Popoulu: A Promising Plantain Banana Could Strengthen the Banana Chips Industry in India

Abstract

Background: Nendran is the commercial variety of banana grown exclusively for preparation of chips but its yield potential is very low (10 to 12 kg/plant). Hence an attempt was made to identify suitable banana varieties for processing along with high yield. Methods: Six banana genotypes, viz., Popoulu and Nendran (Plantain type) and NRCB-8, Monthan, Bhoodibale and Kovvur Bontha (Cooking type) were evaluated for the parameters viz., bunch weight, finger weight, finger length, finger girth, pulp recovery and crop duration apart from processing utility. Result: ‘Popoulu’ was found to be superior for maximum pulp recovery (76.61%) along with higher chips recovery (40.45%). With respect to overall acceptability, chips processed from ‘Popoulu’ recorded higher scores (8.07) followed by Nendran (7.56). Popoulu was also found superior for finger weight, finger girth and attained maturity with lesser duration.