Plantains
Our tissue culture plantain varieties are disease-free and genetically consistent, ensuring reliable harvests with superior yields. These starchy cooking bananas are a staple food crop in many tropical regions and offer excellent commercial potential.
Our Plantain Varieties
MP-1
Superior clone of Curare Enano, produces 1 box per cluster.
Key Features:
- Planting density: 2000-2600 plants/ha
- Height: first year 3m, second year 3.5m
- Hands: 6-7 per bunch
- Fruit length: 55-65cm
Dwarf Curare Enano
Short clone of Curare Enano, traditional plantain variety.
Key Features:
- Planting density: 2,000-2,800 plants/ha
- Height: first year 2.5m, second year 3m
- Hands: 4-6 per bunch
- Fruit length: 35-40cm
Hawaiian Plantain
Also known as Male, Horn Harton, or Barraganete.
Key Features:
- Planting density: 2,000-6,500 plants/ha
- Height: first year 3m, second year 3.5-4m
- Hands: 4-6 per bunch
- Fruit length: 30-50cm
Harton
Wide finger plantain with soft texture, superior in taste.
Key Features:
- Planting density: 1,400-1,800 plants/ha
- Height: first year 3m, second year 4-4.5m
- Hands: 3-5 per bunch
- Fruit length: 25-35cm
Plantain vs Banana: A Comparison
| Characteristics | Plantains | Dessert Bananas |
|---|---|---|
| Consumption | Typically cooked before eating | Typically eaten raw when ripe |
| Starch Content | Higher starch content | Lower starch, higher sugar when ripe |
| Texture | Firmer, less soft when ripe | Soft and creamy when ripe |
| Culinary Uses | Frying, boiling, baking, roasting | Fresh consumption, smoothies, desserts |
| Nutritional Profile | Higher in complex carbohydrates, potassium, vitamins A and C | Higher in simple sugars, comparable vitamins and minerals |
| Market Shelf Life | Typically longer shelf life | Shorter shelf life when ripened |
Commercial Uses & Applications
Fresh Market
Plantains are sold fresh at markets worldwide, providing a staple food source in many tropical and subtropical regions.
Processed Foods
Used in the production of plantain chips, flour, baby food, and frozen food products for retail and food service industries.
Restaurant Industry
Popular in ethnic and specialty restaurants serving Caribbean, African, Latin American, and fusion cuisines.
Starch Production
Extracted plantain starch is used in various food and industrial applications, including as a thickening agent and in gluten-free products.
Specialty Products
Incorporated into specialty food products like energy bars, dried fruit mixes, and functional foods for health-conscious consumers.
Export Market
Growing demand in international markets creates opportunities for commercial growers to export fresh and processed plantain products.
Ready to Start Growing Plantains?
Contact our team to learn more about our plantain varieties and how they can benefit your agricultural operations.
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