encyclopaedia Britannica's editors oversee subject areas in which they have extensive knowledge, whether from years of experience gained by working on that content or via study for an advanced degree.... Get a Britannica Premium subscription and gain access to exclusive content. ‘Crabgrass and plantain are an indication of acidic soil, while wood asters and poppies prefer alkaline soil (not as common in our area as acidic soil).’ Origin Late Middle English from Old French, from Latin plantago, plantagin-, from planta ‘sole of the foot’ (because of its broad prostrate leaves). Corrections? Want regular updates on African cuisines and food recipes? A ripe fruit contains as much as 22 percent of carbohydrate and is high in dietary fibre, potassium, manganese, and…. Plantain (Musa paradisiaca) is a fruit tree related to bananas, producing similar looking fruit that doesn’t ripen yellow but stays green. Our editors will review what you’ve submitted and determine whether to revise the article. These historical bananas were not the sweet yellow banana we know today, but the red and green cooking variety, now usually referred to as plantains to distinguish them from the sweet type. It's believed that Alexander the Great discovered this fruit in 327 B.C. Origin of plantain From Anglo-Norman plainteine et al., Old French plaintain, from Latin plantaginem (“plantain"), accusative of plantāgō, from planta (“sole"), because of the broad, flat shape of the … Only Japanese mobile numbers beginning with 070 / 080 / 090 can receive SMS text messages. In fact, plantains are a hybrid of two species of banana: This is Evangelist Joshua. Ring in the new year with a Britannica Membership, This article was most recently revised and updated by, https://www.britannica.com/plant/plantain, Healthline - Plantains: Nutrition Facts and Health Benefits. We do have a zero tolerance to spam. Bananas are treated as a starchy fruit with a relatively neutral flavour and soft texture when cooked. Rinse and dry your plantain. This was about 70% of all the recorded Plantain's in the USA. Plantain, major group of banana varieties (genus Musa) that are staple foods in many tropical areas. : from Spanish plá(n)tano, probably by assimilation of a South American word to the Spanish plá(n)tano ‘plane tree’. From 1899 onward, a plantain pathogen known as Fusarium oxysporum, colloquially known as “Panama Disease” or “fusarium wilt,” began spreading through banana plantations worldwide. The Miami Vice pink wrapper is the mango on top.” The fruit, which is green to brown-yellow, is typically larger than the common banana and is borne in bunches. History of Plantain The long and tortuous history of plantain can be traced to as early as 500 B.C. Making the right choice when searching to buy a plantain leaf tea is not easy, so we hope that you will make use of the information presented here to make a well informed decision. Plantago is a genus of about 200 species of flowering plants in the family Plantaginaceae, commonly called plantains or fleaworts.The common name plantain is shared with the unrelated cooking plantain.Most are herbaceous plants, though a few are subshrubs growing to 60 cm (24 in) tall. This now popular African food item was introduced into India by traders.. This is a good source for a local farmer to get some revenue. The plantain fruit isn’t eaten raw, but it is good to boil, fry or steam. Origin: West Africa, Caribbean. Fill in the form below to subscribe to our Newsletter - AfricanFoods Weekly? "There are more than 200 species of plantain and nearly as many recorded uses for this humble herb. Plantain-eater definition, any of various touracos, erroneously believed to feed chiefly on plantains and bananas. In such informal economies production figures can only be estimates. Cooking varieties, or plantains, are starchy rather than sweet and are grown extensively as a staple food source in tropical regions; they are cooked when ripe or immature. Table of Contents. Today, plantain is popular and eaten boiled or baked or fried or mashed in many parts of the world today like Florida, Spain, Mexico, Portugal, Japan, Malaysia, Egypt, Nigeria, Ghana, Brazil, to mention but a few places. Plantain dream is not so common, but its appearance can mean a lot. Fiber softens your stool … Plantain is native to North America, Asia and Europe, where it was once thought to be a sacred herb. After cooking, the plantains are peeled and pounded hot in a mortar. Plantains have been cultivated for thousands of years and their origin seems to be the Malaysian peninsula, New Guinea, and Southeast Asia. Plantains and bananas come from Asia. We also get paid for affiliate links on this site. Historical analyses into the origin of plantains and bananas have these 300 or so varieties of trees originating in or around Malaysia, as far back as the dawn of agriculture. While plantain is a good fruit, its highly valued for its numerous health benefiting properties. The leaves have been used medicinally for millennia to treat urinary problems, sore throats, respiratory disorders, stomach ailments, skin irritations, heart problems, sore muscles and rheumatism. New York had the highest population