Evaluation of the nutrient potential of banana peels and floral stems of selected varieties in Budondo, Jinja City as supplements

Abstract

This study was carried out to generate knowledge about the nutrient potential of banana peels and floral stems for four selected varieties grown in Budondo, Jinja city. The banana varieties included Ntiti, Malila, Sagasaga and Katetema. Crude fiber, Ash and starch nutrients were analyzed in the peels and floral stems of these varieties. Ewer’s polarimetric method was used to determine Starch concentration while Ash and Crude fiber concentrations were determined according to AOAC. The data obtained was entered in MS excel and then imported into STATA for analysis. The peels had crude fiber of mean concentration 3.94%, Ash of 9.79% and starch of 0.09%. The floral stems had crude fiber of mean concentration 8.89%, Ash of 28.68% and Starch of 0.13%. Malila peels had the highest mean concentration of crude fiber and Ash of 5.41% and 11.19% respectively. Katetema peels had the highest Starch mean concentration of 0.12%. Ntiti floral stems had the highest mean concentration of crude fiber (9.83%) and Ash (45.30%). Malila had the highest mean concentration of starch (0.18%). Therefore, the peels and floral stems of Malila, Katetema and Ntiti could be considered as a source of nutrients. Further investigations of all the nutrients and minerals within these parts should be considered.