Bananas are one of the most popular fruits in the world, and there are many different types. But what most people don’t know is that there are different types of bananas, and some of them are not as sweet or healthy as the ones we usually eat.
Bananas, often eaten as a snack or used in recipes come in many different varieties, but what is the difference between burro bananas and plantains? Are they the same thing?
In this blog post, we’ll explore the differences between burro bananas and plantains. We’ll also discuss why you might want to add them to your alkaline diet. Stay tuned.
Are Burro Bananas the Same as Plantains?
The two types of bananas are similar but have some key differences. Burro bananas are smaller and sweeter than plantains. They’re also less starchy so they’re good for eating raw. Plantains are larger and starchier than burro bananas. They’re better for frying or baking because they hold their shape better.
So, are burro bananas the same as plantains? No, Burro bananas are different from plantains, but they are commonly used interchangeably. Although, they both fall under the category of “banana,” they have some key differences that make them suited for different purposes.
If you want a sweet snack, go with a burro banana. If you need a starchy side dish or ingredient, reach for a plantain instead.
What Are Burro Bananas?
Burro is a type of banana originating from Southeast Asia. However, now they are mostly cultivated in the region of Mexico. These bananas are not like ordinary bananas and are shorter and thicker than the yellow bananas we see around us.
While the yellow banana (cavendish or regular banana) is seedless, the Burro Banana has seeds along with the core of its flesh.
In addition to that, it also has protruding edges that other types of bananas do not. Since the shape of a burro banana is short and stubby, it is named Burro. People consume Burro Bananas in two forms. One of which is in its green unripe form, while the other is in its ripe yellow form.
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What Are Plantains?
Plantains are also a type of banana that is very different from the common banana. They too, originate from Southeast Asia. Now you can find them all over the world.
In comparison to normal bananas, Plantains have many different uses. Their size is much bigger than that of most types of bananas. You can find plantains that are either green (unripe), or yellow (ripe), and finally dark brown.
Green plantains are not exactly what you can call sweet. They are usually eaten after cooking as they do not have a pleasant taste when uncooked.
Are Plantains Alkaline?
There’s some debate on whether plantains are alkaline-forming or not.
While most starchy foods like plantains, yams are considered acidic in vitro, these foods are actually alkaline-forming when ingested. The alkalinity of foods is a complex topic and the mechanism by which these foods produce alkalinity when ingested in mostly unknown.
So, in terms of their effect on the body, plantains are considered to be alkaline-forming. This means that they can help to reduce levels of acidity in the blood and tissues.
Additionally, another factor seems to be the ripeness of the fruit. Unripe plantains have a higher concentrations of starches, which are generally considered to be less alkaline-forming. Ripe plantains, on the other hand, have a higher concentration of sugars, which are thought to be alkaline-forming.
According to Dr. Sebi, starch is carbonic acid – as such, starchy foods are predominantly acidic.
Table: Ripe vs Unripe Plantain Alkalinity
| Unripe Plantains | Ripe Plantains |
| Outer green, tougher skin | Outer yellow or Deep brown, softer skin |
| Inner hard and white fruit | Inner soft and yellow fruit |
| Chalky, bland taste | Sweet lemony taste |
| Less alkaline-forming | More Alkaline-forming |
So, if you’re looking for an alkaline-forming food, you might want to go for a ripe plantain.
However, it’s worth noting that the overall effect of a food on your body’s pH levels is complex and not completely understood. As such, it’s best to focus on eating a variety of healthy natural plant foods.
So, just like burro bananas, plantains are alkaline in nature. Since plantains are higher in carbs, burros are more preferred.
So, both are considered to be alkaline as a good ingredient to include in your diet.
Burro Banana Vs Plantain
Burro bananas and Plantains are both types of bananas however they are nothing like the other. Despite being from the same family, there are several differences between the two, you can find these differences in the table below:
Table: Differences between Burro banana and Plantain
| Burro Bananas | Plantains |
| Smaller in size | Larger in size |
| Thinner skin | Tougher skin |
| The Burro banana is a short sturdy fruit that had protruding edges that is not very common in other types of bananas. | Plantains are longer than most types of bananas including burros |
| Burro bananas taste chalky when they are unripe. | Green Plantains are usually bland in taste. They do not have much of a flavor when unripe. |
| When ripened, the burro banana turns sweet and tart. The taste resembles that of a lemon. | Plantains have a sweet taste when ripe. Because of their bland taste, they are usually cooked in various ways before use. |
| Burros contain less starch | Plantains are more starchy than most bananas. |
| Burro Bananas have a thick peel with protruding edges which makes them harder to peel. | Plantains have a thicker peel than most banana types. They are also tougher than bananas. |
| People use Burro Bananas for different purposes considering their stages of ripening. Unripe Burro bananas are used as a replacement for potatoes. When ripe, burros can be used for sweet dishes such as pie or fries. | Plantains are called the cooking banana. They are not eaten when raw and are cooked to make mostly savory dishes. |
| Burro bananas are also very beneficial when it comes to their nutritional value. In many cases, they are used to treat different deficiencies as they are jam-packed with nutrition. | In another sense, Plantains are also very nutritious and are used for several things such as urinary tract infections, relieving coughs, and healing wounds. |
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Is there Anything like Burro Plantains?
In the real sense of the word, there is nothing like burro plantains. Burros, a type of bananas are completely different from plantains. However, many people often refer to burro bananas as burro plantains. This does not necessarily mean that there is a special class of plantains called burro plantains.
Burro Banana Vs Plantain Nutrition
Both the different variants of bananas are quite nutritious and have key nutrients that have great health benefits. Here is a nutrition chart for the two based on 100 grams of fruit:
Table: Burro Banana and Plantain Nutrition Per 100g
| Nutrition | Burro Bananas, green | Burro Bananas, ripe | Plantains, green | Plantains, ripe |
| Calories | 110 | 98 | 152 | 122 |
| Carbs | 25g | 23g | 36.7g | 31.9g |
| Fiber | 4g | 1.7g | 2.2g | 1.7g |
| Potassium | 358mg | 326mg | 431mg | 487mg |
| Magnesium | 27mg | 28mg | 41mg | 36mg |
| Vitamin C | 9mg | 12.3mg | 20.2mg | 18.4mg |
As you can see, plantains are great sources of potassium and carbs.
Can You Use Burro Bananas in Place Of Plantains?
Plantains and Burro bananas are different from each other but they may also be used interchangeably in recipes. While burros can
In their unripe stage, both the bananas are similar and used for similar purposes such as making fries, baked, and even boiled. However, when ripe, burros can be eaten raw unlike plantains.
Both are nonetheless better used when cooked. All you need to make sure is that you boil and cook them properly to ensure that they are thoroughly cooked.
Which Plantain Is The Best?
Have you often wondered which plantain is the best? Is it the yellow plantain, with its slightly sweet flavor? Or the green plantain, which has a firmer texture?
Well, there is no such thing as the best plantain as different recipes will call for specific forms of plantains. While smoothies work best with ripe ad overripe plantains, porridges and chips work great with unripe plantains.
Final Notes
The terms “burro banana” and “plantain” are often used interchangeably, but they actually refer to two different types of fruits. Burro bananas are smaller and sweeter than plantains. They’re usually eaten peeled and raw, while plantains are larger and starchier. Plantains can be boiled, fried, or mashed.
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