Banana nutritional content calcium
Pro Research Analysisby 
Searched over 200M research papers
Calcium Content in Banana Fruit: Nutritional Value and Variation
Bananas are recognized for their nutritional value, including their mineral content. The calcium content in banana fruit varies depending on the cultivar. For example, the Yangambi (KM-5) cultivar contains the highest calcium among several commercial varieties, with 168.90 mg of calcium per 100 grams of fruit. Other cultivars show lower but still significant calcium levels, highlighting the variation in mineral content across different types of bananas 23. Cooking bananas, such as the Mchare varieties from Tanzania, have calcium content ranging from 3.0 to 6.0 mg per 100 grams, which is lower than some dessert banana cultivars but still contributes to dietary calcium intake .
Calcium in Banana Peels: A Rich Source of Minerals
Banana peels, often discarded as waste, are actually rich in calcium and other minerals. Studies show that kepok banana peels contain about 2,568.7 mg of calcium per kilogram, while ambon banana peels have 2,095.3 mg per kilogram . Other research confirms that banana peels can contain around 59.10 mg of calcium per 100 grams, making them a potential source of calcium for nutritional supplements or animal feed . These findings suggest that banana peels could be utilized to enhance calcium intake, especially in food products or supplements 19.
Processed Banana Products and Calcium Content
Processed banana products, such as banana peel candy, also retain some calcium. For example, soft candy made from ambon banana peel contains about 15.94 mg of calcium per serving, though this amount is not enough to meet daily calcium requirements on its own . The calcium content in processed banana flower products can also be increased by adding ingredients like anchovies, which further boosts the nutritional value .
Impact of Ripening Methods on Calcium Levels
The method used to ripen bananas can affect their mineral content. Bananas ripened with calcium carbide show higher calcium levels compared to those ripened naturally, indicating that post-harvest handling can influence the nutritional profile of the fruit .
Conclusion
Bananas and their by-products, such as peels and flowers, are valuable sources of calcium, though the exact content varies by cultivar, processing, and ripening methods. While banana fruit provides a moderate amount of calcium, banana peels are particularly rich in this mineral and could be used to supplement diets or as animal feed. Utilizing banana peels and other by-products can also help reduce waste and support better nutrition.
Sources and full results
Most relevant research papers on this topic