Banana chips
Practical Action
Leave the pieces in the dryer until they are crispy and dry – the length of time taken will vary
according to the type of dryer used, the climate and the level of humidity. Do not dry too quickly
or the pieces may dry on the outside before the middles are fully dry.
Remember that the banana slices will discolour during drying. To maintain a good bright colour,
the drying process should be as short as possible.
Dried banana chips - process flow-chart
Green, under-ripe bananas
Peeling (as quickly as possible to avoid browning)
Soaking in citric acid or ascorbic acid solution
Slicing into 5-8mm thick slices, ensure uniform size pieces
Soaking in honey dip or syrup solution for 3-5 minutes
Drain
Drying for 8 hours at 60°C or 1-2 days in a solar dryer
Packaging
Storage – in a cool place away from direct sunlight. Up to 2 months
After drying, cool to room temperature and package in moisture-proof packaging. Label and store
in a cool place away from direct sunlight.
References and further reading
Drying of Foods Practical Action Technical Brief
Small-scale Drying Technologies Practical Action Technical Brief
Banana Beer Practical Action Technical Brief
Adding Value to Bananas Food Chain 21, July 1997, Practical Action
Traditional Foods: Processing for Profit by P. Fellows, Practical Action Publishing, 1997
Practical Action Bangladesh has produced a booklet on green banana chips production in Bangla.
This document was produced by Dr. S Azam Ali for Practical Action in March
2008. Dr. S Azam-Ali is a consultant in food processing and nutrition with over 15
years experience of working with small-scale processors in developing countries.
Practical Action
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Tel: +44 (0)1926 634400
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Website: http://practicalaction.org/practicalanswers/
Practical Action is a development charity with a difference. We know the simplest ideas can have the
most profound, life-changing effect on poor people across the world. For over 40 years, we have been
working closely with some of the world’s poorest people - using simple technology to fight poverty and
transform their lives for the better. We currently work in 15 countries in Africa, South Asia and Latin
America.
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