ASSESSMENT OF PHYSICO-CHEMICAL AND MINERAL CONSTITUENTS OF BANANA GROWN IN DINAJPUR

Abstract

Banana a common fruit in Bangladesh which is available throughout the year and its consumption rate is also higher than that of any other fruits in Bangladesh. The study was conducted to determine the physico-chemical characteristics of selected varieties of banana such as amritsagar, sabri, and atia available in the Dinajpur district. Each value represents the average of three replications. The physicochemical properties studied included moisture, pH, titrable acidity, total sugar and total soluble solids with the value ranges of 70.87-79.98%, 5.85-6.25, 0.24-0.46%, 13.81-18.23% and 17.92-19.10 ºBrix respectively. The maximum moisture (79.98%) was found in Amritsagar having the highest value of pH (6.25). Alternatively, Atia kola had a higher value of total sugar (18.23%) and total soluble solids (19.10 ºBrix). Titrable acidity content was found in a lower amount to all. The chemical composition of different varieties of banana showed protein, fat, ash, fiber, β-carotene, and vitamin A with a value of 1.08-1.43%, 0.34- 1.04%, 0.28-0.44%, 1.04-2.28%, 0.017-0.025 mg/100g, and 0.029-0.041 mg/100g respectively. Amritsagar cultivar contained the highest amount of protein (1.43%) and ash (0.44%). Atia kola contains a higher amount of fat (1.04%) and fiber (2.28%) but had a lower protein content (1.08%). The β-carotene and vitamin A content were excellent in Atia kola. The mineral compositions were studied included calcium, magnesium, phosphorus, and potassium with the range of 12.02-19.77 mg/100g, 29.73-39.21 mg/100g, 19.52-37.00 mg/100g, and 227.30-278.20 mg/100g respectively. The calcium (19.77 mg/100g), magnesium (39.21 mg/100g), phosphorus (37.00 mg/100g), and potassium (278.20 mg/100g) contents were higher but the other compositions were found in average amount in Sabri kola. The overall assessment of the experiment, sabri kola contained a good source of all nutrients. As a conclusion, the tropical fruits could be possibly utilized in mitigating micronutrients difficency particularly for the rural people as a potent source of natural antioxidants.