Development of a High Value Nutritious Baking Flour from Dried Ripe Banana Peels

Background: During processing of banana, peels are discarded which are valuable source of potassium, dietary fiber with percentages up to 40-50% protein, 8-11% lipids, and 2.2- 10.9% fatty acids. Therefore a high value nutrition baking flour can be made using dried ripe banana peels and reduce disposal of the banana peel. Objective: This study was conducted to develop a high value nutritious baking flour from dried banana peels. Methods: Ripe banana peels were treated with steam blanching at 57 0C for 12 hours to prevent enzymetic discoloration. The peels were then cut into small pieces of 1cm in thickness for easier drying and placed on trays. They were then placed in a preheated dehydrator. The initial temperature set was a 62ºC for 12 hours. The temperature was reduced to 57 0C after 12 hours making it a total of 24 hours for drying banana peels completely. The dried banana peels were crushed into fine flour using sterile mortar and pestle. Banana peel flour obtained was incorporated in whole meal flour formulation at four different levels as 0, 10, 20, and 30 %.. Sensory evaluation was done by assessing the organoleptic properties on over all acceptability using a nine- point Hedonic scale. Proximate analysis in percentage was carried out on the following parameters; moisture content, carbohydrate, protein, lipid, Ash crude fibre, ntioxidant (Vitamin C) and total dietary fibre. Results: Whole meal cake with 20% banana peel flour was found to be the most accepted formulation. It had good physical characteristics. Proximate composition results of 20 % ripe banana peel flour were as follows: Moisture-17.2±0.05%, Crude protein- 5.5±0.01%, Crude fibre- 19.2±0.01%, Ash 8.8±0.02% and Carbohydrates- 14.6±0.01%., Lipids 1.5±0.01, Vitamin C91.30±0.01  and total dietary fibre 20.14±0.01 for 20% banana peels flour. Conclusion: Ripe banana peel flour has potentials to be added in to patent baking flour to make healthy food products.