STORY OF Ceylon banana

Sri Lanka has a long history as one Sri Lanka has a long history as one of the finest fruit producers in the world. Among all, Sri Lanka is famous for top quality bananas. It is home to many varieties of Banana which comes in different shapes, colors, sizes, textures, and flavors. Bananas grow freely all over Sri Lanka, all year round. They are cultivated in large, medium, and small orchards, as well as home gardens. Therefore, bananas are readily available fruit in the country.

Banana is a super fruit rich in nutrition. Being rich in potassium and many other vitamins, bananas can consider natural energy bars. Reportedly, there are almost 1,000 varieties of bananas in the world, while Sri Lanka boasts 29 varieties. Sri Lankan bananas are divided into three main groups: the Cavendish, the Kolikuttu, and the Mysore. The banana varieties in each group have different characteristics.

Main groups

20+

Varieties

11+

Health Benefits

3 main groups of Ceylon banana

Cavendish Group

Without a doubt, the Cavendish banana is the most famous banana group in the country. Sri Lanka produces top-quality Cavendish bananas and exports them to several countries. Most probably, this is the major kind of banana many westerners have known. The major varieties belonging to this Cavendish group are Anamalu, Ambon, Bim kesel, and Nethrapalam.

Kolikuttu Group

Kolikuttu bananas are the most expensive group in the country. They can be easily identified by their appearance. These bananas are stout, plump, and blunt-ended than other cousins of varieties. The major varieties belonging to this group are Kolikuttu, Suwendel, Puwalu, and Red banana.

Mysore Group

This group includes the ever-popular Ambul and Seeni bananas. They are widely available and much less expensive than other counterparts.

Here in this post, we are going to introduce you 10 delicious banana varieties you’ll find in Sri Lanka. Hope you all enjoy this delightful superfruit while traveling in the country.

Varieties of Ceylon banana

1. Anamalu

Anamalu or Gros Michel banana is a widespread Cavendish banana variety in Sri Lanka. This long banana is a local favorite and is easily distinguished by its slender, curved shape. When ripe, its skin turns to lemon-yellow. Anamalu has relatively thick skin and its white flesh is soft. It gives a unique sour-sweet on the tongue. This banana variety is well-loved for its ability to generate a quick burst of energy. It is also popular for its medicinal qualities and useful for digestive problems.

2. Ambon

The Ambon is a dessert variety of excellent quality belonging to the Cavendish group. It is rather large in size than other varieties. It is also curved, but slightly less curved than the anamalu. Its skin is relatively thick and light green when unripe. It turns deep-yellow at full ripeness. Its flesh is light yellowish in color. It is also called “Elephant” banana due to its size. It is a very large and long banana. These bananas break off from the bunch easily when they are ready to eat. Sometimes the skin remains greenish despite being fully ripe.

3. Nethrapalam

Without a doubt, Nethrapalam is the king of all bananas. It wins for its tremendous height. Each Nethrapalam banana could be up to 12 inches long. It’s not uncommon to find Nethrapalam weighing between 1 to 2 kg. It is easy to recognize because the bunches of bananas grow in the opposite direction. As you can see in the below picture, they are quite different than normal bananas.

4. Kolikuttu

These are also highly prized dessert banana varieties in Sri Lanka. They have thinner skin, which splits during the ripening, and their creamy-white flesh gives out an appetizing aroma. Kolikuttu is simply one of those great varieties of bananas you’ll love in Sri Lanka. Kolikuttus is the choice for offerings and religious festivals. And also, uses as gifts when visiting relatives during Sinhala & Tamil New Year festival. Ripe Kolikuttu bananas drop readily from their bunch, making it difficult to transport them. Therefore, you’ll find them mostly sold in unripe form.

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