Introduction
When we hear green bananas, most often we think that they are not eaten unless they turn into their ripe stage. But the truth is, green bananas can be eaten, although they do taste different from the ripe ones. In Caribbean cooking, green bananas are usually boiled, with or without their skins.
Nutrition facts
Green bananas are not often eaten because of their odd taste. Also, many are not aware of their nutritional benefits. Unlike the ripe bananas, the green ones are starchier.
This type of starch is a resistant starch, which passes through the intestines in its unchanged form. Resistant starch provides the characteristics of an insoluble fiber.
In various studies, resistant starch is known to increase insulin sensitivity, which helps people with type 2 diabetes better control their blood sugar. Furthermore, resistant starch serves as food for the good bacteria in your digestive system.
These good bacteria ferment the resistant starch and use it to make energy. Good bacteria are needed in your digestive system as it combats the bad bacteria that causes digestion problem like diarrhea and chronic colon illnesses.
The fermentation of the resistant starch also produces short-chain fatty acids, which increases the ability of the body to absorb nutrients, especially calcium.
Another study suggests that the resistant starch in green bananas aids in burning body fat. Mainly, it blocks the body’s ability to use carbohydrates as fuel. Once the body can’t burn carbohydrates as fuel, it then turns to fat to burn.
Green banana recipes
Green banana fries
Ingredients
5 small unripe (green) bananas
1 quart oil for frying, or as needed
Salt to taste
Directions
Use a knife to peel the green bananas. Unlike the ripe one, green bananas tends to be a little tricky to peel, so use a knife to make it quick.
Slice into long thin wedges or strings to make fries.
Heat the oil in a pan over medium-high heat. Place the banana fries into the hot oil and then fry until golden brown, approximately 5 to 7 minutes.
Remove from the oil and drain on paper towels. Season with salt. Serve and enjoy.
Credits to: http://allrecipes.com/recipe/green-banana-fries/
Joy’s Green Banana Salad
Ingredients
6 small green bananas
2 tablespoon olive oil, divided
1 green bell peppers, sliced into thin rings
1 cup small shrimp, peeled and deveined
1 cup crab meat
1 sweet onion, chopped
1 pinch salt and pepper to taste
1 teaspoon white sugar
¾ cup red wine vinegar
2 slices crisp cooked bacon, crumbled
1 hard-boiled egg, peeled and sliced
Directions
Boil water in a large pot. Cut the ends of the banana and make a slit lengthwise down the peel. Cook the green bananas in boiling water until tender. Remove the bananas from boiling water and let them cool. Peel them off then cut into small chunks. Place in a serving bowl and drizzle 1 tablespoon of olive oil and stir.
Heat some oil in a pan over medium-high heat. Add shrimp and crab, and fry until cooked through. After approximately 5 minutes, set them aside and let cool.
Add onions, green pepper and seafood to the bananas in the bowl. In a separate bowl, whisk the red wine vinegar, sugar, and bacon pieces. Pour the mixture over the bananas and toss lightly to coat. Season with salt and pepper. Finally, garnish with slices of hard-boiled egg. Serve and enjoy
Credits to: http://allrecipes.com/Recipe/Joys-Green-Banana-Salad/Detail.aspx?prop24=RD_RelatedRecipes
Boiled Green Bananas
Ingredients
½ dozen green bananas
2 cups water
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon oil
Directions
Cut both ends of the banana and make a slit lengthwise. Bring water to boil and add some salt to it. Add the bananas to the boiling water. Cook for 15 minutes. Remove the skin and serve hot.
Conclusion
Bananas of all types, including the green ones, are a good source of essential vitamins and minerals that the body needs for its daily activities. So, don’t be afraid to eat green bananas, they are definitely good for your health.
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