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ISSN 2063-5346
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PHYSICO CHEMICAL & SENSORY EVALUATION OF NUTRITIOUS BALLS PREPARED FROM BANANA PSEUDO STEM

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Dr. Meenakshi Garg, Aishwarya Rajendren, Prof. (Dr.) Vikas Singh, Dr. M.P. Sharma, Dr. Shallu Sachdeva, Mr. Durgesh Nandan
» doi: 10.53555/ecb/2023.12.7.366

Abstract

Bananas are widely cultivated all over the world and their year-round availability, affordability, varietal range, taste, and nutritive and medicinal value make them the favourite fruit among all classes of people. It was reported that after harvesting 88% by weight of the banana plant produced waste in the form of banana pseudo stem or trunk and leaf and this can lead to environmental problems in banana farming regions. Banana pseudo stem can contribute to enhancing the nutritional level in animal feed as well as for human consumption and it has been reported that banana pseudo stem contains fibrous components which are rich in cellulosic material or NSP, mineral content, dietary fibres, low molecular weight sugars and antioxidant components. Nutritious balls prepared from dried banana pseudo stem powder were physically, chemically, microbiologically and sensorial examined. The proximate analyses indicated that nutritious balls showed a high amount of ash content, carbohydrates, crude fiber, protein and a low amount of crude fat. This revealed that the nutritious balls were rich in all nutrients especially dietary fibre that helps in reducing cardiovascular diseases, obesity, colon cancer and diabetes. The powder had a shelf life of 60 days, with stable water activity and moisture content in aluminium pouches as compared to the other three packaging materials. It was determined that the product had a better yield rate, with a regular length and breadth of the balls. After the microbiological, test it was observed that the nutritious balls were within safe levels, and will not affect the health of consumers, provided the powder is stored in a cool and dry place.

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