of Plantain … See our  privacy policy  for further details. We will never ever give or pass on your information to anyone else. These are either for consumption by them and their dependants or traded locally. The spiritual meaning behind plantain dream is a blessing. It is normally associated with witchcraft manipulation. Eng.) Because plantains have the most starch before they ripen, they are usually cooked green, either boiled or fried, in savory dishes. As long as the fruit is ripe, it can indicate fruitfulness on your part. Plantain is very widespread plant throughout the tropics. Though all are botanically the same, often banana and guineo are used specifically for sweet varieties eaten as fruit, whereas plátano is reserved for the starchy varieties cooked and eaten more like a vegetable. The rest, over 85% of production, is made up of a wide range of ‘banana’ and ‘plantain’ varieties grown by peasant farmers or smallholders and their families. But in one of the 120 countries that grow much of the world’s supply of plantains — like Uganda, Colombia and Cameroon — people know the distinction between the two. The plantain fruit isn’t eaten raw, but it is good to boil, fry or steam. )," a sense now obsolete, from Latin plantationem (nominative plantatio) "a planting," noun of action from past-participle stem of * plantare "to plant" (see plant (n.)). How to Cultivate Plantain. Bananas (including plantains) are one of the most important and oldest food crops of humankind with evidence of cultivation dating to 4000 BCE in New Guinea (Denham et al. Thanks! Plantain What is Plantain? Word Origin sense 2 late Middle English: from Old French, from Latin plantago, plantagin-, from planta ‘sole of the foot’ (because of its broad flat leaves). The French plantains also occur in Indonesia and the islands of the Pacific. Please select which sections you would like to print: While every effort has been made to follow citation style rules, there may be some discrepancies. plantain (English)Pronunciation (Brit. Though not a staple in the northern hemisphere,they're are a huge part of almost every diet in the southern one. Plantain is used for dysuria, ocular pain, urinary tract infections, poor vision and problems of childbirth. Total world production is estimated at over 76 million metric tons (FAO, 1993) of which exports (essentially of Cavendish bananas) to the richer nations represent less than 11 million tons. In 2006 the estimated world production of bananas was 80.6 million tons while 16.8 tons were traded (Cohen, 2011). Also, unlike bananas, plantains are typically cook… Plantain is also a common name for unrelated plants of the genus Plantago (family Plantaginaceae). We are too. From c. 1600 as "introduction, establishment." Dessert bananas are more common to import in countries in the European Union or the United States. Plantain Name Meaning Historically, surnames evolved as a way to sort people into groups - by occupation, place of origin, clan affiliation, patronage, parentage, adoption, and even physical characteristics (like red hair). Be on the lookout for your Britannica newsletter to get trusted stories delivered right to your inbox. Origin and History: Plantain grows native across wide swaths Europe and Asia, and has an ancient tradition of medicinal use in these regions. P. lanceolata and P. major are among the most widely distributed, and they grow aggressively. Plantains are a type of banana. DO NOT input International numbers or land numbers. | Meaning, pronunciation, translations and examples The history of banana and plantain in the Caribbean has also been traced to the activities of the Portuguese Franciscan Monk who introduced it to the Caribbean island of Santo Domingo in the 1516, having himself come in contact with this fruit in the Canary island, brought there by his compatriots about a hundred years earlier. Simply fill in your email below and click. What about unique health information about these foods - what to eat and avoid to keep healthy from the list of African recipes available? In some parts of East Africa the plantain is an important beer-making crop, notably in central and eastern Uganda and Tanzania. Plantains have been cultivated for thousands of years and their origin seems to be the Malaysian peninsula, New Guinea, and Southeast Asia. Our Director of Ecommerce (and Miami native) Mellina White dreamed up the flavor combination of our Mango Plantain bar from two distinct recollections: her grandmother’s mango tree, always bursting with fruit in the summertime, and how almost every meal included some form of plantain. Updates? Plantain is a perennial weed with almost worldwide distribution. In the 15th century Portuguese explorers found bananas in western Africa and planted some b… Bananas and plantains probably originated in New Guinea explaining the Panamanian euphemism Guineo used for the berry. Plantain and banana trade along with yam and other food crops became a very important factor in the wealth, prosperity and rapid expansion of the Bantu Kingdom of central and southern Africa around 1500 AD. Additionally, African slaves introduced the use of coconuts and plantains as … In 1880 there