Multivariate factor analysis (MFA) approach to evaluate the quality of stored Cavendish banana sourced from different geographical areas

The Multiple Factor Analysis (MFA) was applied to assess deterioration patterns and evaluate quality stability of bananas samples with 5 different origins. Quality evaluation (weight loss, dry matter, colour, total soluble solids, texture and nutraceutical analysis) was conducted at 21°C for up to 12 days of storage time. Ecuador samples retained a better colour and firmer texture during shelf life while Cameroon samples demonstrated very poor quality for almost all quality indicators. Although MFA showed a similar shelf life pattern for all banana samples, it was possible to observe a greater quality retention of Ecuador samples, represented by higher score values at dimension 1 than other samples. Even though there were significant differences of nutraceutical values during shelf life, the MFA contribution plot demonstrated that nutraceutical quality was not a good indicator of deterioration among the samples, especially with texture and colour parameters.