Banana

Banana

Banana
Category:

Description

Specification for Cameroon Bananas

Product Name: Cameroon Bananas
Scientific Name: Musa spp.

Origin: Cameroon (Primarily the South-West Region, Central, and Littoral regions)

Physical & Chemical Characteristics:

  1. Variety:
    • Cavendish Bananas: The most commonly exported variety.
    • Plantain: A larger, starchier variety often used in cooking.
  2. Size:
    • Cavendish Bananas:
      • Length: 18 cm – 25 cm (7 – 10 inches).
      • Diameter: 39 mm – 46 mm.
    • Plantain:
      • Length: 20 cm – 30 cm (8 – 12 inches).
      • Diameter: 45 mm – 55 mm.
  3. Color:
    • Unripe: Green (for export to ripen during transport).
    • Ripe: Bright yellow with slight green at tips, or fully yellow depending on ripening stage.
  4. Weight per Bunch:
    • Cavendish Bananas: 15 kg – 30 kg (dependent on maturity and region).
    • Plantain: 20 kg – 35 kg.
  5. Pulp Characteristics:
    • Texture: Firm, smooth, creamy when ripe.
    • Color: Creamy white to pale yellow.
    • Taste: Sweet with a mild banana flavor for Cavendish; starchy and savory for plantains.
  6. Maturity Stage:
    • Stage 1: Green (harvested for export).
    • Stage 5-7: Yellow and fully ripe (ready for consumption).
  7. Defects:
    • Maximum 2% surface defects (blemishes, cuts, or bruises).
    • No deep cuts or open bruises allowed.
    • Free from pests, mold, and rot.
  8. Chemical Properties:
    • Moisture Content: 75% – 80%.
    • Sugar Content: 18-20% (in ripe bananas).

Nutritional Content (per 100g):

  • Calories: 89 kcal
  • Carbohydrates: 22.8 g
  • Sugars: 12 g
  • Dietary Fiber: 2.6 g
  • Protein: 1.1 g
  • Fat: 0.3 g
  • Potassium: 358 mg
  • Vitamin C: 8.7 mg

Packaging:

  • Typically packed in:
    • 15kg Cartons or Boxes: Common for Cavendish export.
    • Bulk packaging or wooden crates: For local or regional distribution.

Shipping & Storage:

  • Shipping Conditions: Bananas are shipped in temperature-controlled containers at around 13°C to prevent premature ripening during transit.
  • Storage: Store at 12-14°C in a cool, dry area, away from direct sunlight. Avoid freezing temperatures.

Shelf Life:

  • Unripe (Green): Up to 4 weeks under controlled storage.
  • Ripe (Yellow): 5-7 days at room temperature, or longer if refrigerated.

Grading:

  • Premium Grade: Large, uniform, defect-free bananas with good shape and color.
  • Class 1: Slight imperfections in color or shape but still suitable for export.
  • Class 2: Minor defects such as slight bruising or scarring, suitable for local or regional markets.

Harvesting Period:

  • Cavendish Bananas: Available year-round due to Cameroon’s tropical climate, with peaks in production from March to June and September to November.

Certifications:

  • Fair Trade or Organic Certifications available from some farms.

Applications:

  • Cavendish: Used for direct consumption as fresh fruit, smoothies, and desserts.
  • Plantain: Primarily used in cooking, popular in many African and Caribbean dishes (fried, boiled, or baked).

Cameroon bananas are known for their quality and are exported globally due to the ideal growing conditions provided by the country’s tropical climate. If you need more specific details, feel free to ask!

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