Plantain Panic: A Guide to Scoring Those Green Gold Nuggets in LA
So, you've decided to embark on the culinary adventure that is plantain cooking. Kudos to you, brave soul! But where on earth do you find these elongated, green bananas in the concrete jungle that is Los Angeles? Fear not, plantain pioneer! I've got you covered.
Your Local Bodega is Your BFF
Let's start with the obvious: your neighborhood bodega. These unassuming corner stores are often treasure troves of unexpected goodies. You might be surprised to find a bunch of plantains nestled among the mangos and avocados. The key here is to befriend the owner. They're usually the gatekeepers to the most exotic produce. A friendly chat and a promise to buy more stuff might just earn you a standing order.
Supermarket Safari: It's a Jungle Out There
If your bodega is plantain-free, it's time to hit the supermarket. Now, don't expect to find them in the produce section with the apples and grapes. These bad boys are usually hiding out in the international or Latin American food aisle. Think of it as a supermarket safari. You might stumble upon some other exotic finds while you're at it. Just watch out for the overly ripe avocados.
Farmer's Markets: The Plantain Promised Land
For the ultimate fresh plantain experience, head to your local farmer's market. Here, you'll find plantains in all stages of ripeness, from bright green to almost black. You can even chat with the farmers about how to pick the perfect plantain for your recipe. Plus, you'll feel all virtuous and eco-conscious while you're at it.
Online Ordering: Plantain Perfection Delivered
If all else fails, there's always the internet. Several online grocery stores and produce delivery services offer plantains. It's the ultimate in convenience, but it might cost you a pretty penny. Plus, you miss out on the thrill of the hunt.
Remember: Plantains are like avocados - they ripen fast. So, if you're not planning to cook them right away, store them at room temperature in a brown paper bag.
How to... Plantain Edition
- How to tell if a plantain is ripe? The skin should be yellow with black spots.
- How to ripen a plantain faster? Put it in a brown paper bag with a banana.
- How to prevent plantains from ripening too fast? Store them in the refrigerator.
- How to freeze plantains? Peel, slice, and freeze them on a baking sheet before transferring to a freezer-safe bag.
- How to cook plantains? You can fry, bake, boil, or mash them. Get creative!
