Physicochemical and functional properties of selected banana varieties in the southern province, Sri Lanka

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.