Desenvolvimento e avaliação da qualidade de biscoitos de flor de bananeira [Musa balbisiana Colla]: benéficos para mulheres na perimenopausa

Background: Musa Balbisiana Colla  (Plantain flower) comprising of significant nutrients likely vitamins, minerals and phytochemical substituents such as flavonoids. The nutrients present in the plantain flower possess numerous therapeutic beneficiaries. The phytoestrogens commonly known as flavonoids act against the deficiency of estrogen and aid in achieving the quality health status of women. Although there are surplus quantity of plantain flowers in India, it is not used by several people in the nation. Aim: The present research aims to develop and evaluate the nutritional composition and shelf life of Plantain Flower (Musa Balbisiana Colla) cookies. Methods: The plantain flower acquired from the farm has been processed as well as powdered. The cookies were prepared by utilizing plantain flower powder at the differential concentrations of 10%, 20%, and 30%. It is standardized by mixing with powdered sugar, jaggery, and butter. The sensory analysis of Plantain flower cookies was performed by 25 semi-trained panel members using a 9-point hedonic scale and the best-accepted product was nutritionally evaluated. Results: The plantain flower cookies with 20% variation proved to achieve excellent overall acceptability when compared to cookies with 10 and 30% variations. The high level of product acceptability has been achieved in 20% variation compared to 10% and 30% levels. The nutritional analysis of plantain flower cookies estimated the following nutrients per 100 g as energy: 373.99 kcal, carbohydrates: 66.53 g, Total fat: 7.95 g, protein: 9.07 g, dietary fiber: 9.69 g, sodium: 239 mg, potassium: 365 mg, calcium: 139 mg, magnesium: 131 mg, iron: 4.80 mg, total phenol content: 93.83 mg and flavonoids: 46.33 mg. Conclusion: The nutritionally enriched plantain flower possessing surplus health beneficiaries will be utilized by incorporating them in the diverse nutritional food preparations for perimenopausal women.