Utilization of Cooking-Type ‘Saba’ Banana in the Development of Ready-to-Drink Juice with Improved Quality and Nutritional Properties

The ‘Saba’ banana cultivar is one of the most abundantly grown fruit crops in the Philippines. However, large postharvest losses were posed due to the rapid deterioration and challenges in marketing. This study was conducted to develop a ready-to-drink (RTD) beverage using the cooking-type banana cultivar [Musa acuminata × balbisiana Colla (ABB Group) ‘Saba’]. The pulp was subjected to treatment with α-amylase and pectinase enzyme concentrations ranging from 0.25% to 1.00% to facilitate juice extraction. The effect of α-amylase and pectinase enzyme combinations on juice yield, color and clarity was determined. The highest juice yield (69.83%) and clarity (72.56% by transmittance at 660 nm) were achieved using 1.00% α-amylase: 1.00% pectinase and 0.5% α-amylase: 1.00% pectinase enzyme treatments, respectively. The juice treated with 0.5% α-amylase: 1.00% pectinase was used in the formulation of the RTD beverage. Physico-chemical and sensory properties of the product were analyzed. The developed RTD ‘Saba’ juice with acceptable sensory characteristics had 11.45 cP viscosity, 0.33% titratable acidity, 5.38% protein, 1660 ppm potassium, 40 ppm sodium and 460 ppm calcium. Results showed that the cooking-type banana cultivar ‘Saba’ can be utilized in the development of the RTD beverage with enhanced sensory and nutritional quality