Functional Properties and Postharvest Utilization of Commercial and Noncommercial Banana Cultivars

Banana (Musa spp.) is one of the world's most important crops cultivated in tropical and subtropical regions of the world. Banana is a major source of macro-elements, especially potassium, and contains health-beneficial ingredients such as resistant starch, total dietary fibers, rapidly digestible starch, and slowly digestible starch. Oligosaccharides (fructooligosaccharides and inulin) and polyphenols ((+)-catechin, (-)-epicatechin, (-)-epigallocatechin, and gallic acid) are other ingredients present in bananas that have found application in the prevention of muscular contractions, regulation of blood pressure, prevention of colon cancer and diabetes, and in the cure of intestinal disorders when unripe. This review identifies the different commercial and noncommercial banana cultivars and their utilization. Commercial cultivars include Williams (M. acuminata cv. Williams), Dwarf Cavendish (M. acuminata cv. Petite Nain), Chinese Cavendish (M. acuminata cv. Chinese Cavendish), Grand Nain (M. acuminata cv. Grand Nain), and Goldfinger (M. acuminata cv. Goldfinger), with Mabounde and Luvhele identified as noncommercial varieties. Banana postharvest utilization includes its use as functional foods, prebiotics, probiotics, nutraceuticals, and processing into value-added products.

Probiotics: Functionality and commercial status

Probiotics in the form of fermented milk products have been consumed for centuries. In this century various health benefits have been purported to result from consumption of foods containing live microorganisms, particularly lactic acid bacteria (LAB). Probiotics can provide relief for lactose intolerant individuals and reduce bouts of diarrhea. Evidence for other claims such as lowering serum cholesterol, suppressing cancer and stimulating the immune system remains to be clearly established by conducting well-controlled, statistically-valid clinical trials. Although the benefits to healthy individuals are uncertain, many consumers especially in Japan and Europe, perceive probiotic products to be healthful, and sales are robust.