

Innovation Owner
ผศ. สุเมธี ส่งเสมอ
Advisor
Details
This study aims to optimize banana blossom powder production for functional snacks by refining pretreatment and drying techniques to improve texture, color, and flavor, thereby adding value to agricultural waste and supporting commercial development.
Thailand produces over 1.2 million tons of bananas annually, generating substantial agricultural waste — particularly banana blossoms, which are highly nutritious, rich in dietary fiber and antioxidants, yet are commonly discarded. This study aimed to develop a "fiber-enriched baked snack using banana blossom powder" to add value to this underutilized raw material and meet the growing demand of health-conscious consumers. The prototype product received second runner-up recognition at the Conovative Award 2024. However, limitations were identified in terms of coarse texture, dark coloration, and residual astringency. This research therefore focuses on optimizing the pretreatment process through safe physical and chemical methods, alongside a comparative evaluation of drying techniques — including hot-air drying, freeze drying, and microwave drying — to maximize the retention of nutritional value and bioactive compounds. The findings are expected to enhance the applicability of banana blossom powder in health food products, particularly snacks requiring refined physical and sensory qualities, and to support further commercial development.

Objective
The objectives are to optimize banana blossom powder production to improve quality, analyze its nutritional and functional properties, and apply it to healthy snack products.
- To study appropriate methods for producing banana blossom powder, focusing on improving texture, reducing astringency and browning, and maximizing the retention of health-promoting bioactive compounds.
- To analyze the nutritional value, bioactive compound content, and functional properties of the banana blossom powder obtained from each process.
- To apply banana blossom powder in healthy snack products and evaluate the quality of the developed products.


