Physicochemical, Nutritional, and Antinutritional Properties of Pretreated Pulp and Whole Fruit Flours From a Plantain‐Like Hybrid ( <i>CARBAP K74</i> ) and a Plantain Landrace ( <i>Batard</i> ) at Different Post‐Harvest Ripening Stages

Plantain flours offer a valuable preservation method with economic and nutritional benefits, especially for coeliac-friendly foods, but their quality may decline if production techniques are not well controlled. This study is one of the first to comprehensively compare pulp and whole-fruit flours across ripening stages, combining physicochemical, nutritional, and multivariate analyses. It specifically examines the effects of two heat treatments (blanching at 85°C for 5 min and precooking at 100°C for 15 min) on the quality of flours derived from the pulps and whole fruits of two plantain clones (<i>Batard</i> and <i>CARBAP K74</i>) at ripening stages 1, 3, and 5. Results revealed that variety, ripening stage, matrix, and treatment significantly influenced (<i>p</i> < 0.05) the quality of the flours. Treatments significantly affected the flour's color (<i>L</i>*, <i>a</i>*, <i>b</i>* parameters); blanching increased the browning index, whereas precooking decreased it. The flours exhibited acceptable moisture, pH, and soluble solids values, confirming good product stability. Carbohydrates were the predominant component (68%-85%), followed by fibers (1.9%-10.4%), proteins (2.5%-4.4%), ashes (1.7%-4%), and lipids (0.6%-2.1%). While the main fatty acids were palmitic, linoleic, and alpha-linolenic acids. Antinutritional factors such as phytates, oxalates, and tannins were present at low levels. Multivariate analyses (PCA and HCA) revealed a clear separation of samples according to maturity stage, variety, and thermal treatment, grouping them into two main classes and identifying six superior flours from precooked whole <i>CARBAP K74</i> clone. These findings highlight their potential at ripening stages 3 and 5 for use in functional foods and as sustainable alternatives to wheat-based products.