Influences of Hot-Air Drying on the Functional Properties of Green Banana Pulp Flour and Its Application in Sponge Cake

Authors

Corressponding author's email:

khachantuyen@hcmuaf.edu.vn

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.54644/jte.2025.2020

Keywords:

Green banana pulp flour, Hot-air drying, Dietary fiber, Functional property, Sponge cake

Abstract

Large volumes of by-products generated during food processing are often discarded despite being rich in valuable components such as dietary fiber, antioxidants, and natural functional compounds. In banana starch production, green banana pulp (GBP) represents a fiber-rich residue that can be valorized as a functional flour in bakery applications. This study examined the effects of drying temperatures (50 °C, 60 °C, and 70 °C) and material loads (1.61 kg/m², 2.42 kg/m², and 3.23 kg/m²) on the physicochemical properties of GBP flour and evaluated its partial substitution for wheat flour (10 %, 20 %, and 30 %) in sponge cakes. Drying at 60 °C and 2.42 kg/m² yielded flour with desirable whiteness, the lowest browning index, and maximum soluble sugar retention, while maintaining stable crude fiber content. Incorporating GBP flour increased batter viscosity and crumb firmness but enhanced the dietary fiber content of cakes. The 10% substitution level achieved the most favorable balance between structure, sensory acceptability, and nutritional improvement. Overall, GBP flour is demonstrated as a sustainable, fiber-enriching ingredient that enhances the nutritional profile of sponge cakes while promoting the value-added utilization of agro-industrial by-products and supporting waste reduction in food processing.

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Author Biographies

Thao Thi Thanh Nguyen, Nong Lam University, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam

Thao Thi Thanh Nguyen received her degree of Engineer in Agricultural and Food Products Processing from Nong Lam University - Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, in 2013 and her degree of Master in Food Technology, from Nong Lam University - Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, in 2017. She is working as a Product Development Pilot Plant manager and a lecturer of Faculty of Chemical Engineering and Food Technology, Nong Lam university - Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam. Her main research focuses on the extraction and analysis of plant-derived bioactive compounds such as grape pomace, Gac fruit, noni fruit, and lemon; developing products from different raw materials.

Email: ngtthanhthao@hcmuaf.edu.vn. ORCID:  https://orcid.org/0009-0005-7328-5435

Trang Pham Huyen Tran, Nong Lam University, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam

Trang Pham Huyen Tran received a Master's degree in Food Technology in 2025 and has worked as a professor's assistant at Nong Lam University for over five years. Her primary research focuses on the functionality of starches, with a special interest in the health benefits of resistant starch (of breadfruit starch). Her work also explores the practical application of hydrocolloids and the development of novel synbiotic food systems aimed at promoting gut health.

Email: tranphtrang1410@gmail.com. ORCID:  https://orcid.org/0009-0006-4312-534X

Trang Thi Ngoc Vo, Nong Lam University, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam

Trang Thi Ngoc Vo graduated with a Bachelor’s degree in Food Technology from Nong Lam University, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam in 2024. She is currently working at Nam Phuong V.N. Company Limited. Her graduation thesis focused on the application of green banana pulp powder as a partial substitute for wheat flour in sponge cake production, aiming to increase fiber content.

Email: vothi.ngoctrang94@gmail.com. ORCID:  https://orcid.org/0009-0003-5546-2317

An Tran Hoai Le, Nong Lam University, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam

An Tran Hoai Le received her degree of Engineering in Food Technology from International University – Vietnam National University Ho Chi Minh City in 2020 and her degree of Master in Food Technology from International University – Vietnam National University Ho Chi Minh City in 2023. She is working as a lecturer of Faculty of Chemical Engineering and Food Technology, Nong Lam university - Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam. She mainly conducts research on the extraction and characterization of plant-derived bioactive compounds, with an emphasis on their application in food products.

Email: an.letranhoai@hcmuaf.edu.vn. ORCID:  https://orcid.org/0009-0000-3159-0312

Tuyen Chan Kha, Nong Lam University, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam

Tuyen Chan Kha received his degrees of Master by Research and PhD in Food Science from the University of Newcastle, Australia. Associate Professor Tuyen Kha is currently the Dean of the Faculty of Chemical Engineering and Food Technology, Nong Lam University - Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam. Kha’s research interest focuses on extraction and encapsulation of bioactive compounds. He is currently consulting for several food companies in Vietnam and is active in national and international collaborations on food research. Associate Professor Kha received many awards including the SERS (Scientific and Educational Research Society) Excellence Research Award - 2018 for outstanding contribution in the field of Food Technology by Scientific and Educational Research Society. Meerut. U.P. India. Since 2017. he has been appointed as a coordinator of Better Process Control School in collaboration with FDA and CBA (United States).

Email: khachantuyen@hcmuaf.edu.vn. ORCID:  https://orcid.org/0000-0003-0632-7197

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Published

28-11-2025

How to Cite

[1]
T. T. T. Nguyen, T. P. H. Tran, T. T. N. Vo, A. T. H. Le, and T. C. Kha, “Influences of Hot-Air Drying on the Functional Properties of Green Banana Pulp Flour and Its Application in Sponge Cake”, JTE, vol. 20, no. 04, pp. 108–119, Nov. 2025.

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