A b s t r a c t. Using the Instron Testing Instrument (Model 1122) fitted with a flat-faced cylindrical plunger, prepared specimens of mature unripe plantain fruits (peeled and unpeeled) were compressed axially at 0.83, 1.67, 8.33, 16.67, 25.0, 33.33 x 10^-5m s^-1 loading rates. From the force-deformation curves generated, some selected mechanical properties-bioyield parameters, rupture parametersand modulus of deformation-were evaluated. The results show that forpeeled specimens, all the determined mechanical properties increased with increase in loading rate and with fruit cross-sectional area. For the un­peeled specimens the bioyield parameters and modulus of deformation increased with increase in loading rates > 8.33 x 10^-5ms^-1, white the rupture parameters decreased with increase in load­ing rates > 8.33 x 10^-5m s^-1. Only rupture strength, rupture energy and modulus of deformation for the unpeeled specimens de­creased with increase in cross-sectional area All the other parameters for the unpeeled specimens increased with increase in cross-sectional area. Also all the determined parameters were higher for the peeled than for the unpeeled specimens for loading rates > 8.33 x 10^-5m s^-1. The part played by the peel was also highlighted.