Types of Banana in India : Health & wallet friendly fruit

Kalpavriksha”, in Hindu mythology is a term set for trees which are believed to fulfill wishes and out of 10 “Kalpavriksha”, banana tree is one with such a sacred significance. Banana leaves used as cutleries/pattal, uses of its fruit are innumerable, pseudostem is no less when it comes to its utilisation e.g, in textile industries, basket making etc. and that’s not it but even craftspeople, health scientists are fond of this nature’s gift. Hailing from South Asia, it’s undoubtedly a palatable fruit marketed overseas.

A fruit jam packed with dietary fibres, carbs, vitamin C, B6, potassium, antioxidants and multiple other nutrients nursing your blood pressure, body weight, heart health, skin, menstrual cycle can’t be less than a treasure for humankind. Boons from nature and their amalgamation with plant breeding have spiked the presence of types of banana in India.

Banana & Plantain(Both are residents of the same family)

Cultivation of banana is high in South Asia while that of plantain is done in equatorial regions of Africa and America.

Bananas differ in size, some fruits are long and stiff and some are short but plantains are longer and tighter even after ripening.

Bananas can be consumed raw or after cooking but plantains usually need to be cooked before consumption.

Sugar content of bananas is higher than that of plantains which are more starchy.

Interesting facts about banana

If you only link yellow and green colour with bananas, you won’t anymore after reading this article because banana skins and flesh can be red, blue or black as well.

Ever wondered why a banana is always curved ! It’s because of negative geotropism i.e., growth against gravity.Hand & fingers in a banana tree are bunches and individual fruits respectively.

DNA of humans and that of bananas is 50% similar which is why the saying “Bananas are 50% humans” is popular.

Guess who’s the largest producer of bananas ! It’s India with an annual production of 37.47 million metric tonnes.

10 Types of Banana in India

1. Robusta banana

Tropical regions accommodate these types of banana in India. Its name accounts for its size characteristics very well which means, their fruits are large and are not too thin/thick skinned. For their enhanced performance well drained soil, decent sunlight works wonderfully. High potassium and magnesium content in Robusta makes one of the best choices for good neurological performance and heart functioning. It has a low glycemic index so you don’t have to worry about spiked blood sugar levels after consumption but set limits. Cultivated in – Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, Maharashtra Plant height – 10-12 feet

2. Red banana

Another name for this unique appearing banana is “Dacca banana”, “Lal vechi” in Bihar, “Chandra Bale” in Karnataka. It isn’t possible that its purple-red skin won’t hold your attention if you pass by and no less is its flesh which appears light pink and creamy. It is also penned as the “red cousin” of the banana family by many. A chemical called anthocyanin imparts this colour & also reduces collagen accumulation, therefore treats sclerosis. It regulates the menstrual cycle as well because of the presence of Vitamin B6.Fruit length- 5-7 inchesTree height- 10-16 feet.

3. Dwarf Cavendish

No space outdoors ? Don’t worry because banana plantation isn’t arduous indoors and Dwarf Cavendish is one of those types of banana in India which will grow outdoors as well as indoors beautifully without covering much of your space. A notable point about this type of banana is that it isn’t a true banana but a large herbaceous plant and this is the reason why its height is not comparable to true banana trees. It takes 9-12 months to mature and its fruits are consumed raw, in desserts, smoothies and other savories.Plant height- 5 feetFruit length- 15-25 cm

4. Yelakki Banana

Ever heard of banana elaichi or Rajapuri banana ? These are another name for Yelakki banana, a type of banana in India with thin skin, tiny size and slender shape. Its fragrance fills up the space and makes it mouth watering. Its firm texture and long shelf life makes it suitable for long distance transportation. It is also a better option of cultivation for small scale farmers as its market price is high and cost of production is comparatively less. Plant height- 12-14 feetFruit size- 4-5 inches

5. Monthan banana

Another famous banana cultivated in Southern part of India and is also known by other common names like Nendran/ Madhura banana. This is firm and tight which is why it is used more in banana chips making and also banana flour is made from it, rarely consumed raw due to its firmness. Plant height- 3-4.5 meters Fruit length – 8 inches.

6. Rasthali banana

“Ras” in its name means “Juice” in many Indian languages and this is where Rasthali banana got its name attributable to its sweet and juicy taste. If you’re looking for a high calorie, flavourful banana to grow in tropical regions you’ve got it as a perfect choice. 100 gram Rasthali flesh contains approximately 80-90 calories. Not only it is sweet (therefore used in many sweetdishes) but also has a tangy flavour. It’s limited availability, high demand and therefore high cost gives it the name “luxury banana”. Fruit size- 6-8 inchesPlant height- 3-4 meters

7. Bhogapura banana

Banana cultivation isn’t only confined to Southern parts of India but other regions also contribute to the banana market in India. Bhogapura banana is usually found in North East parts of India like Assam and many regions of Bengal. These are suitable for Tropical and Subtropical climate. They’ve compact and small appearance and are strongly aromatic. Bhogapura banana fruit is used in many traditional recipes as well. Fruit size- 3-4 inchesPlant size- 5-8 feet

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8. Mysore banana

Its name reflects its believed region of origin and cultivation. It’s a comparatively small sized banana which is cultivated throughout the year in tropical regions. It is a softer and mushy textured banana and is used for culinary purposes such as desserts, sweets and other curries. If not cultivated year round, then it is frozen for future use. Shelf life is an important question when it comes to its market and export value, its shelf life is 1-2 weeks. Fruit size – 10-12 cmPlant height – 4-5 meters

9. Figue banana (Fig banana)

Another unique name for it is “Lady finger banana” and “baby banana”. Its cultivation is well suited in tropical as well as subtropical regions. Tree of this type of banana in India heightens up more than most of the types discussed. If you’re wondering what’s interesting about figue/fig/Lady finger/baby banana, then there’s a lot e.g, it is consumed by those with sensitive stomach or digestion problems because of the presence of carbohydrates digesting enzymes like amylase. It is consumed in its raw as well as cooked form.

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Conclusion

Not only field crops but fruit crops are no less in the race of benevolent plant categories. Description of banana/Musa species can’t be only confined to its fruits because from head to toe, this plant is a reservoir of nutrients, raw materials for various manufacturing processes and every part of it is a usable treasure. Only if we understand the role of such plants in value addition, sustainability etc., giving agriculture a deserving position wouldn’t be a far cry.

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