South Florida Backyard Nectar

Plantain

Puerto Rican

History

A widely grown Caribbean plantain variety, a staple of Puerto Rican cuisine (mofongo, tostones, amarillos).

Taste profile

Softer and sweeter than most plantain varieties, which tend to run hard and bitter - part of why it's favored for cooking. Green fruit is starchy and used savory; ripe fruit turns sweet and caramelizes well.

Growing habits

A compact plant, typically only 6-8 feet tall, with strong wind resistance and good heat/drought tolerance - a low-maintenance choice for a home orchard.