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Banana snack industry goes stale

Not so long ago, the Central Java town of Majenang was famous for being the home of sale pisang, a unique snack made with bananas, but recently the market changed and the local snack industry faded to a fraction of its former success. Majenang, one of 23 districts in Cilacap regency in the far west of the province - bordering with Banjar and Ciamis regencies in West Java - has about 30 small factories producing the snack. Before the 1998 economic crisis, there were around 100 such producers, leading Cilacap administration to come up with the idea of making the snack the icon of Majenang. But with the crisis, the plan hit snags and many cottage industries were forced out of business. More than a decade later, the situation has yet to improve. "Before the crisis I could sell 2 or 3 tons of fried banana sweets to Jakarta. But things are difficult now," Yayat, a 61-year-old sale pisang business owner, told The Jakarta Post in Majenang. Today, Yayat produces only about 200 kilograms of sale pisang a month, and 99 percent of this is sold in Majenang. The snacks are sold in 250-gram packages, each costing around Rp 25,000 (US$2). Another snack producer, Juremi, said that before the crisis she could send 2 tons of sale pisang to Jakarta, Bandung and Surabaya each month. "Now we only sell sale pisang for the local market," the 60-year-old said. Juremi said most of the snack producers were struggling to survive. "What's important is that business survives. If there are buyers in the city, that's enough. Sometimes we get an order from outside the city, but this is unreliable," she said. "Once, a distributor from outside the city wanted to place an order, but the price he offered was too low to cover our production costs. Rather than suffering losses, we preferred not to take it." Making sale pisang does not take long. Ripe bananas are cut into slices and dried in the sun. "If the sun is bright, the bananas will dry out in two days. But in a rainy season like this, it takes about four days," Juremi said. The dried bananas are then smeared with flour and deep-fried. After being drained, the banana chips are ready to be packaged and sold. The sale pisang business has supported many, including farmers and traders who sell raw bananas to cottage industries in Majenang, as well as banana snack makers such as Juremi and Yayat, and the vendors. Majenang district head, Heru Susedyo, said he was aware of the stagnant business situation. "Sale pisang was once so popular that the Cilacap administration planned to make it the icon of Majenang city, but the plan could not be realized because sales keep decreasing." http://www.thejakartapost.com/news/2009/03/06/

Thursday, 29 October 2009

Nutritional Profile Banana

Bananas are a very good source of vitamin B6 and a good source of vitamin C, potassium, dietary fiber, and manganese.

For an in-depth nutritional profile click here: Banana.

In-Depth Nutritional Profile
In addition to the nutrients highlighted in our ratings chart, an in-depth nutritional profile for Bananas is also available. This profile includes information on a full array of nutrients, including carbohydrates, sugar, soluble and insoluble fiber, sodium, vitamins, minerals, fatty acids, amino acids and more.

Introduction to Food Rating System Chart
In order to better help you identify foods that feature a high concentration of nutrients for the calories they contain, we created a Food Rating System. This system allows us to highlight the foods that are especially rich in particular nutrients. The following chart shows the nutrients for which this food is either an excellent, very good, or good source (below the chart you will find a table that explains these qualifications). If a nutrient is not listed in the chart, it does not necessarily mean that the food doesn't contain it. It simply means that the nutrient is not provided in a sufficient amount or concentration to meet our rating criteria. (To view this food's in-depth nutritional profile that includes values for dozens of nutrients - not just the ones rated as excellent, very good, or good - please use the link below the chart.) To read this chart accurately, you'll need to glance up in the top left corner where you will find the name of the food and the serving size we used to calculate the food's nutrient composition. This serving size will tell you how much of the food you need to eat to obtain the amount of nutrients found in the chart. Now, returning to the chart itself, you can look next to the nutrient name in order to find the nutrient amount it offers, the percent Daily Value (DV%) that this amount represents, the nutrient density that we calculated for this food and nutrient, and the rating we established in our rating system. For most of our nutrient ratings, we adopted the government standards for food labeling that are found in the U.S. Food and Drug Administration's "Reference Values for Nutrition Labeling." Read more background information and details of our rating system.

