Banana value addition: A business Opportunity for Rural Youth

Bananas are a major source of food and income for small farmers in East African Highlands and their ripe fruit is popular in many parts of the world. They can be made into a wide range of products for value addition and increased income. The ripe fruit can be used to make beer and wine in East Africa, puree which is important as infant food; while plantain flour can be mixed with wheat flour at a ratio of 1:1 for use in baking. The fibers can be processed into ropes, sacks, table mats, and handbags. The peels can be processed to make paper, while the pseudo stem has great value as organic matter and can be chopped and left in the field to improve soil fertility. Here below are recipes you can use to start a business. This is a great opportunity for you!

 

Banana milk shake

Requirements:

1 1/2 cup milk
2 sliced bananas. 

2 teaspoons honey
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

 

Procedure:

Combine all ingredients in an electric blender; blend until smooth then serve. The milk shake is ideal for serving in a hotel or at home.

Banana jam

Requirements

• 1kg (or 6 medium sized) peeled and sliced fruits
• 5tablespoons lemon juice
• 750g caster sugar
• 1/2cup water

Procedure

• Bring to boil bananas & lemon juice, simmer until soft stirring occasionally
•  Add sugar in small amounts stirring until dissolved
•  Bring to boil skimming any froth from top
• Cook rapidly on a high heat for 45 minutes to 1hour stirring occasionally until setting point is reached.
• To check readiness, Place 1 teaspoon of jam onto a cold plate, once cooled push with a finger; if jam wrinkles setting point has been reached.
•  Pour the jam into hot sterilized jars and seal
•  Cool the jam
•  Label and market

 Banana chips Requirements:

2 kg. Unripe Cavendish variety 
1 cups sugar
5 cups water
1Litre cooking oil for deep frying
2 teaspoon citric acid

Procedure:

Peel the bananas and slice thinly (about 1 mm).

Mix the citric acid in two cups of water, Soak bananas in the citric acid to prevent darkening, and drain.

Mix the sugar and hot water (ratio 1:3) until sugar is fully dissolved.

Mix the slices in sugar syrup for five minutes, and then dry in the sun for 2 days

Fry the sliced bananas in oil until golden brown. Lift from oil.Cool in a tray lined with grease absorbent   paper.

Pack in polyethylene bags ready for sale.