Proximate composition of Musa balbisiana cv. Bhimkal pseudostem, an indigenous banana cultivar of Assam

Banana pseudostem, which is often discarded as agricultural waste, possesses significant potential as a sustainable food resource. The tender central core is a nutrient-rich ingredient of traditional Assamese cuisine, popularly known as ‘Kol Posola’. It is prepared by cooking young and tender, banana pseudostem particularly of Musa balbisiana cv. Bhimkal, a highly seeded indigenous banana cultivar of Assam. Based on this concept, the present investigation was carried out in the Food Analysis and Experimental Laboratory, Department of Horticulture, College of Agriculture, Assam Agricultural University. Pseudostems of Musa balbisiana cv. Bhimkal were harvested at 120 days after planting and the proximate composition was analyzed to explore its nutritional and industrial potential. The results showed a high moisture content of 95.62%, with a neutral pH of 7.11 and a low titratable acidity of 0.04%. The carbohydrate content was found to be 52.44%, indicating a significant energy source, while crude fiber was 27.28%, making the pseudostem a valuable material for fibre-rich applications such as fibre rich food supplements and bio-industrial products. Crude protein content was measured at 3.26%, and ash content was 8.36%, suggesting it a good source of minerals. The pseudostem also contained 1.35° Brix of total soluble solids and 7.74 mg of vitamin C per 100 g, indicating modest antioxidant potential. However, the crude fat content of 0.87% in pseudostem reflects that it is a potential low-fat dietary component. These findings highlight, the pseudostem as a promising by-product with potential applications in fibre production, biofuel, and as a supplementary source of carbohydrates and minerals. Further studies are needed to explore the bioactive compounds, potential industrial and nutritional applications of this underutilized agricultural by-product.