All About Greater plantains
Often mistaken for the banana-like fruit, Greater plantains, scientifically known as Plantago major, aren’t your typical vegetable. Boasting a wealth of nutritional benefits and wrapped up in a green, leafy package, these understated powerhouses offer far more than what meets the eye.
Understanding Greater Plantains
Nursed by the embracing greenery of meadows, fields, and roadsides, Greater Plantains are an evergreen perennial that prefer temperate regions to grow. The rosette-forming leaves, often marred by distinctive parallel veins, are a familiar sight across North America, Europe, and many parts of Asia. As humble as they look, these green gems are indeed a lot greater than their name entails.
Not Just a Simple Sideline
For centuries, Greater plantains have enjoyed a noteworthy reputation in the landscape of traditional medicine. These little plants were subjects of pharmacological studies for their purported properties spanning from anti-inflammatory, wound healing, and anti-microbial among many others.
As a source of dietary fibre, Greater plantains can lend a helping hand in maintaining gut health and ensuring regular bowel movement. Mono and polyunsaturated fats present in the leaves untwine the path for a healthier heart by lowering cholesterol levels. The Vitamin C content, meanwhile, propels the body’s immunity higher. The plant also carries a notable amount of calcium, which is a cornerstone for bone health.
Greater Plantains’ soluble fibre can also be of great value to diabetics as it loosely controls blood sugar levels. And those with an eye on the weighing scale would be interested to learn about Greater plantains’ low calorie content. Not to mention, the plant is gluten-free.
Integrating Greater Plantains into Your Diet
Integrating Greater Plantains into your diet is easier than you think. Its young leaves can be used as a salad base or be simmered into a soup. More mature leaves, however, will need to be boiled to soften their fibrous texture.
Alternatively, you can try your hand at Plantain chips for a nutrient-rich snack. Their seeds, high in psyllium, are used to make psyllium husk – a popular dietary supplement.
It’s about time that we recognized the wonders of these bountiful, non-descript leaves. So, the next time you spot a Greater Plantain along the roadside or meadow, take a moment to acknowledge this understated vegetable and perhaps incorporate it into your kitchen repertoire. After all, where else could you find a vegetable that’s tasty, nutritious, and at your disposal almost everywhere you look?
Greater plantain Recipe Ideas
- Baked Plantains with Brown Sugar Glaze
- Grilled Plantain Rellenos
- Plantain Lasagna
- Spicy Fried Plantain
- Greater Plantains with Beef and Vegetables
- Plantain Sandwich
- Plantain and Chicken Stew
- Plantain and Cheese Empanadas
- Greater Plantains and Pork Tacos
- Banana Plantain Pancakes
