Instant Pot Boiled Green Bananas

Boiled green bananas have been in the the back of my mind until... Walking passed a huge stack of green bananas in my local supermarket, when I saw an import sticker that said JFK. Being nosey, I decided to take a closer look at the sticker, to my surprise, they were imported Jamaican green bananas.

You do not need to ask, because yes, I did grab a few hands. Green bananas are mighty popular back home in Jamaica with any meal at any time of the day. Green bananas here in America are culturally appropriated, meaning you will be able to find them in ethic supermarkets. For a few years now, I have been avoiding the green bananas in my local supermarket for two reasons. One, whenever you cook them, they immediately get hard once cooled, and two, they are way bigger than the natural Jamaican green bananas. 

Green Bananas and Yellow Bananas

Green bananas have a vast amount of nutrients that you wont get from a yellow banana. bananas are high in starch and pectin which helps in improving digestive health as aid in lowering high blood sugar levels. These green fruits are rich in iron, even the skin. 

Can You Eat Green Banana Peels?

The short answer is Yes! 

Personally, I have never eaten green bananas raw but I have eaten them in Jamaican goat soup. Traditionally, in Jamaica, we peel the bananas before boiling and discard the skin. While in authentic Jamaican goat soup, the green bananas are cut in small circular pieces with the skin still on. This is then boiled along with other ground provisions, goat head and beard along with spices. 

How to Peel Green Bananas? 

Green bananas are naturally stainy so we normally use cooking oil on our hands while peeling them.

1. To start we would wash the bananas to get rid of any possible dirt that may be visible. 
2. Rub both hands with cooking oil
3. Score each green banana lengthwise and peel the outer layer from around the white flesh. 

It is essential to place the peeled bananas directly in water right after peeling. Green bananas are naturally starchy, like potatoes, so they will oxidize. 

How to Cook Green Bananas?

Boiling green bananas is the most common way of cooking them. You may either boil them with salt and water or with just water, if you are watching your sodium intake. 

When boiling green bananas, I would recommend starting them in cold water. Starting the bananas in cold water will allow the bananas to hold shape during the cooking process. This will also help the bananas tend to cook faster in this sense. 

Can You Cook and Eat Boiled Green Bananas in the Skin?

 Without a doubt the answer is yes!

Cooking green bananas in the skin is mighty easy. 

1. Wash your bananas and cut the stem off
2. Score each banana lengthwise and place in a pot with cold water 
3. Bring the bananas to a boil with a pinch of salt, the banana peels will begin to turn black.
4. After about 10 minutes, check the inside of the bananas with a fork to see if they are soft on the inside. 
5. Once they are done, cooking you may remove the skin and serve with your favorite Jamaican protein. 

How to use Boiled Green Banana Peels? 

Green banana peels may contain more nutrients than the actual banana itself. 

After boiling your green bananas, save the liquid. There are mineral and other nutrients from the banana peels that are settled in the water which can be used for watering plants. 

I have been using banana peel water on my indoor plants for years and they have been flourishing.

Another use for fresh green banana peels are pet food. In Jamaica, banana peels are a common part of a pigs diet. Some restaurants partner with some farmers to reduce the waste as well as allow the animals to have a proper diet.

Jamaican Salt Mackerel

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