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Mexican plantain
Scientific Name: Plantago australis ssp. hirtella
Family: Plantaginaceae
Category: Dicot
Growth: Forb/herb
Duration: Perennial
Other Names:
Plantain (Musa spp., cultivars)
Plantains, sometimes called "macho bananas" or "pltano macho" in Mexico, are starchy relatives of the banana family and are commonly enjoyed throughout Mexico, Latin America, and Central America.
Common Names
- Plantain
- Macho Banana
- Pltano Macho
- Mexican Plantain (for Plantago australis subsp. hirtella, see below)
Taxonomy and Nomenclature
- The text mentions Plantago australis Lam. subsp. hirtella (Kunth) Rahn, also known as Mexican plantain. Note that this refers to a different plant than the plantain cultivars of Musa spp. commonly used in cooking.
Distribution and Habitat
Plantains are grown most frequently in the tropical coastal areas of Mexico but are found in markets all over the country. They are also popular in Colombia, Guatemala, Peru, El Salvador, Honduras, Costa Rica, and Panama.
Uses
In Mexico, Guatemala, Peru, El Salvador, Honduras, Costa Rica, Panama, and Colombia, plantain leaves are usually used to wrap tamales.
Varieties
Mexico mainly produces eight varieties of plantains:
- Dominico
- Tabasco
- Manzano
- Enano
- Gigante
- Morado
- Pera
- Macho
Quirky Facts
- Plantains in their fried version, can also turn into a dessert.
- "Plantain canoe" is a dish named for its shape, with the plantains forming the canoe.