Plantain Gastronomic Festival in Turrialba

• An opportunity for cooking enthusiasts and plantain lovers to showcase their creativity by preparing their own recipes.

From August 26 to 28, CATIE (Tropical Agricultural Research and Higher Education Center) will host the International Plantain Congress, an event that will bring together specialists from Latin America, the Caribbean, Africa, and Europe to share knowledge on genetics, sustainable production, agribusiness, public policy, and new marketing strategies for this strategic crop.

This groundbreaking congress in the region will feature keynote lectures, panels, hands-on workshops, a trade fair, and a special day dedicated to gastronomy: the Plantain Gastronomic Festival, taking place on August 27.

Open Invitation

The festival will be open to the community and offers a chance for cooking enthusiasts and plantain lovers to showcase their creativity by preparing their own recipes.

Participation is free and very simple: interested individuals only need to bring their recipe and the necessary ingredients. CATIE will provide the space, kitchens, utensils, basic supplies, and condiments. The only requirement is to present the dish to the attending audience.

The goal is to celebrate the connection between plantain and our culinary culture. We want Turrialba to have a strong presence at this international congress—through flavor, creativity, and community involvement.

The event will feature the participation of renowned Dominican chef Alberto Morel, who will serve on the tasting jury.

A Superfood

Plantain is a superfood with high nutritional value and a key role in the food security of millions across Latin America and the Caribbean. Rich in potassium, fiber, antioxidants, and vitamins B6 and C, plantain supports the nervous system, regulates blood pressure, and provides natural energy—making it ideal for all ages and lifestyles.

It is also an incredibly versatile ingredient in the kitchen: it can be eaten green or ripe, fried, boiled, baked, in desserts or processed snacks. This wide range of uses makes it a source of agro-industrial innovation and a high-potential commercial product for small and medium-scale producers. From farm to table, plantain is a symbol of nutrition, identity, and sustainable development in our region.

Want to participate?

To sign up as a cook for the festival, email:
congresoplatano@catie.ac.cr

To find out all the details about the congress, including the full agenda and registration options (in-person or virtual):
https://congresoplatano.catie.ac.cr

The flavor of plantain brings us together!
We look forward to seeing you at the CATIE Campus in Turrialba.