ABSTRACT
Bananas and plantains are staple food crops grown in over 130 countries in the tropics and subtropics. They are considered to be one of the most important sources of energy in the diet of millions of people in Africa, the Caribbean, Latin America, Asia, and the Pacific. The production of banana and plantain chips is a widespread activity in many banana-growing countries. Chips are the most popular snack in many fast food outlets in Bangladesh and are the most popular plantain product in Nigeria. Banana chips could play an important role in intervention programs to combat micronutrient deficiencies by virtue of their iron, zinc, and total carotenoid content. Banana puree is obtained by pulping peeled, ripe bananas and then preserving the pulp by one of three methods: aseptic canning, acidification followed by normal canning, or quick-freezing. Moisture content is an important quality attribute that directly influences the storability of fruits and vegetables.
