Biomass and alcohol production potential of over-ripe plantains and their peels

Abstract

Procedures for alcohol and protein-rich biomass production from over-ripe plantains and their peels are described. Chemical analyses indicated a significantly (P < 0.05) higher content of moisture, crude fat and protein; as well as potassium, sodium, calcium, iron and magnesium in ripe plantains than in their peels. No significant difference (P > 0.05) was observed in the total sugars, reducing sugars and amylose contents of ripe and over-ripe plantains.

Alcohol yields of 14%, 12% and 8% were obtained from over-ripe plantains, over-ripe plantain/peels mix, and over-ripe plantain peels only respectively. Over-ripe plantain flour fermentation residue (OFR), mixed over-ripe plantain flour and peels fermentation residue (MPF) and over-ripe plantain peels fermentation residue (OPF) had protein contents of 36.6%, 32.8% and 28.9% respectively.

Keywords: Over-ripe plantains, peels, alcohol, biomass.