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]
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]
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]
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]
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]