Banana
1.00 each
118.00 grams
108.56 calories
Nutrient Amount DV
(%) Nutrient
Density World's Healthiest
Foods Rating
vitamin B6 (pyridoxine) 0.68 mg 34.0 5.6 very good
vitamin C 10.74 mg 17.9 3.0 good
potassium 467.28 mg 13.4 2.2 good
dietary fiber 2.83 g 11.3 1.9 good
manganese 0.18 mg 9.0 1.5 good
World's Healthiest
Foods Rating Rule
excellent DV>=75% OR Density>=7.6 AND DV>=10%
very good DV>=50% OR Density>=3.4 AND DV>=5%
good DV>=25% OR Density>=1.5 AND DV>=2.5%

BANANA

Bananas are the fruit of a plant of the genus Musa (family Musaceae) , which are cultivated primarily for food, and secondarily for the production of fibers that are used, for example, in the textile industry. they are also cultivated for ornamental purposes.

The history of bananas is pretty exciting, since they are the result of a genetic mutation that evolved into a staple food of our society. In fact, bananas are probably the most widespread fruit crop in the whole world. For example, you will learn that the most widespread species - the "Cavendish" banana - was named after the Duke of Devonshire's family! Today they are known for their sweet taste, good nutritional properties (see bananas nutrition facts) with their high content in potassium and fibers (and vitamins such as B6, C and A ), and best of all their ease of use: just peel and eat!

It is important to note that the real banana tree is actually a fruit that must be cooked before eating, has a green, red or brown color and has seeds: it is today the staple food of many african populations and is different from the bananas we are used to eat. The original banana is a cultivar used as a food (cooked or ground to make banana flour) and a a source of fibre. Banana leaves are also used to transport food or as umbrellas (since they are large and waterproof)

The yellow bananas we eat today are a cross between the green and the red banana tree (species Musa acuminata or the hybrid Musa x paradisiaca), and this cross is sterile (hence the lack of seeds in the banana).

There have been numerous studies showing the health benefits of bananas, and this has proven this fruit to be very convenient, both for its ease of consumption (especially in a fast-paced work environment) and for its nutritional properties

We hope you will enjoy our website and will bookmark it for future reference!

Tuesday, 27 October 2009

Ecuador to set up banana export group

President Rafael Correa announces creation of state banana exporter to tackle tax avoidance and “abuses” of the system

The government of Ecuador has announced the creation of a state banana export company as a means of tackling what it described as “abuses” and tax avoidance in the sector.

Speaking at an official press conference, Ecuadorean president Rafael Correa told reporters that “many abuses” were being committed by banana exporters at the present time, with some “un-registered companies” avoiding paying export duties.

Mr Correa said the solution to these difficulties was the creation of a state banana export company, which could apply “clear regulations” for the sale and export of Ecuadorean bananas.

The president said the export company, which he revealed was already in the process of being set-up, would help to enforce the country's official price of US$5.40 (€3.60) per box of bananas.

Mr Correa said that “certain exporters” were using a variety of means to cheat the system and avoid paying taxes, while others “signed contacts during the low season, which they failed to meet, instead selling the fruit for more money during the high season”.

Wednesday, 1 April 2009

Thursday, 15 January 2009

Musa Acuminata Colla - The Banana

A banana as everyone knows, is a slender thick skinned edible fruit which varies in different sizes and colors. The word 'banan' is Arabic for finger. They are grown in Latin and South America, India, Costa Rica, Ecuador, Colombia, Honduras, Panama and Guatemala. India is by far the largest world producer of bananas, growing 16.5 million tonnes in 2002, followed by Brazil which produced 6.5 million tonnes of bananas in 2002. Over 96% of American households purchase bananas at least once each month. There are more than 500 varieties of banana in the world.

There are Bananas of different colors such as:

Green [good for strength and impotency especially in males],

Yellow [edible fruit bananas],

Red [rich in carotene],

Baby yellow bananas; also known as pisang susa [which are known for their sweetness] and are edible when they ripe completely as the starch in it is converted to sugars such as sucrose, fructose and glucose. Raw bananas [green and 20-30 cm long] are also used for cooking and are even fried. Children love to eat fried chips made out of Bananas. Banana flowers [Known as Bond in Vasai] are also used for cooking, especially in India. Also numerous desserts have been prepared using this fruit, which simply add to delicacies of all time. A smoothie made from bananas along with curd simply tastes fabulous. Besides that Rajles [wild form of Banana found in Vasai] is used by East Indian people as a coolant for insect bites and also in sweet dishes made from coconut milk and jaggery.

Banana plant has leaves of about 4 x 1 m which are used as biodegradable plates in south India, especially during wedding.

What are the medicinal uses of Bananas?

