Plantains are related to the banana family and look very similar at a glance; for this reason, plantains are often mistaken for bananas. However, the two are very different. Plantains have a tougher skin and are much harder to peel. The texture of the plantain is denser than a banana and is usually much thicker and larger than your average banana. Plantains also have a longer ripening process than a banana. Even though plantains are fruit, they are enjoyed as a starchy vegetable and have a similar taste to yams or potatoes than a banana. Unlike bananas, plantains are almost always eaten cooked. Plantains are very popular in the Caribbean, Latin America, and African cuisine.