Banana flour is a nutritious and versatile natural food raw material, and a flour substitute. It can be used as baby food, nutritional supplements, and as an ingredient in baking, beverages, ice cream and other foods. So how is banana flour processed? What equipment is needed for plantain flour production?
The equipment required to produce banana flour can be divided into two categories:
1. Necessary equipment
- Washing machine: Used to remove dirt, impurities and pesticide residues on the surface of bananas to ensure that the raw materials are clean and hygienic.
- Slicer: Cut the peeled bananas into thin slices for subsequent drying.
- Hot air dryer: Removes moisture from banana slices and is a key equipment that affects the quality of banana flour.
- Crusher: Grinds the dried banana slices into fine powder, usually using a high-speed crusher.
- Sieving machine: Used to screen the crushed banana flour to ensure uniform powder and improve the quality of the finished product.
2. Optional equipment
- Blanching machine: Used for blanching before slicing, which can reduce oxidation reaction and improve the color and nutrient retention rate of banana flour.
- Pulper and spray drying equipment: If the product is “soluble banana flour” or products for instant beverages, the pulping + spray drying process can be used.
- Metal detector: Used to detect whether the product contains metal impurities, improve the food safety level, and meet export standards.
In addition to banana flour production equipment, the following issues need to be paid attention to during the production of banana flour:
- Raw material selection and maturity control: Bananas with moderate maturity (50% mature), no pests and diseases, and no mechanical damage should be selected. Overripeness will lead to excessive sugar content, blackening and deterioration.
- Drying process control: Too high drying temperature will cause the sugar in the banana to caramelize, darken the color, and deteriorate the flavor. Generally, hot air drying at 60-70°C is more suitable.
- Prevent oxidation and discoloration: Bananas are easily oxidized and browned due to contact with air after slicing. You can blanch them before slicing, or add an appropriate amount of antioxidants to delay discoloration.
- Powder uniformity and fineness: Different uses have different requirements for flour fineness, such as infant food requires higher fineness. Enterprises should choose appropriate crushing equipment according to product positioning.