Banana’s: Reducing Waste & Creating Value
The waste of bananas, in Costa Rica and the surrounding countries, is a complex issue driven by market pressures for cosmetic perfection, harmful agricultural practices, and socio-economic inequalities. Freeze Drying is a practical solution to prevent waste, and create added value at the same time.
A major reason for banana waste is the stringent aesthetic standards imposed by international markets, particularly in North America and Europe. Consumers demand bananas that are visually perfect—uniform in size, bright yellow, and free from blemishes. Consequently, bananas that do not meet these cosmetic criteria, even if they are perfectly edible, are often discarded. Estimates suggest that as much as one-third of the bananas produced may be deemed unfit for sale due to these aesthetic requirements.
While freeze drying alone won't solve all the complex issues surrounding banana waste in Central America, it can be part of a multifaceted approach to reducing waste and creating more sustainable practices in the banana industry, by utilization of imperfect fruit: Bananas that don't meet cosmetic standards for fresh sale can be freeze-dried instead of discarded.
By transforming fresh bananas into a shelf-stable, lightweight product, freeze drying creates a value-added item that can fetch higher prices and reach different markets. Storage of freeze fried bananas is easy, with shelf life up to 25 years.
Implementing large-scale freeze drying operations requires significant investment in equipment and infrastructure. Weber Drying can help with financing your investment through the Dutch Trade Investment Fund – supported by the Dutch Government. And by helping you scaling up, starting with small production, and trading your equipment against larger systems when demand rises.
Freeze dried banana is perfect as snack, as ingredient in other products but can also be grinded into banana protein powder.
