Fruits Like Bananas: Softness Qualities

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What are some fruits like bananas? Especially its softness qualities.
 
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OAQfirst said:

I bought a plantain once, out of curiosity. I found a recipe (you have to cook them). I'm not a picky eater but I found it close to terrible. Probably, if I had one prepared by someone who knew what they were doing, it wouldn't be so bad.

How about a very ripe mango? They're pretty soft. Or a ripe pear.
 
They're all really juicy, though, even when soft (probably even juicier when softer).
 
tgt said:
What are some fruits like bananas? Especially its softness qualities.
Just softness?? Pears, apricots, peaches, plums, strawberries, raspberries, blackberries, blueberries...
 
Does anyone try inserting a banana into strawberry syrup mixed with milk and then inserting it again into chocolate ?
So yummy! :-D,
I have never eaten banana like that before.
 
I used to cook (in fact fry) plantains that I cut in a few parts. This is the way an African woman taught me to do them. I find them excellent. (Once I've tried to do the same with common bananas and the result was a disaster).
 
fluidistic said:
I used to cook (in fact fry) plantains that I cut in a few parts. This is the way an African woman taught me to do them. I find them excellent. (Once I've tried to do the same with common bananas and the result was a disaster).

Yes, that was how I did it - cut it into sections, fry in butter, and then sprinkle a bit of brown sugar on them.

But the fruit was a strange mealy texture, and the taste was...chalky is the best way to describe it. I probably chose a bad plantain, since I don't know what the criteria are for them.
 
lisab said:
Yes, that was how I did it - cut it into sections, fry in butter, and then sprinkle a bit of brown sugar on them.

But the fruit was a strange mealy texture, and the taste was...chalky is the best way to describe it. I probably chose a bad plantain, since I don't know what the criteria are for them.

Plantain recipes:
http://www.gicco.com/recipes/plantains.htm

The amarillos (yellow) ones - ripe - you would make for dessert. Pretty much how you would do bananas for Foster but they are firmer. I bought a yellow by mistake once. I didn't like it as much as banana.

Never thought to do the green ones with garlic however. I think I will pass on that.
 
I'm getting really hungry now. I've had fried plantains with black beans at the local Cuban restaurant. They serve a really good http://www.versaillescuban.com/menu_b.html" there.

I think I would like to try this recipe:
http://www.chow.com/recipes/10376"
 
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tgt said:
What are some fruits like bananas? Especially its softness qualities.

you can cigar roll some mashed potatoes --soft and off white like bananas
 
lisab said:
Yes, that was how I did it - cut it into sections, fry in butter, and then sprinkle a bit of brown sugar on them.

But the fruit was a strange mealy texture, and the taste was...chalky is the best way to describe it. I probably chose a bad plantain, since I don't know what the criteria are for them.

Most plantains sold in the supermarket are green. If you want to make a dessert out of them, you have to let them ripen. They will turn yellow just like a regular banana, but for ideal ripeness, you want to let them start to turn black. Usually you have to wait about a week or so (sometimes two!).

Ripe plantains taste delicious...they have a unique, mellow, sweet flavor. Fry them in butter and get them to caramelize a bit. No brown sugar needed.

Unripe plantains are typically used like potatoes: you can bake them in the peel, or you can cut them thin and fry them to make chips. Add salt, butter, garlic, whatever.
 
Ben Niehoff said:
Most plantains sold in the supermarket are green. If you want to make a dessert out of them, you have to let them ripen. They will turn yellow just like a regular banana, but for ideal ripeness, you want to let them start to turn black. Usually you have to wait about a week or so (sometimes two!).

Ripe plantains taste delicious...they have a unique, mellow, sweet flavor. Fry them in butter and get them to caramelize a bit. No brown sugar needed.

Unripe plantains are typically used like potatoes: you can bake them in the peel, or you can cut them thin and fry them to make chips. Add salt, butter, garlic, whatever.

OK then...even though it was a long time ago, I think it was green with yellow and black spots. Must have not been ripe yet.

Thanks Ben!
 
Evo said:
Just softness?? Pears, apricots, peaches, plums, strawberries, raspberries, blackberries, blueberries...

softness was important because I plan to put it on toast.
 
lisab said:
Yes, that was how I did it - cut it into sections, fry in butter, and then sprinkle a bit of brown sugar on them.

But the fruit was a strange mealy texture, and the taste was...chalky is the best way to describe it. I probably chose a bad plantain, since I don't know what the criteria are for them.

They don't taste like bananas, they are more like potato. Tostones are delicious...eat them like french fries as a side dish or snack. :biggrin:

To make them, you first have to boil the plaintain pieces in salted water to make them soft, then smoosh them to make rounds, then deep fry them. A little salt and YUMMMMMMY! You can also press them into a little bowl shape and stuff with your favorite filling...i.e., seafood salad (my favorite filling).
 
Most plantains sold in the supermarket are green. If you want to make a dessert out of them, you have to let them ripen. They will turn yellow just like a regular banana, but for ideal ripeness, you want to let them start to turn black. Usually you have to wait about a week or so (sometimes two!).
Exactly! I forgot to say it, but even if it is yellow, it is not as tasty, as sweet as when it is almost all black. There is a big difference, and that may be why inexperienced people don't like plantains.
 
I grew up on plantains, so I recommend you only cook "ripe" plantains! Now, a personal favorite is "green bananas", yes green (not ripe) bananas -- not plantains. Prepare as if you were cooking mash potatoes. I think I am going on a trip this August!
 
Moonbear said:
They don't taste like bananas, they are more like potato. Tostones are delicious...eat them like french fries as a side dish or snack. :biggrin:

So if you're making tostones, and you think they're done but you're not sure...so you try one to see how it is, is that the test tostone :-p ?
 
tgt said:
softness was important because I plan to put it on toast.

eggs