Production of Potash from Green and Ripe Plantain Peels

Plantain peels are bulky rubbish in Man. However, Man households use chemical potasses to attenuate their sauces. The general aim of this study is to use plantain peels as a natural potash to attenuate the taste of certain Manx dishes. To achieve this objective, a preliminary survey was carried out on how potash is used in Man. Natural potash was manufactured after drying and incinerating plantain peels (green and ripe). The physico-chemical parameters of the potasses produced were determined. The survey revealed that 40% of the population uses chemical potasses. Determination of the physico-chemical parameters of the natural potasses produced enabled us to observe their alkaline nature and their richness in mineral salts. The potasses produced have potassium contents (24.53±0.45%-74.44±0.3%), calcium (0.07±0.2%-12.67±0.56%), iron (2.80±0.35- 3.01±0.45) and pH values (10.43 ± 0.68-10.45 ± 0.76). Potash based on green peel is the richest and most recommended. Processing plantain peels in the same way as natural potash would help to reduce waste.