Bananas are a good source of vitamin C, potassium and dietary fiber. One banana has 76gm% of water, 10mg% of the vitamin C, 0.50gm% of the potassium, 20gm% of sugar and 1.2gm% of protein and 3gm%of the dietary fiber needed each day for good health. The vitamin C in bananas helps your body to heal and defend against infections. Vitamin C also is valuable in the absorption of iron, synthesis of connective tissue, and blood formation. High in iron, bananas can increase the production of hemoglobin in the blood and help in cases of anemia. Due to presence of fiber, bananas also ensure that the bowel functioning is normal and thus helps in clearing out constipation.

The good source of potassium from bananas is helpful for your body to maintain the fluid balance in blood and tissue cells as well as help in improving intellectual ability of an individual. Potassium is also an essential mineral for protein synthesis and the building of muscle because it stimulates nerve impulses for muscle contraction.

Research suggests that a diet high in potassium may reduce the risk of hypertension and stroke. Because bananas are sodium-free and very rich in potassium, they can be eaten as part of a diet to reduce the risk of high blood pressure. Bananas have no fat, cholesterol or sodium. According to research in 'The New England Journal of Medicine' eating bananas as part of a regular diet can cut the risk of death by strokes by as much as 40%.

They also contain a rich supply of vitamin B6, providing 20% of the Recommended Daily Allowance of B6. Vitamin B6 is significant in the synthesis of antibodies in the immune system. It also helps in protein metabolism, red blood cell formation and functioning of the central nervous system.B vitamins help in relieving stress of the nervous system as they send oxygen supply to the brain.

Bananas are great for athletic and fitness activity because they replenish necessary carbohydrates, glycogen and body fluids burned during exercise and gives much strength to an individual. Bananas contain more digestible carbohydrates than any other fruit. The advantage is that the body burns off calories from carbohydrates more quickly and easily than calories from protein or fat.

They are used against intestinal disorders and because of its soft texture and smoothness. It is one of the most important fruit that can be eaten in over-chronic ulcer cases as it is an antacid which neutralizes over-acidity and reduces irritation of the stomach. They are also used in patients suffering from heart-burns.

BRUNO LOPES is an MSc-2 student of T.N.Medical College and B.Y.L.Nair Charitable Hospital [MUMBAI UNIVERSITY] and likes to do research on Herbs and fruits and study their medicinal properties. He has graduated in Microbiology and Biochemistry[co-curricular honors in microbiology] from ST.XAVIERS COLLEGE, Mumbai [MUMBAI UNIVERSITY]. Currently he is researching on his dissertation topic, 'Role of Sodium potassium ATPase,Glucose and glycosylated hemoglobin in Diabetes mellitus' as a part of MSc-2.

His aim in life is to do something for betterment of mankind which he describes by a simple adage, which is,''Knowledge is education for oneself but wisdom for the sake of others'' His interests are Microbiology, Biochemistry, Oncology, Nutrition, Botany, Immunology, Virology and many more. He has a vast knowledege on scientific names of different plants and microbes ofcouse as he had graduated in Microbiology and Biochemistry.

Visit Ten Historical Places of Cambodia

The Kingdom of Cambodia belongs to the Southeast Asian nations. Cambodia relies solely on its textile and garment production and industry as well as tourism to sustain the needs of the country. As for tourism, everybody wants to go visit Cambodia's historical places, and here are some of them.

1.) Angkor Archaeological Park

This is the location of the world-famous Khmer civilization, a civilization so modern during its time that it still awes its present-day visitors. Here, you can visit the Temple of Angkor Wat and Angkor Thom as well as the Bayon Temple. The best way to view all that Angkor has to offer is to take one of their tours, since they are more comprehensive than by just touring it yourself.

2.) Bokor National Park

This national park is the site where an old and dilapidated French hill station is located. It is rich in history as a lot of Khmer lost their lives for the creation of this used-to-be magnificent building. But other than this, you can also see a myriad of floras and faunas in the national park.

3.) Kampong Cham

This is Cambodia's third biggest city and is also a popular tourist destination, although not as popular as Phnom Penh and Siem Reap. You can also see a lot of beautiful places here like the Nokor Wat as well as the Bamboo Bridge that connects Koh Paen to Mekong. This city is also rich in French influence.

4.) Kompong Luong

This floating town is a must-see if your destination is Cambodia. This is a floating village in Tonle Sap where you can experience Cambodian culture firsthand. It is a delight to any foreigner to see schools and houses and restaurants float over the lake of Tonle Sap.

