Physical and biochemical properties of green banana flour

Plant Foods Hum Nutr. 1993 Jan;43(1):19-27. doi: 10.1007/BF01088092.

Abstract

Banana flour prepared from two cooking banana varieties, namely 'Alukehel' and 'Monthan', were evaluated for their physical and biochemical characteristics. The yields of flour averaged 31.3% for 'Alukehel' and 25.5% for 'Monthan'. The pH of the flour ranged from 5.4 to 5.7. The bulk density and particle size distribution were also measured. The average chemical composition (% dry matter) of the flours were as follows: crude protein, 3.2; crude fat, 1.3; ash, 3.7; neutral detergent fiber, 8.9; acid detergent fiber, 3.8; cellulose, 3.1; lignin, 1.0 and hemicellulose, 5.0. Carbohydrate composition indicated the flour to contain 2.8% soluble sugars, 70.0% starch and 12.0% non-starch polysaccharides. Potassium is the predominant mineral in banana flour. Fresh green banana is a good source of vitamin C, but almost 65% is lost during the preparation of flour. Oxalate content (1.1-1.6%) of banana flour is probably nutritionally insignificant. The overall results are suggestive of the potential of green bananas as a source of flour.

MeSH terms

  • Ascorbic Acid / analysis
  • Carbohydrates / analysis
  • Dietary Fiber / analysis
  • Fats / analysis
  • Food Handling
  • Fruit / chemistry*
  • Hydrogen-Ion Concentration
  • Minerals / analysis
  • Oxalates / analysis
  • Plant Proteins / analysis

Substances

  • Carbohydrates
  • Dietary Fiber
  • Fats
  • Minerals
  • Oxalates
  • Plant Proteins
  • Ascorbic Acid