were 7 Plantain families living in New York. Plantain and banana is an important source of carbohydrate on the African continent. Source for information on Banana and Plantain: Encyclopedia of Food and Culture dictionary. The edible fruit of plantain bananas has more starch than the common dessert banana and is not eaten raw. plantain | Description, Uses, History, & Facts | Britannica Bananas, including the dessert banana and the cooking types or plantains, are cultivated in more than 120 countries throughout the tropics and subtropics, according to the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) current statistics. Peel off the skin and discard. Some of a plantain tree's flowers will mature into plantain fruits. See plantain in the Oxford Advanced American Dictionary. Although bananas are common today, the origins of the banana are complex and occurred over thousands of years during multiple stages. History tells us that when Alexander the Great arrived in India, he was surprised by their delicious taste and brought them to Greece, around 327 BC. 1500 A.D. Africa If you eventually eat from the fried plantain then this means that you are going to experience failure. They may be eaten ripe or unripe and are generally starchy. plantain (the plant and fruit related to banana, not the Plantago genus) Synonyms: llantén, plátano macho; Usage notes . You can explore the world of plantain further by seeing other uses of plantain in the table below. 2-3 Plantain. Cooking bananas are a major food staple in West The Buddhist considers… History of the Plantain: Before we get into the technicalities of growing plantains, let's take a quick look at their history! In 1988 FAO published a study entitled Root and tuber crops, plantains and bananas in developing countries: challenges and opportunities, which provides a comprehensive review of the global production and consumption of these crops. Name. Email. Plantain can be a helpful natural remedy if you have bronchitis. You will find out that bananas are not just long yellow-skinned fruits, but can be red, blue, purple, green, and black types of fruit. Fried Plantain. They spread further across the world thanks to Arab sailors who planted banana and plantain seeds along the east coast of Africa. Many aren't aware they can be eaten raw, and that, though less sweet than a banana, they have a singular taste reminiscent of spiced banana bread when eaten at the right time. Let us know if you have suggestions to improve this article (requires login). Most varieties are 3–10 metres (10–33 feet) tall and have a conical false “trunk” formed by the leaf sheaths of long spirally arranged leaves. The term “banana” in the United States and Europe colloquially refer specifically to the banana variety and not plantain. Plantago lanceolata is a species of flowering plant in the plantain family Plantaginaceae.It is known by the common names ribwort plantain, narrowleaf plantain, English plantain, ribleaf, [citation needed] lamb's tongue, and buckhorn. The word “banana” is often used incorrectly to describe other plantain varieties as well, when in fact the generic n… Bananas and plantains (Musa spp.) Worried about spamming? Musa paradisiaca or plantain is a large-leaved fruit tree, the fruits are similar looking as bananas, but unlike bananas, plantain fruit doesn’t ripen yellow but stays green. Plantain leaves may be smooth or hairy, depending on the variety. 2 Best Plantain Leaf Tea Reviews; 3 Offers and Discounts; 4 Cheap Plantain Leaf Tea; 5 Buy Plantain Leaf Tea Online. Fiber is important because it promotes bowel regularity. Academia.edu is a platform for academics to share research papers. Today it is titled Culpeper s Herbal and is still among one of the most popular books written in English.Even back at that time plantain was a well-known plant. Two groups of plantains are thought to have a common origin: the horn plantain and the French plantain. Join Waitlist Please provide a valid email address and mobile telephone number below. Foods from Mexico such as cacao were also imported for use in Puerto Rican dishes. and brought it to Europe. Plantain is wind-pollinated, facilitating its growth where there are no bees and few other plantain … Vegetable or Coconut Oil for frying. Please refer to the appropriate style manual or other sources if you have any questions. plantation (n.) mid-15c., plantacioun, "action of planting (seeds, etc. Trade spread plantains from their original home in Papua New Guinea, where they were domesticated somewhere between 5,000 and 8,000 B.C., out through the rest of Asia. There are about 250 species. Omissions? Plantains’ Origin Plantains come from Southeast Asia. The most Plantain families were found in the USA in 1880. We subscribe to a very strict policy on the handling and use of information we gather on this site! Up till date, plantain is still a major and popular staple meal across Uganda and the rest of the former Bantu region. The banana has been around for about 9000 years and belongs to the same plant family as ginger, turmeric and cardamom, and these flavors are easily discernible in many of the local noncommercial guineos. Although Cavendish bananas are by far the most-common variety imported by nontropical countries, plantain varieties account for about 85 percent of all banana cultivation worldwide. Cooking bananas are banana cultivars in the genus Musa whose fruits are generally used in cooking. are one of the major staple foods in the world. That’s because plantains are starchier, contain less sugar than bananas and are much more versatile as a cooking ingredient. 