It's a little surprising that the Indian banana is still so rarely found here. The tree is easy to care for, hardy, rich green in summer and golden yellow in autumn. But the most convincing argument for its cultivation is its delicious fruits. Each variety has a slightly different aroma. Here is a selection.
What types of Indian bananas are there?
Popular Indian banana varieties include Campbell's No. 1, KSU Atwood, Overleese, Pennsylvania Golden, Prima and Sunflower. They differ in ripening time, fruit size, skin color, pulp color, taste and pollination needs.
Campbells No. 1
This Indian banana grows quickly and develops an impressively beautiful crown. The fruits are large and have a golden yellow skin. The flesh is yellow-orange and contains few seeds. It needs another type of pollinator.
- ripenes mid to late September
- intense, exotic aroma
KSU Atwood
The yield is high with the pollinator variety Sunflower. The fruits are medium to large and rounded. The flesh is yellow-orange while the peel remains green. This Indian banana has only a few seeds.
- ripenes at the end of September/beginning of October
- tastes like mango
Overleese
One advantage of the Overleese variety is its robustness against pests and diseases. But it also needs a cross-pollinator. The green-skinned fruits weigh up to 300 grams. The flesh is white-yellow and particularly tender when eaten.
- ripenes early to mid-September
- tastes refreshingly exotic
Pennsylvania Golden
Good winter hardiness down to -30 degrees Celsius and early ripening time characterize this variety. You can therefore also plant them in rough locations. With a suitable pollinator variety, the harvest is plentiful. The fruits are medium-sized and golden yellow.
- ripenes in September
- sweet, a mix of lemon, mango and banana
Great
Prima is a self-pollinating variety, which is a real plus point in this country given its limited distribution. The fruits weigh up to 200 grams and have a green-yellow skin. The cream-colored flesh is fiberless.
- ripenes in early October
- has flavors of mango, pineapple and banana
Sunflower
Sunflower can also pollinate itself, but at the same time it is also a good pollinator for other varieties. The medium-sized fruits do not follow a strict shape. Each one is unique. Behind the green-yellow skin there is a golden-colored flesh.
- ripenes mid-September to mid-October
- intense taste
