Plantain Chips | Lightly Salted

Sold in 2 lb. and 4 lb. Options in Re-Sealable bags.

Ingredients: Plantain Chips, Palm Oil, Sea Salt.

Ingredient Country of Origin: Ecuador.

Allergen Declaration Statement: Free from; Gluten, Wheat, Legume Family {Peanuts, Soy beans, lentils, chickpeas, and lupin, beans (kidney, black, pinto, navy, string, fava), and peas (green, split, black-eyed), plus others like mung beans, adzuki, and tamarind}, Tree Nuts {almonds, cashews, hazelnuts, macadamia nuts, pecans, pistachios, walnuts, brazil nuts, pine nuts, & coconut}, Shellfish aquatic invertebrates (crab, lobster, shrimp, prawns, crayfish), Crustaceans mollusks (clams, mussels, oysters, scallops, squid, octopus, snails), Fish {vertebrates having a backbone} , Sesame, Milk/Dairy, Eggs, Mustard, Sulfur Dioxide, Potassium Sorbate.

Packaging Procedure: Hand and/or Packaged on dedicated Gerbs equipment Johnston, RI.

Introducing Gerbs Lightly Sea Salted Plantain Chips.

OVERVIEW OF GERBS LIGHTLY SEA SALTED PLANTAIN CHIPS

Plantains are a starchy, versatile member of the banana family (Musa genus) primarily treated as a savory vegetable rather than a fruit. Unlike common bananas, they are larger, have thicker skin, and must be cooked before consumption. They are staples in Caribbean, Latin American, and African cuisines, changing from starchy/green to sweet/black as they ripen.

Key Aspects of Plantains:

• Varieties & Ripeness: Found green (unripe/starchy), yellow (ripe/sweeter), and black (very ripe/sweet).
• Uses: Green plantains are used for chips (tostones) or in savory stews; ripe, yellow/black plantains are fried, baked, or boiled for desserts or sweet sides (maduros).
• Preparation: The thick skin often requires a knife to peel, especially when green.
• Nutrition: High in complex carbohydrates, fiber, potassium, and vitamins A, C, and B6.
• Distinction from Bananas: While they look similar, plantains are starchier and lower in sugar when green, making them more like a potato.

Plantains are a major source of food in many tropical regions, often considered a crucial, energy-rich staple.

HOW ARE PLANTAINS HARVESTED, FRIED AND STORED

To harvest plantains, cut the entire bunch off the stalk with a sharp knife or machete, often using a two-person technique where one person supports the heavy bunch as it’s cut to prevent damage. For the edible herb (Plantago), pick young, tender leaves from the base in spring for eating, or gather older leaves and seeds in summer/fall for medicine, always ensuring you’re in a clean, uncontaminated area.

Plantain chips are crunchy, savory snacks made from thinly sliced, unripe (green) plantains that are fried or baked until crisp and seasoned, offering a starchy, earthy, and slightly sweet flavor, similar in texture to potato chips but with a distinct taste, popular across Latin America, the Caribbean, and West Africa as a gluten-free alternative to potato chips. They are made from plantains, which are a starchy fruit in the banana family, and can be enjoyed plain or with various dips like guacamole or salsa.

How they’re made

• Selection: Green, unripe plantains are used for their firm, starchy texture, not the sweet, soft ones.
• Slicing: Plantains are peeled and sliced thinly, often using a mandoline or knife, into rounds or strips.
• Cooking: Slices are deep-fried in oil (like palm or sunflower oil) or baked until golden and crispy, though they’re sometimes cooked in batches to avoid overcrowding.
• Seasoning: They’re typically sprinkled with salt or other spices like chili powder, paprika, or garlic.

Flavor & texture

• Flavor: Earthy, nutty, with subtle sweetness, depending on ripeness.
• Texture: Crunchy and crispy, similar to a thick-cut potato chip, but sometimes lighter or airier.

Serving suggestions

• Eat straight from the bag as a standalone snack.
• Serve with dips such as guacamole, pico de gallo, hummus, or spicy sauces.
• Use as a crunchy topping for salads or other dishes.

KEY HEALTH BENEFITS OF GERBS LS PLANTAIN CHIPS

Plantain chips are a nutrient-dense, gluten-free, and vegan-friendly snack rich in potassium, fiber, and vitamins A, C, and B6. They support heart health by managing blood pressure, aid digestion due to high fiber content, and provide sustainable energy. While offering, magnesium and antioxidants, moderation is advised due to potential high fat/sodium content if fried.

• High Potassium for Heart Health: Plantain chips are rich in potassium, which helps regulate blood pressure, counteracts sodium, and supports nerve and muscle function.
• Boosts Digestive Health: They contain significant dietary fiber, aiding in digestion, promoting satiety, and preventing constipation.
• Rich in Essential Vitamins: They provide Vitamin A for eye health and immunity, and Vitamin C, a potent antioxidant that supports skin health and immune function.
• Energy Boosting & Gluten-Free: As a complex carbohydrate, they provide a steady energy source. They are naturally gluten-free and vegan.
• Blood Sugar Regulation (Unripe): When made from green (unripe) plantains, they contain resistant starch, which has a lower glycemic index and helps manage blood sugar levels.
• Antioxidant Properties: They contain polyphenols and flavonoids, which combat oxidative stress and reduce inflammation in the body.
• Rich in Minerals: They contain magnesium, essential for bone health and, along with potassium, help in reducing the risk of stroke and osteoporosis.

HOW TO COOK & INCORPORATE PLANTAIN CHIPS INTO YOUR DIET

• Snack Alternative: Use as a direct replacement for tortilla or potato chips.
• Dips: Pair with hummus, black bean dip, guacamole, or salsa.
• Nachos: Use as the base for loaded nachos topped with black beans, cheese, and jalapenos.
• Salad/Soup Topper: Crush them for extra texture on top of soups (like black bean), salads, or even avocado toast.
• Crumbles: Use crushed, unsalted chips as a breading for chicken or fish, or to add crunch to yogurt.
• Trail Mix: Combine with nuts, seeds, and dried fruit for a salty-sweet mix.

Order now and Taste the Goodness of Gerbs!

Storage Recommendations

For the best flavor and freshness, we recommend storing your Gerbs in an airtight container in a cool, dark place such as a pantry or kitchen cabinet, away from sunlight and heat sources like the oven.

Each time the container is opened, oxygen sneaks in and can speed up rancidity, so try to keep only about one pound of product accessible at a time.

While Gerbs can be frozen, we don’t recommend it. Freezing and thawing can change the natural cell structure, which may affect texture and taste. Keep them cool, dry, and sealed tight for the best experience!