Ingredient guide · Green bananas
Grating Green Bananas
Green bananas are the backbone of traditional pasteles masa. They are firm and starchy, which is why they hold up to grating, and why peeling them is the part that takes practice.
What to know before you start
Unlike ripe bananas, green bananas hold their shape under the blade, so they come out as a true grated masa instead of a purée. Their sap can stain hands and counters, so many cooks oil their hands or wear gloves while peeling. Peeled bananas darken in the air; many families keep them in salted water until they are ready to grate.
How to prepare and grate
Peel
Cut off both tips, score the peel lengthwise along the ridges and pry it away in strips.
Square the ends
Use large pieces that fit the hopper and cut the ends cleanly so each piece feeds smoothly. Avoid lots of small pieces.
Use the regular blade
For pasteles masa, use the Regular Grating Blade that comes with the grater.
Start empty, feed steadily
Turn the grater on with an empty hopper, then feed the bananas steadily. Switch it off when you pause.
Stack and Push
As one piece gets low, place the next on top and apply steady pressure with the pusher.
Grate separately, then combine
Grate green bananas, yautía, yuca and calabaza separately, then combine them according to your recipe.
Which blade to use
The Regular Grating Blade, included with every Grandma Ann's Electric Grater, is the blade for pasteles and alcapurrias masa. It keeps the grated texture traditional masa needs.
Stack and Push
As one piece gets low, place the next piece on top and press steadily with the pusher. A small final remnant is normal: the pusher stops above the drum. Never reach toward the drum with fingers or utensils.
Stack & Push guide: Step 1 — Tap to enlarge · Step 2 — Tap to enlarge
What to make
- Puerto Rican pasteles
- Pasteles prep guide
- Hand grater vs. blender vs. food processor vs. electric grater
Green bananas are also used for alcapurrias, which use the same grated masa approach.
Questions
Which blade should I use for green bananas?
Use the Regular Grating Blade that comes with the grater. It is the blade Grandma Ann's recommends for pasteles and alcapurrias masa.
Do I need to cut the bananas into small pieces?
No. Peel them, square the ends and use large pieces that fit the hopper. Lots of small pieces feed less smoothly.
Why is a small piece left at the end?
A small final remnant is normal: the pusher stops above the drum. Use Stack and Push to keep feeding, and never reach toward the drum with fingers or utensils.
Can I grate green bananas and yautía together?
Grate each ingredient separately, then combine them according to your recipe.