Carotenoid and riboflavin content of banana cultivars from Makira, Solomon Islands

• Published in: Journal of food composition and analysis 2010-09, Vol.23 (6), p.624-632
• Main Authors: Englberger, Lois, Lyons, Graham, Foley, Wendy, Daniells, Jeff, Aalbersberg, Bill, Dolodolotawake, Usaia, Watoto, Claudine, Iramu, Ellen, Taki, Belden, Wehi, Francis, Warito, Peter, Taylor, Mary
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Agrobiodiversity; Biodiversity of traditional food systems; Cultivar differences; Ethnographic approach to food analysis; Fe’i banana; Food composition; Horticulture and biodiversity; Indigenous foods; Musa (Fe’i group); Underutilized species; Vitamin A deficiency
• ISSN: 0889-1575; 1096-0481
• DOI: 10.1016/j.jfca.2010.03.002

The Solomon Islands face problems of vitamin A deficiency and infectious diseases, including malaria. It is essential to identify nutrient-rich indigenous foods for preventing and alleviating these diseases. Previous work in Micronesia identified yellow/orange-fleshed carotenoid-rich banana cultivars, in particular Fe’i cultivars (characterized by upright bunches), with potential to alleviate vitamin A deficiency. Although there is a great diversity of Solomon Islands bananas, little is documented about these cultivars and their nutrient content. Using an ethnographic approach, this study aimed to identify nutrient-rich cultivars and to collect information relating to production and consumption. Seven Fe’i cultivars (not previously analyzed) and three non-Fe’i cultivars were assessed for flesh color, fruit size and other attributes and analyzed for provitamin A carotenoids (β- and α-carotene), total carotenoids and riboflavin. Five Fe’i and two non-Fe’i cultivars were identified as carotenoid-rich. Of 10 cultivars analyzed the concentrations of β-carotene equivalents ranged from 45 to 7124 μg/100 g. Compared to cultivars with light-colored flesh, the yellow/orange-fleshed cultivars generally contained higher carotenoid concentrations. All Fe’i cultivars contained riboflavin, from 0.10 to 2.72 mg/100 g, some having substantial concentrations. The nutrient-rich cultivars, including Fe’i, should be promoted for their potential to contribute to vitamin A intake and overall health.