21-04-2014, 12:20 PM
BY – PRODUCTS UTILIZATION FROM BANANA
Introduction
Banana is a fast growing and high biomass-yielding plant. India is the largest producer of banana next to mango.
The major banana producing states are
Each individual fruit (known as a banana or 'finger') has a protective outer layer (a peel or skin) with a fleshy, edible inner portion.
Both skin and inner part can be eaten raw or cooked.
Ingredients needed
Banana (tender) stem slices- 500g, Sugar- 1500g, Citric acid- 3g
Potassium meta bi sulphite- 0.5g.
Method
Tender fresh banana stem is sliced (4mm thick) and soaked in 0.25 per cent citric acid solution to prevent browning (1:2 ratio).
The slices are softened by pressure cooking for 20 minutes and again soaked in solution containing 0.25 per cent citric acid and 1.0 per cent calcium chloride for 30 minutes for firming (1:2 ratio).
Paper industry:
In this modern age, the consumption of paper and boards has increased tremendously. Conventionally, paper is manufactured from cellulosic materials like bamboo, hardwood, cotton rags, etc.
Agricultural residues of non-woody nature like cotton stalks, wheat straw, rice straw, sorghum stalks, hemp, jute, etc., are possible raw materials which could be used for paper and board making
However, all these require to be digested at high temperature and pressure, employing energy consumptive and costly processes.
Thus the search for other raw materials and cost effective processes continues.
Agro waste utilization
Banana peels and beet waste are readily available agricultural waste, yet they seem to be under utilized as potential growth medium for local yeast strain, despite their rich carbohydrate content and other basic nutrients that can support yeast growth.
The indigenous yeast with good fermentation attributes, which may enhance ethanol yield and minimize cost of production, could be obtained from ripe banana peels.
Let Us Sum Up
There is a good market demand of all banana products. There is an ample of new local market growing in India. Most of the banana product manufacturers are in the small scale sector.
The government of India has set up a separate full-fledged ministry named “Ministry of Food Processing Industries “for the development and promotion of food processing industries.
Tender banana stem is generally used as a vegetable and has high medicinal values. Sweet candy is prepared from tender banana pseudostem.
This fiber is then used for making various products in attractive designs of various sizes. Coasters, Table Mats, Bags, Runners, Floor Mats and Home Furnishings. Large quantities of rejected bananas are often available for animal feed, especially in banana exporting countries.