5.) Phnom Penh

Recognized as the biggest city of Cambodia, it is also Cambodia's capital city. There is a lot you can do here like visiting the Sisowath Bay where you can enjoy its quasi-carnival ambiance. This is also where The Royal Palace is located as well as The National Museum.

6.) Banlung

Here in Banlung, you will definitely enjoy visiting Yeak Laom Volcanic Lake where you can take picnics as well as swim in the lake. Virachey National Park is also located here, or you can visit the Wat Rahtanharahm where you can find the famous reclining Buddha. There are also a lot of wonderful waterfalls that you can visit here like Cha Ong and Kan Chang.

7.) Battambang

These are the must-go-to places in Battambang. You have to visit Wat Banan or what they call small Angkor Wat, and you have to go to Wat Baydamram or the bat temple where you can see fruit bats live in hundreds. Wat Ek Phnom is also a must-see place in this area.

8.) Resort town of Kep

This is a favorite seaside destination in Cambodia. Here, get to enjoy the Cambodian sun as you dine in platforms and eat fresh seafoods, and this is a great place where you can just relax and enjoy the sun and the sea. Visiting the Rabbit Island is also a must as you will definitely enjoy its white sand beaches.

9.) Koh Kong

Koh Kong is more for the nature lover as you will definitely enjoy majestic views of mountains and waterfalls as well as jungles. You can also visit their local zoo and the casino here if you want a more modern touch. Boat tours are popular here as you visit its islands and mangroves.

10.) Siem Reap

It is another favorite tourist spot in Cambodia. What you can see here is the Landmine Museum, which is dedicated to teaching and educating both the locals and the visitors about the hazards of land mines. You can also find a floating village here called the Kampong Phluck.

Bananas and Their Many Uses

• In Eastern Africa you can buy banana beer. This beer is brewed from bananas.

• The word ‘banan’ is Arabic for finger.

• There are more than 500 varieties of banana in the world.

• If you rub a mosquito bite with the inside of a banana skin, it reduces swelling and irritation.

• According to “The New England Journal of Medicine” eating bananas as part of a regular diet can help reduce the risk of death by stroke by as much as 40%.

• Bananas can help sufferers of Seasonal Affective Disorder because they contain the natural mood enhancer, tryptophan.

• Many cultures see bananas as a “cooling” fruit that can lower emotional and physical temperature of expectant mothers. In Thailand, pregnant women eat bananas to ensure their babies are born with a cool temperature.

Nutrition:

Bananas are low in calories, fat, sodium, and soluble fiber, which is the type of fiber that can help lower cholesterol. Bananas also contain 452 milligrams of potassium, 33 milligrams of magnesium, and one-third of the recommended daily allowance of vitamin B6.

Banana Curried Chicken

INGREDIENTS:

• 2 onions-chopped

• 50 milliliters cooking oil

• ¼ cup cake flour

• 1 cup chicken stock

• 1 cup raisins

• 1 teaspoon salt

• 2 pounds cooked, boned chicken—(cooked with seasoning)

• 5 sliced bananas

• 2 grated apples

• 2 tablespoons grated lemon rind

• 1 tablespoon sugar

• 1 and ½ tablespoons curry powder

• 1 bay leaf

• 4 peppercorns

• 1 cup cream

Fry onions in oil until light brown. Add flour and mix well. Add chicken stock gradually while stirring. Add the rest of the ingredients, except cream, cover saucepan and simmer for 20 minutes. Remove bay leaf. Mix in cream just before serving. Serve on a bed of rice. Decorate with pineapples if preferred.

Banana Sunset

INGREDIENTS:

• 8 very ripe bananas

• 2 tablespoons rum

• 2 tablespoons honey

• ½ pound butter

• 3 ounces raisins

• 2 ounces cherries

• 4 eggs

• ½ cup sugar

• ½ pound flour

• ¾ pint milk

• ½ tablespoon lime juice

• 1 ounce mixed nuts

• ½ teaspoon vanilla

• ½ cup grated coconut

Cream bananas and sugar, add eggs beaten well. Add milk, vanilla, lime juice, and flour. Mix well. Add raisins, cherries, and nuts, blend slightly. Turn out mixture in 9 inch baking dish. Bake at 400 degrees Fahrenheit for 1 hour and 20 minutes. Allow to cool. Cover top with whipped cream and coconut. Decorate with six carambola slices.