The objective of this work was to characterize banana and plantain genotypes and to identify the most promising for flour production. Sixteen plantain genotypes and four banana cultivars were evaluated for dry matter content and flour yield. The obtained flours were characterized by color (L*, C*, and h*) and by moisture, total and resistant starch, ash, protein, lipid, and fiber contents. A low genetic variability was observed among plantains for the evaluated physicochemical and nutritional characteristics. The Chifre de Vaca, Comprida, Terra Ponta Aparada, Trois Vert, Terrinha, and Terra Maranhão plantains showed the highest dry matter contents and flour yield. The Chifre de Vaca, Comprida, Curare Enano, Mongolo, Trois Vert, and Terra Maranhão plantains and the 'Pacovan', 'Prata Anã', 'BRS Platina', and 'BRS SCS Belluna' bananas had resistant starch levels above 60%. The flour from 'BRS SCS Belluna' presented the highest contents of ash, protein, and fiber, as well as the lowest caloric value. Considering dry matter content, flour yields, and resistant starch, the Chifre de Vaca, Comprida, Trois Vert, and Terra Maranhão plantains are the best options to produce flour. From a nutritional point of view, 'BRS SCS Belluna' is a good option for producing flour rich in resistant starch, mineral, protein, and fiber contents.

The objective of this work was to develop a sliced bread product with green banana flour in order to obtain high resistant starch content and good acceptance. Four bread formulations were studied, at concentrations of 0% (control), 15%, 20% and 25% green banana flour (Terra Maranhão variety). The green banana flour (GBF) was characterized as to color (L * coordinate and C * and h * parameters), and flour and bread were characterized with respect to chemical composition and total and resistant starch contents. Sensory acceptance of breads was investigated for the attributes color, flavor, aroma, texture, overall acceptance and purchase intention. The GBF presented light yellow color, with values of L * = 81.32, C * = 18.37 and h * = 89.51. The values (d. b.) for the other characteristics were: yield, 25.17%; moisture, 6.69%; ash, 1.60%; protein, 2.66%; lipids, 0.61%; total starch, 67.49%; and resistant starch, 56.29%. There was no significant difference (p > 0.05) between the breads containing GBF, and the sliced breads showed lower protein value (8.64%) than the control (10.60%) and higher resistant starch content (2.91%) compared to the control (0.65%). Addition of GBF to bread did not interfere with the moisture, ash and lipid contents of the products. Breads with concentrations of 15 and 20% GBF received acceptance higher than 90% for all sensory attributes. The use of GBF in sliced bread at the 15% and 20% levels resulted in a product with high sensory acceptance (greater than 90%) and with resistant starch content 4.2 times higher than conventional sliced bread.