Bananas

A tropical plant with hundreds of varieties including plantains, the most familiar being the yellow Cavendish banana, sometimes called sweet or dessert banana. But there are also tiny finger bananas, red, and even blue varieties, all with varying flavors and sweetness.

Preparing: How ripe they are is a matter of personal preference. Peel and eat, or chop or slice as needed. Squeeze some lemon or lime juice over a freshly cut banana to prevent discoloring.

Other fruits you can use: There is no substitute for raw bananas; for cooking, use ripe plantains.