Banana Based Industries and Banana Processing

Banana is one of the most abundant food crops in agricultural countries (such as Philippines). It is one of the sources of income for farmers as banana can be processed into different forms of products which we shall discuss herewith. The farmers in these agricultural countries export banana and also manufacture different products which in turn lead to additional income for the farmers. 

The various products that can be manufactured from banana include: banana puree, banana flour, banana chips, banana wine, banana vinegar, dried banana blossoms, banana figs, banana sauce, banana powder, banana jam and others. Banana is actually an edible fruit and is botanically a berry that is produced by several kinds of large herbaceous flowering plants. When banana is used for cooking in some countries, they are called plantains. The banana fruits are known to grow in clusters hanging from the top of the tree or the plant. 

The banana industry is an important industry of the agro business. Most of the bananas that are produced go into international trade as well as for export business. These are grown into banana plantations in Central as well as South America. Let us have a look at few of the products manufactured by banana processing: 

1. BANANA POWDER: This is made from processed bananas. It is used in baby foods as well as milk shakes. It is also used in manufacturing cakes and biscuits. This hass a great potential for commercialization. It has low starch content and high sugar levels. 

2. BANANA WAFERS / CHIPS: These are dried slices of banana that are deep fried. They are covered with honey or sugar and are known to have a sweet taste. They can also be made salty by adding salt in it. There are many variants of banana chips available in the market (like some are covered with chocolate too). 

3. BANANA WINE: This is a kind of fruit wine which is made exclusively from bananas. It has cultural significance in East Africa. 

4. BANANA BEER: This is an alcoholic beverage which is manufactured through fermentation of bananas which are mashed absolutely well. 

5. BANANA PUREE: Bananas for puree production are harvested at maturity. They are washed well to remove the dirt and any kind of chemical residue that may be present in it. Puree is obtained by passing peeled bananas in machines. This puree is known to have an attractive color , fruity flavour as well a fine texture. 

6. BANANA JAM: When bananas with fine texture and sweet flavour are used, they can be processed into excellent jam. The processing is undertaken just like that of other jams. Specific proportion of banana puree, citric acid, sugar and pectin should be used in production of banana jam. 

7. BANANA SAUCE: This is a kind of ready to eat sauce which has a lot of flavour control. It is dull yellow-red in color and has a strong taste. 

8. BANANA DRINK: This is produced by processing of banana purees. The banana drink needs no dilution before consumption. 

Thus, through this review, we have successfully covered the main products manufactured via banana processing in the banana industry.