We conducted this study in order to investigate the quality and antioxidant properties of saccharifed banana gruel containing different levels (0, 15, 30, and 45%) of banana puree. Saccharified banana gruel with different ratios of banana was prepared and proximate composition, sweetness (°brix%), pH, total acidity, Hunter's color value, viscosity, free sugar, sensory evaluation, and physiological activities of the sample were measured. With increasing banana content, proximate composition, sweetness, and acidity of banana gruel increased, and pH showed a significant decrease (P<0.05). Saccharified banana gruel prepared with 15～45% banana showed significantly lower viscosity. As the level of banana increased, L-value decreased, whereas the a-value, b-value increased. Free sugar content of fructose, glucose, maltose, and sucrose showed a significant increase (P<0.05). Saccharified banana gruel with 30% added banana was the most preferred for color, flavor, taste, mouth-feeling, texture, and overall acceptability. The total phenolic compound contents of saccharified banana gruel with banana puree ranged from 1.73 to 5.75 mg/g. DPPH and ABTS radical scavenging activities of saccharified banana gruel with banana puree were 8.67～31.26% and 6.02～55.16%, respectively. With increasing banana content, total polyphenol contents, DPPH and ABTS radical scavenging activity of banana gruel showed a significant increase (P<0.05). From these results, we found that addition of 30% banana was the best method for preparation of gruel with high sensory quality.Key words: gruel, saccharification, banana, the quality, antioxidant properties
