World Plantain Day Connects and Celebrates Roots of the African Diaspora

Every year on June 5th, plantain lovers across the globe come together to celebrate World Plantain Day. This annual observance is the brainchild of Dimeji Eyiowuawi , founder of the plantain-centric organization Dodo Gang.

World Plantain Day is more than just a celebration of a beloved fruit – it’s a tribute to the African diaspora.

For many across the African diaspora, the sight and smell of plantains cooking evoke powerful memories of home, family and shared traditions. These nifty fruits, whether fried, roasted, boiled, or mashed, have the ability to transport people back to cherished moments around the dinner table or in the kitchen with loved ones.

“Plantains are a connection to our roots,” says Eyiowuawi. “In every slice of plantain, we find a piece of our history.”

Difference Between Plantains vs. Bananas: What to Know About the Fruit Cousins

Plantains are believed to have originated in Southeast Asia, eventually making their way to Africa through trade routes. From there, plantains were introduced to the Caribbean and Latin America during the Transatlantic Slave Trade.

While often confused with bananas, plantains are distinct in both appearance and usage. Plantains are larger, starchier and less sweet than their banana cousins. They are typically cooked before consumption instead of eaten raw like bananas.

Today, plantains are integral to the cuisines of many African, Caribbean and Latin American countries.

The journey to establishing World Plantain Day began while Eyiowuawi managed social media for another food-related celebration, World Jollof Rice Day. A colleague noticed a growing demand for a similar celebration dedicated to plantains. Intrigued, Eyiowuawi asked how she had started World Jollof Rice Day.

“Her response was so simple yet so meaningful, ‘Just pick a date that means something to you, and pour your heart into making it a celebration to remember,’” recalls Eyiowuawi.

With these words of encouragement and the support of a passionate community behind him, Eyiowuawi chose to combine his love for plantains with a special day close to his heart – his birthday.

Coinciding the annual observance with his birthday was his way of honoring the fruit that has brought him so much joy and purpose, making it a doubly meaningful occasion for the Dodo Gang founder.

Celebrating World Plantain Day as Part of a Bunch

What started as a small celebration in Lagos has grown into a movement that transcends borders and brings together communities united by their love for plantains.

As the eighth annual celebration takes place, Eyiowuawi has chosen “Part of a Bunch” as this year’s theme.

“Plantains never grow alone and are always part of a bunch,” explains Eyiowuawi. “Even when you cut them, you’ll end up with a bunch of slices.”

Just as individual plantains are part of a larger bunch, people too are part of various communities that shape their identities and experiences. The theme serves as a metaphor for the sense of unity plantains foster among people of the African diaspora and beyond.

One of the most remarkable aspects of plantains is their versatility in cooking. From sweet to savory dishes, plantains can be prepared in numerous ways. Some popular plantain dishes from across the diaspora include:

• Dodo (Nigeria) : Ripe plantains fried in oil until crispy and golden brown.
• Kelewele (Ghana) : Spicy fried plantains seasoned with ginger, garlic and cayenne pepper.
• Tostones (Caribbean) : Twice-fried green plantain slices, crispy on the outside and soft on the inside.
• Mofongo (Puerto Rico) : Mashed green plantains with garlic, pork cracklings and broth.
• Alloco (Côte d’Ivoire) : Fried plantains served with chili pepper and onion sauce.
• Mangú (Dominican Republic) : Boiled and mashed green plantains, often served with sautéed onions and fried cheese.

“My favorite way to eat plantains is definitely fried,” says Eyiowuawi. “It’s the fastest way! Just slice them, drop them in oil and in three minutes they’re ready.”

As World Plantain Day continues to grow globally, Eyiowuawi encourages everyone to join the celebration. “Get a bunch of plantains, gather your loved ones and enjoy a meal together.”

Join the global celebration and honor the fruit nourishing generations. Fry up a batch of dodo, share a plantain-inspired meal with loved ones, or take a moment to appreciate the cultural significance of this cherished ingredient.

Follow the Eyiowuawi and the Dodo Gang on Instagram for World Plantain Day activities and plantain happenings throughout the year.

This story originally appeared in Cuisine Noir Magazine