Plantain: a perennial herb, when it matures and hits the market, and how it differs from lady finger banana and banana, and which is more expensive

Plantain, also known as bajia, banjiao, banjiao, large plantain head and large-head plantain, is a perennial herbaceous plant commonly found in the mountains of our country and near farms. It is cultivated because it has effects such as relieving constipation and promoting urination. So when does plantain mature and go on the market? What is the difference between it and lady finger banana and banana? Which is more expensive?

Maturity and market time:

In the south, in parts of Guangdong, Guangxi and Hainan, plantains and bananas are available all year round, especially in Hainan. Bananas are generally grown on a large scale and specially managed, so their maturity period is relatively concentrated, mainly from the ninth lunar month to the first lunar month, with fewer at other times. Plantain is slightly more cold-resistant than banana, and is mostly grown scattered and on a small scale, so its maturity period is more scattered. If it is grown on a large scale, then its maturity period is also similar to that of banana.

Differences from lady finger banana and banana:

Lady finger banana is also called emperor banana, rice banana and golden banana. It belongs to the fragrant banana category. In Indonesia it is called Pisanmas; in Vietnam it is called tribute banana, that is, the banana presented as tribute to the emperor; in Myanmar it is called sweet banana. The emperor banana stem is about 2.70 m high, with 160--180 plants planted per mu. It generally takes about 60 days from budding to harvest, and about 9--10 months from planting to harvest. Emperor banana fruit is small. It is about 10 cm long, seedless, with thin skin, and after ripening the skin is golden yellow, the flesh is orange-yellow, fresh and sweet, fragrant and tasty. Emperor banana fruit is rich in nutrients. Every 100 grams of edible portion contains 20 grams of carbohydrates, 1.2 grams of protein, 0.6 grams of fat, and also contains ash and a variety of vitamins. Emperor banana has bright appearance and a unique flavor, and is recognized worldwide as one of the high-grade banana varieties, with very high economic value. The fruit is small, golden in color and rich in nutrients. Compared with ordinary bananas, it is more fragrant and refreshing, and rich in nutrients.

Differences from banana:

1. Appearance

From the appearance, the difference between banana and plantain can be distinguished. Bananas bought on the market are generally relatively long in shape. When unripe, they are green, and ripe bananas are golden yellow, while the flesh after peeling the skin is pale yellow-white; plantain is relatively short and small in shape, but its area is relatively thick, unlike the slender shape of banana, and in terms of color, the skin of plantain is grayish yellow, while the flesh is milky white. The skin of plantain is relatively thinner than that of banana.

2. Taste

In terms of taste, banana is cool in nature, but its taste is relatively sweet; while the flesh of plantain has a fine and smooth texture, but carries a slight sourness and astringency.

3. Nutritional value

In terms of nutritional value, both plantain and banana are actually high-potassium foods and are rich in magnesium, and both have nutritional value for preventing diseases in the human body. However, banana is relatively cool in nature, so people with a cold stomach and elderly people are not suitable to eat much banana. Plantain, however, is warm in nature and can supplement the fiber and water-soluble properties needed by the human body, making it especially suitable for people with gastrointestinal discomfort or constipation.

Which is more expensive?

Whether plantain is more expensive than banana depends on the region; here it is exactly the opposite

Plantain and banana are similar in nutrition, but from the perspective of traditional Chinese medicine, both have the effect of moistening the intestines and relieving constipation. However, banana is cool in nature, while plantain is neutral, so people with a cold stomach should not eat too much, and elderly people are generally suitable to eat plantain