To prevent your plantains from ripening and turning brown too quickly, there are a few simple steps you can take. First, make sure to buy plantains that are firm and not too ripe. Once you bring them home, store them in a cool, dark place, such as a pantry or a cupboard. Avoid storing them in the fridge, as this can cause them to ripen too quickly. You can also store them in a plastic bag or wrap them in aluminum foil to help them retain their freshness.
You should also avoid washing them until you are ready to use them. Washing them too soon can cause them to spoil faster. Make sure to cut off any bruised or damaged parts of the plantain before storing it. This will help to prevent the damage from spreading.
if you notice your plantain starting to turn brown, you can wrap it in a paper towel soaked in lime or lemon juice. This will help to slow down the browning process.
But if you are looking for longer-term storage, you can consider freezing your plantains. To do this, cut them into slices and place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. Make sure to label the bag with the date. Frozen plantains will last for up to six months. When you are ready to use them, simply thaw them in the fridge overnight. Keep in mind that frozen plantains may be softer and mushier than fresh plantains. But, they can still be used in a variety of recipes, such as plantain chips, plantain fritters, or plantain porridge.
Another way to preserve plantains is to dry them. You can either sun-dry or oven-dry your plantains. To sun-dry, start by washing and peeling the plantains. Then, cut them into thin slices and place them on a wire rack in the sun. Make sure to turn them over every few hours. They should be dried within a few days. To oven-dry, preheat your oven to the lowest setting. Then, line a baking sheet with parchment paper and place the plantain slices on it. Dry them for 8-10 hours, or until they are crispy.