2003, 2004). Plantain fingers, generally of the horn or false horn type, are cooked in water with leafy vegetables (pumpkin leaves, amaranth leaves, etc.). Bananas and plantains probably originated in New Guinea explaining the Panamanian euphemism Guineo used for the berry. Vegetables, which were before hand washed in cold water and It is of South East Asian origin, mostly in Malaysia and the now Indonesia. David Beaulieu is a garden writer with nearly 20 years experience writing about landscaping and over 10 years experience working in nurseries. Origin: Primary: Southeast Asia, South Asia; secondary: West Africa: The plantain is a crop from the genus Musa. Culpeper stated, This groweth so familiarly in meadows and fields, and by pathways, and is so well known that it needeth no description. Bronchitis. Those Plantains on your table have quite a history. These trees can reach a height of 7 to 30 feet, depending on many factors such as variety, amount of sun, soil, and overall climate. Ingredients. Plantains are believed to have originated in Southeast Asia. The Buddhist considers… After cooking, the plantains are peeled and pounded hot in a mortar. 1 What is the best plantain leaf tea to buy? Plantains may also be dried for later use in cooking or ground for use as a meal, which can be further refined to a flour. The banana has been around for about 9000 years and belongs to the same plant family as ginger, turmeric and cardamom, and these flavors are easily discernible in many of the local noncommercial guineos. Plantain is very widespread plant throughout the tropics. Plantain, Plantago major, was considered to be one of the nine sacred herbs by the ancient Saxon people, and has been celebrated in Anglo-Saxon poetry as the "mother of herbs. Hom e  | About Me  | Contact  | Privacy Policy  | A dvertising. Alexander the Great during his world conquest came in contact with this fruit and introduced it into Europe. BANANA AND PLANTAIN BANANA AND PLANTAIN. IPA: /ˈplant(e)ɪn/(Amer. They arrived in southern China by 200 A.D. and Africa by the 6th century. Plantain Description. Origin: Ecuador Color: Delivered green Weight: 10 kilos Units: Approximately 25~27 units* Box: Approximately 50 x 33 x 21 cm . "tropical banana-like tree or fruit," 1550s, plantan, from Spanish plátano, plántano, probably from Carib palatana "banana" (Arawak pratane), and altered by association with Spanish plátano "plane tree," from Medieval Latin plantanus "plane tree," itself altered (by association with Latin planta "plant") from Latin platanus (see plane (n.4)). Plantain found its way into Madagascar from Malaysia and India through trading Asian merchants and by Arabs during the Trans-Saharan trade boom. But they’re grown in large amounts in Central America, the Caribbean islands, South America, and Africa. It can also be used to fight against any kinds of sickness and disease in the body. If you have never eaten plantain before, why not try it out today. History of the Plantain: Before we get into the technicalities of growing plantains, let's take a quick look at their history! Late Middle English from Old French, from Latin plantago, plantagin-, from planta ‘sole of the foot’ (because of its broad prostrate leaves). Get African food recipes, cooking tips, and healthy eating info, delivered to your inbox every week. This is a condition where … The cosmopolitan weeds can be frequently seen at the side of roads. The ripe fruits are mildly sweet and are often cooked with coconut juice or sugar as a flavouring. What is a plantain? Copyright © 2005-2020 Africanfoods.co.uk All Rights Reserved. Simply fill in your email below and click SUBSCRIBE . “To me,” Mellina says, “this bar is home. This is different from the soft and sweet banana (which is often called dessert banana). If a pregnant woman is frying plantain indicates miscarriage. The banana plant is a gigantic herb that springs from an underground stem, or rhizome, to form a false trunk 3–6 metres (10–20 feet) high. The occupants of North America were first to be introduced to the banana plantain. It is a common weed on cultivated or disturbed land. "True" plantains are a group of cultivars of the genus Musa (bananas and plantains) placed in the Plantain subgroup of the AAB genome group.The term "plantain" can refer to all the banana cultivars which are normally eaten after cooking, rather than raw (see cooking banana), or it can refer to members of other subgroups of Musa cultivars, such as the Pacific plantains. Plantains traveled to Madagascar from India and Malaysia through Asian and Arab trade. The plantain plant is a gigantic herb that springs from an underground stem, or rhizome. Get African food recipes, cooking tips, and healthy eating info  delivered to your inbox every week.