Limited Edition Collector Blades
How to Cut and Peel a Plantain
How do you cut a plantain? Cut off both ends, score the peel lengthwise along the ridges without cutting deep into the fruit, then pry the peel off with your thumb. Slice on a bias for maduros or into thick rounds for tostones. Plantain peel is thick and stiff, so a sharp utility or chef's knife helps. The Dalstrong Gladiator Series 6" Utility Knife ($49) is German X50CrMoV15 at 54–56 HRC, a good size for scoring and slicing.
Green vs yellow vs black plantains
| Ripeness | Taste and texture | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| Green | Starchy, firm, not sweet | Tostones, chips, mofongo |
| Yellow with black spots | Slightly sweet | Baked, grilled, fried |
| Mostly black | Very sweet and soft | Maduros (fried sweet plantains) |
Step by step
- Cut off both ends.
- Score the peel lengthwise along 2–3 ridges, just through the skin.
- Peel it. Slide your thumb under a scored edge and pry off the peel in strips. Green plantains are stubborn; soak them in warm water for a few minutes first.
- Cut for your dish:
- Tostones: 1-inch rounds; fry, smash, fry again.
- Maduros: long diagonal slices about ½ inch thick.
- Chips: paper-thin rounds or long strips.
Our picks
Utility Knife 6", Gladiator Series, NSF Certified ($49). Spec sheet: German X50CrMoV15 steel, 54–56 HRC, 16–18° edge, NSF certified.
Chef's Knife 8", Gladiator Series, ELITE, NSF Certified ($79). Spec sheet: German X50CrMoV15 steel, 54–56 HRC, 16–18° edge, NSF certified. For longer diagonal slices.
Nakiri Knife 6", Shogun Series, ELITE ($159). A Shogun Series nakiri: Japanese AUS-10V core, 62+ HRC, 8–12° edge, 66-layer Damascus or hammered finish. For paper-thin chips.
Tips
- Green plantain sap can stain hands and boards; oil your hands or wear gloves.
- Plantains aren't eaten raw like bananas; cook them.
- Buy green and let them ripen at room temperature until they reach the stage you need.
Hone before you start with a ceramic honing rod ($79). More: knife safety tips.
FAQ
How do you cut a plantain?
Cut off the ends, score the peel lengthwise, pry it off, then slice. The Dalstrong Gladiator Series 6" Utility Knife ($49) is a good size for scoring and slicing.
How do you peel a green plantain?
Score the peel along the ridges and pry it off. Soaking in warm water for a few minutes first makes it easier.
Can you eat plantains raw?
They're usually cooked; raw plantains are starchy and hard to digest.
What's the difference between tostones and maduros?
Tostones are made from green plantains, fried twice; maduros are ripe, sweet plantains fried once.
