Scientific publications
François‐Xavier Etoa
Gérard Ngoh Newilah* (Corresponding author)
Other affiliations: Centre Africain de Recherches sur Bananiers et Plantains
Pascal Wambo
Annie Takam Ngouno
Solange Ulrich Manjia Ngoungoure
Cédric Kendine Vepowo
Other affiliations: Centre Africain de Recherches sur Bananiers et Plantains
Jonas Tembe Tembe
Nkouandou Mama
Eric Ngombi Ngombi
Dominique Dufour* (Corresponding author)
Other affiliations: Université de Montpellier · Institut Agro Montpellier · Institut Agro Montpelier · Institut de Recherche pour le Développement · UMR QualiSud
Journal of the Science of Food and Agriculture
BACKGROUND: Bananas and plantains are important food sources for many people in the world. Their high starch content places them among the highest energy providers. This study aimed to determine the effects of altitude on banana starch properties in Cameroon. A dessert banana, a cooking banana, a plantain cultivar, and a plantain-like hybrid were grown at low and high altitudes (respectively at 80 m and 1300 m above sea level). RESULTS: Starch analyses showed an increase in moisture and pH values against a drop in total titratable acidity and dry matter content with respect to altitude. Amylose content, as well as water absorption capacity, oil absorption capacity and syneresis of high-altitude plantain and plantain-like hybrid, were significantly higher. Starch digestibility was low and ranged between 13.4% and 37.9% after 2 h of incubation. High-altitude plantain starches contained more amylose and were more resistant to enzymatic hydrolysis. CONCLUSION: Starches from CARBAP K74 and Kelong mekintu, grown at high altitude, showed good water and oil absorption capacities, low digestibility, and high resistance. The adequate properties of these banana starches predispose them for use as thickeners and gelling agents as well as ingredients for the formulation of low-calorie foods. This study highlights the importance of altitude when discussing banana and plantain starch properties. © 2023 The Authors. Journal of The Science of Food and Agriculture published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Society of Chemical Industry.
