Abstract:
Bananas (Musa spp.) are one of the commonly grown fruit crops in Sri Lanka,
and 29 different varieties grown in the country. However, detailed studies on
comparison of their physic-chemical and functional properties are limited, and
in the current study was conducted to compare physicochemical and functional
properties of four different banana varieties (Seeni, Ambul, Kolikuttu and
Embon) commonly grown in the Southern Province of Sri Lanka. Bananas
from sixth stage of ripening level were randomly taken from two different
hands of the same bunch, and their physical, chemical and functional
properties were measured in triplicates. Statistical significance of the obtained
data was tested using Turkeys post-hoc multiple comparison test. Amongst all
the tested varieties, the significantly (P<0.05) highest weight (111.1±11.7 g),
inner length (16.3±0.14 cm), outer length (20.8±0.5 cm), top (12.5±0.7 cm),
mid (15±00 cm) and bottom (11.25±0.07 cm) girth was recorded in variety
Embon, while the variety Seeni showed significantly highest pulp firmness.
The variety Ambul had showed the highest total soluble solids (16.5±0.84) and
fiber (2.33±0.46%) content, while the highest sugar content (11.70±0.02 g/100
g) was recorded by the variety kolikuttu. The highest titratable acidity (0.4±00
g/100 mL) and vitamin C content (19.5±3.1 mg/100 g) were observed in both
Kolikuttu and Seeni. Considering the functional properties, the variety
kolikuttu recorded the highest phenolic content (55.1±0.6 mg/100 g) and total
antioxidant content (94.8±4.24%). The study findings show that the tested
banana varieties are a rich source of nutrients and the physicochemical and
functional properties differ from each other.
