St. Lucian Food Files- Series 2



​Greenfig also known as Green Bananas











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- Greenfigs as they are commonly referred to in Saint Lucia are one component of our island’s national dish- Greenfig & Saltfish.

-When discussing nutrition, greenfigs are high in potassium and also contains calcium, vitamin B, folacin and protein.  They are also a good source of fibre.

-They contain lower calories than other starchy vegetables, and as a result have been said to be good for persons monitoring their caloric intake i.e. diabetics and weight watchers.

-Greenfigs can be boiled and fried.

-They can be dried and made into a porridge which is commonly used as a baby food. 

-Greenfigs can be cooked with or without the skin. It is said that the skin contains iron and as a result some people prefer to cook their greenfigs with the skin and a bit of the skin can be mashed and used in some local recipes.

-“Gros Michel” is the name for one type of green fig and in our opinion is has a superior flavour and texture.

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-The leaves of the greenfig tree are used for making Paime, a local dish made with pumpkin, dried coconut and cornmeal.



 

-Ripened greenfigs are ripe bananas.

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How to peel Greenfigs
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1. Fill a bowl or your sink with water.

2. Rub your hands with cooking oil.

3. Cut the ends of the greenfig.
4. Cut a slit along the length of the greenfig.
5. Submerge the greenfig under water and using a your thumb or a knife, peel away the the skin.
6. Remove any excess skin with a knife.





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The Greenfig’s cousins- Macamboo & Banan Macamboo

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- The Macamboo and Banan Macamboo both contain much of the same nutrients as the greenfig, however, they each have a distinctive taste. 

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- When eaten green they can be fried, boiled, and can be used as a substitute for greenfig in most recipes. 

- The honest truth however is that most people dislike its taste. 

- So here’s the tip: allow them to ripen and cook it by grilling or frying!! We have found them to be very flavourful and tasty.  

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Trust us on this one, you can’t go wrong!

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Try some of our greenfig, macamboo and banan macamboo recipes today!

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Fried Macamboo
Greenfig & Saltfish Pie
Greenfig Salad
Greenfig & Saltfish

Grilled Banan Macamboo​​​









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