Green banana flour characterization

The objective of the present study was the physicochemical characterization and the microbiological control during the processing of the green banana flour (Musa spp.), Prata cultivar, aiming at the use of the flour in bread-making, dietary products and children's food. To obtain the flour, the fruits were cut, immersed in sodium meta-bisulfite, dehydrated, and ground. The following criteria were determined: humidity; ethereal extract; raw protein; raw fiber; ash; glicidic fraction; starch; caloric value; pH; total titratable acidity; vitamin Q macrominerals (K, P, Ca, Mg, S and N); microminerals (B, Cu, Mn, Zn and Fe); coliforms at 45 degrees C filamentous fungi and yeast; Bacillus cereus; Salmonella sp.; Staphylococcus aureus; and the quantitative counting of aerobic mesofile. The results indicated that the process for the production of banana flour is viable for Prata green banana due to its rich content of starch, protein, potassium, phosphorus, magnesium, zinc, copper, and high caloric value. The pH, the total titratable acidity and the vitamin C are compatible with the values found in other flours. The flour obtained using the process in this study presented ideal microbiological pattern and, therefore, is appropriate for the human consumption.