Banana powder

Manufacture

Banana powder is formed by using banana pulp, which is mechanically chopped and then processed with hydraulic shear using a colloid mill, turning it into a paste. Sodium metabisulfite is then used to brighten the yellow color of the paste. The paste is then dried by either spray- or drum-drying, although the latter is more common, because none of the paste is lost while drying. Drum-drying also produces about 2% more powder and dries it more thoroughly. Regardless of the drying process, banana powder can generally only stay fresh on the shelf for about a year.

History

The use of banana powder in baby formula has been widespread since the very early 1900s as a method of keeping babies healthy. In 1916 it was also considered to be one of the "important industries of the West Indies" during this period, along with dried banana "figs".

The United Fruit Company began to produce a product named Melzo during the 1930s, in which banana powder was the main ingredient. Because of the useful properties of banana powder, Melzo was marketed as a "health food for children and old folks, as a corrective for certain indigestions, and as a revitalizer for all who are sluggish mentally or physically".

Usage

General uses

Banana powder has been found to be a "major source of carbohydrate and calories". While it is generally low as a source of protein, the beneficial ingredients of the powder are still "markedly superior to that of other fruits". The powder has also been found to be useful as a general treatment for dyspepsia (indigestion).

Scientific uses

In 1984, scientists from India were able to extract part of the "antiulcer compounds" found in banana powder, which ended up creating a type of powder that was "300 times more active" in preventing ulcers in the stomach. Banana powder was later found to increase cell growth, which allowed more rapid healing of the area where ulcers had previously occurred.

References

References

1. "The Hindu Business Line : BARC develops tech to make biscuits, baby food from banana". The Hindu.
2. Scofield Wilson, David. (1999). "Rooted in America: foodlore of popular fruits and vegetables". Univ. of Tennessee Press.
3. H. Hui, Yiu. (2007). "Handbook of Food Products Manufacturing: Principles, Bakery, Beverages, Cereals, Cheese, Confectionary, Fats, Fruits, and Functional Foods". Wiley-Interscience.
4. Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations. (1989). "Utilization of Tropical Foods: Trees". Food & Agriculture Org..
5. Association of Food Technologists. (2007). "Packaging and storage studies on spray dried ripe banana powder under ambient conditions". [[Journal of Food Science]].
6. (1900). "Pamphlets on Biology: Kofoid collection, Volume 147".
7. United States. Bureau of Manufactures. (1916). "Commerce reports, Volume 4". Bureau of Foreign and Domestic Commerce, United States Dept. of Commerce..
8. Sri Avinashilingam Home Science College. (1976). "The Indian journal of nutrition and dietetics, Volume 13". Sri Avinashilingam Home Science College for Women.
9. Al-Achi, Antoine. (2008). "An introduction to botanical medicines: history, science, uses, and dangers". ABC-CLIO.
10. (6 September 1984). "Rats with ulcers go bananas". [[New Scientist]].
11. (March 2019). "Anti-ulcerogenic effect of banana powder (Musa sapientum var. paradisiaca) and its effect on mucosal resistance". [[Journal of Ethnopharmacology]].