Developing indegenous weaning food based on banana flour

Abstract

A study was conducted to develop a weaning food based on banana flour which is nutritious, low cost and acceptable. The Banana flour was supplemented with horsegram, sesame and skim milk powder to improve the nutritive value. Based on the nutritive value and chemical score, six combinations of the weaning formulae were developed. Protein quality of the weaning formulae assessed through animal experimental revealed that the weaning food which contains banana flour, horsegram , sesame and skim milk powder in the ratio 3:2:3:2 gave significantly better values for all the criteria. The acceptability of the weaning formulae was assessed by the panel members, mothers and children. The results of the study indicate that the bland porridge prepared with the weaning formulae was acceptable. The bland porridge was deficient in calories, Vitamin A and iron. Other food ingredients were added to make up these deficiencies and two recipes were standardized. The recipes were also found to be acceptable for the panel members and children.