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Banana powder is a powder made from processed bananas. It is used as a component for production of milk shakes and baby foods.^[1]^[2] It is also used in the manufacture of various types of cakes and biscuits.^[3]

Manufacture

Banana powder is formed by using banana pulp, which is mechanically chopped and then processed with hydraulic shear using a colloid mill, turning it into a paste. Sodium metabisulfite is then used to brighten the yellow color of the paste. The paste is then dried by either spray- or drum-drying, although the latter is more common, because none of the paste is lost while drying. Drum-drying also produces about 2% more powder and dries it more thoroughly.^[3]^[4] Regardless of the drying process, banana powder can generally only stay fresh on the shelf for about a year.^[5]

History

The use of banana powder in baby formula has been widespread since the very early 1900s as a method of keeping babies healthy.^[6] In 1916 it was also considered to be one of the "important industries of the West Indies" during this period, along with dried banana "figs".^[7]

The United Fruit Company began to produce a product named Melzo during the 1930s, in which banana powder was the main ingredient. Because of the useful properties of banana powder, Melzo was marketed as a "health food for children and old folks, as a corrective for certain indigestions, and as a revitalizer for all who are sluggish mentally or physically".^[2]

Usage

General uses

Banana powder has been found to be a "major source of carbohydrate and calories". While it is generally low as a source of protein, the beneficial ingredients of the powder are still "markedly superior to that of other fruits".^[8] The powder has also been found to be useful as a general treatment for dyspepsia (indigestion).^[9]

Scientific uses

In 1984, scientists from India were able to extract part of the "antiulcer compounds" found in banana powder, which ended up creating a type of powder that was "300 times more active" in preventing ulcers in the stomach.^[10] Banana powder was later found to increase cell growth, which allowed more rapid healing of the area where ulcers had previously occurred.^[11]