Scientific name: Musa Sapientum flour
Banana flour is obtained by grinding dessert bananas that are still green, peeled, sorted, dried and ground. It is highly nutritious and gluten-free. It is used as a replacement for cereal flours or mixed with other flours. In Africa, it is grown intensively for export, to be eaten as fruit elsewhere. Locally, it is grown as a food crop, producing around 15 to 20 tonnes per hectare.
Nutritionally, its high starch and low carbohydrate content make it ideal for people on a strict or vegan diet. It is suitable for high-energy and nutritious diets, while being low in calories (238 calories/100g) and sugars. It is a good alternative to wheat flour because it helps to control blood sugar levels while providing sufficient energy.