CHARLOTTE, NC - When shoppers see plantains in the produce aisle, they appear as unconventionally sized bananas but, in fact, they offer up a unique eating experience of their own that Dole wants to spotlight. As part of its fall campaign, the produce company has taken to promoting the exotic fruit as a versatile, delicious treat that can be enjoyed throughout the season.

“Plantains are popular right now—and not only among banana fans—as a way to spice up mealtime routines and school lunches, especially since many of these lunches are still being eaten at home because of the coronavirus,” said Bil Goldfield, Director of Corporate Communications. “What’s remarkable about them is that they can be used at every stage of ripeness: boiled like a potato when green; prepared in sauces and soups, air-fried, or roasted as snacks when yellow; or baked in desserts and sweet recipes when black or spotted.”

The fruit, which is a cousin of the banana, is starchier and lower in sugar than its sweet, bright yellow relative. Although it is a fruit, Dole believes that plantains cook and eat more like a vegetable and can even serve as a replacement for potatoes and other staples in recipes, according to a press release.

Generally, Americans can find the fruit baked, roasted, or fried at their local Latin, African, or Carribbean restaurants, as plantains play an integral role in these countries’ cultural dishes. However, Dole insists that plantains can be an exotic swap for starches that are featured in American cuisines.

To promote DOLE® Plantains, the company is taking to digital and social media to distribute a plethora of time-saving recipes that feature plantains at center stage. The comforting, delicious recipes include: Plantain Crusted Salmon Fillets; Slow Cooker Sweet Potato, Plantain, and Lentil Caribbean Curry; Plantain and Tomato Salad; and Dole’s Sweet and Spicy Plantain Soup, among others.

As fall quickly approaches, Dole is also adopting the flavor mascot for the season, pumpkin spice, for its Pumpkin Spice Plantain Chips and Curry-Apple Dip. The recipe puts a spotlight on plantains by combining them with other traditional fall flavors like red apples, red onions, pumpkin pie spice, Neufchâtel cheese, and curry powder. I know my mouth is watering already!

While consumers everywhere are growing curious about new options to incorporate into their at-home cooking, plantains provide the perfect option to incorporate exotic new fruits into traditional recipes. Make sure to place your orders with Dole to give shoppers what they have been looking for in the form of plantains.

Dole