Plantains are not readily available throughout the year which means that they are seasonal. However, it is also interesting to know how short plantain can last and stay in good shape for consumption especially when it is bought ripe. This is one of the reasons why I decided to explore some ways to preserve them from going waste knowing very well after the season I may not chance upon it easily to buy. Well, it is no strange hack but then it is quite interesting to know. Even if you know all these ways, you might have trivialized them haven't been making use of them but this will be an energizer to cause you to preserve those plantains in your kitchen so they don't end up as waste.
First of all, before purchasing plantain, I consider the purpose of purchase and then the price. At times because it is in abundance, even some small amount can be many so all these considerations are done. If I realize that the plantains might be kept a little longer in the house before consumption, I make sure to buy a mature but still green plantain. This way it can stay relatively longer before ripening.
Number 1 method
If may be the mature but green plantains were bought with no prior reasons but just to have some available, then I use them for plantains chips. Plantain chips are made using mature but green plantain which is still hard in order that it becomes hard and crunchy after frying. Turning my plantains into chips means that it can be stored in an airtight container for weeks without it getting spoilt. This way the plantain which might have ripen and rotten due to no use is being preserved and I also have a snack to enjoy anytime in the day. Laughs!
How is the plantain chips made?
Undeniably, there cannot be a one way to this but this is how I do prepare mine.
Remove green plantain from covering and slice into thin slices. The shape ultimately depends on how I want it at times circular and then I pour them in salt solution with just a little salt saturation for taste. This is not left in the solution long at all just wash it in and that's all. I then deep fry in oil and make sure it fries well and tastes crunchy. Even with this care is taken so it doesn't burn. After I keep them in an airtight container and it stays for as long as I want it to. Allowing food like plantain to go waste isn't a good practice so it is just good to do something like this to prevent that.
Plantain chips
Number 2 methodIn cases where there isn't much time to prepare the chips and the plantains happen to overripe, this is not the time to worry or throw them away. Immediately I know what to do. What is that?
These overripe plantains are used to prepare plantain fritters. In Ghana these fritters are known as 'kakro or kaklo'.
In some places where the season for plantain comes and it is in abundance, you see a lot of vendors selling plantain chips because it is one major way to ensure the yield does not go waste. Others who want to reach larger market and even go international add value to these chips, package them to meet authorized standards and business flows.
You too can try these methods and save those plantains in your kitchen from ending up as rubbish.
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