Besides the lush green landscapes of Kerala, what seems most fascinating about Kerala is bananas. A Kerala banana comes in different colors, varieties and sizes. You’ll not only find them hung to their stick stem or on the groves, but will also find them at the provisional shops, grocery shops, tea stalls, and much more. There are fifty different types of bananas in Kerala. Now, with so many options by your side, you may go in for any based on your medicinal properties or taste. Some of the common types of banana in Kerala are as follows-
- Palayam kodan
- Annaan
- Ethan
- Morris
- Poovan
- Kappa vazha
- Monthan
Amongst Kerala bananas, the ones that are chiefly cultivated include Palayam. These bananas are extremely smooth when ripe. Further more, the variety comes with a soothing effect and grow well under humid and hot climatic conditions. Annaan is yet another variety that offers a distinctive flavor. Nenthran or Ethan is a bit harder when compared to other variants. The variant is used in the preparation of different south Indian cuisines. Banana fritters and chips are popular food items that are prepared from this variant.
Poovan is the priciest of all variants and is a bit larger in size when compared to others. Kappa Vazha the red skinned banana variant turns to dark red from deep brown when ripened. Montahn is rarely eaten in its raw form and usually belongs to the vegetable variety.
Banana delicacies- Bananas are considered to be a significant ingredient of Kerala cuisine. This nourishing food in its mashed form is fed to children. Besides, it is also used for preparing different delicacies like-
- puttu
- banana halwa
- shakaruperi
Bananas in Kerala Cuisine:
Besides, the are also added to ice-creams, custards and desserts.
In simple words, bananas are must in the preparation of traditional Kerala cuisines.
The banana tree is found in abundance near the country side. The tree acquires an average height of ten to twelve feet. It comprises a false trunk that is made up of sheaths and spread from the tree’s top. The banana fruit is a combination of seventy five percent water and includes vitamins C and A, potassium and sugar.
Every part of the tree has some purpose or the other. For instance, the shoot is eaten as a vegetable. The fruits on the other hand are either eaten raw or cooked as snacks, desserts and curries. The green leaves are used as disposable plates where as the flowers as eaten as a vegetable. Over and the above, the plant is believed to be sacred and is used for decorating the entrances of venues for weddings, and other auspicious occasions.
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