The Solomon Islands face problems of vitamin A deficiency and infectious diseases, including malaria. It
is essential to identify nutrient-rich indigenous foods for preventing and alleviating these diseases.
Previous work in Micronesia identified yellow/orange-fleshed carotenoid-rich banana cultivars, in
particular Fe’i cultivars (characterized by upright bunches), with potential to alleviate vitamin A
deficiency. Although there is a great diversity of Solomon Islands bananas, little is documented about
these cultivars and their nutrient content. Using an ethnographic approach, this study aimed to identify
nutrient-rich cultivars and to collect information relating to production and consumption. Seven Fe’i
cultivars (not previously analyzed) and three non-Fe’i cultivars were assessed for flesh color, fruit size
and other attributes and analyzed for provitamin A carotenoids (b- and a-carotene), total carotenoids
and riboflavin. Five Fe’i and two non-Fe’i cultivars were identified as carotenoid-rich. Of 10 cultivars
analyzed the concentrations of b-carotene equivalents ranged from 45 to 7124 mg/100 g. Compared to
cultivars with light-colored flesh, the yellow/orange-fleshed cultivars generally contained higher
carotenoid concentrations. All Fe’i cultivars contained riboflavin, from 0.10 to 2.72 mg/100 g, some
having substantial concentrations. The nutrient-rich cultivars, including Fe’i, should be promoted for
their potential to contribute to vitamin A intake and overall health