| Nanjanagud banana | |
| Color: | Blue |
| Alternative Names: | Nanjangud rasabalehannu |
| Country: | India |
| Registered: | 2005 |
Generally, Nanjangud banana is called Nanjangud Rasabale. Cultivated in Karnataka State, Mysore District and Chamarajanagar areas of India. This fruit has a unique taste and aroma. It is a popular variety of banana from Devarasanahalli village near Nanjangudu. Nanjangudu banana has been given Geographical Indication Tag Number 29,[1] which helps protect and promote the unique identity of the banana.
It is also popular in the Kannada literary world through Kayyar Kinhanna Rai Song [2].
Nanjangudu rasabale cultivation requires specific soil conditions and climate, it is mostly grown in the village of Devarasanahalli near Nanjangudu. The region's traditional farming practices and natural environment are critical to maintaining banana quality. Black saline alluvial soil naturally formed on the banks of the Kapila River is required. The fruit has a unique taste and aroma if it is grown in a unique method of organic farming. Bananas grown in other areas are hard and lack flavor. Experts believe that the secret of this taste and aroma lies in its genes.[2] [3]
It is often used in traditional festivals and religious ceremonies. This banana also brings significant economic benefits to the local farmers. The GI tag helps protect the authenticity of the banana. The fruit is small in size and buttery soft to eat. It is usually eaten without the peel. As it cannot be grown in foreign areas, its availability is less and hence there is a good demand for it.
Customers buy Rasabale from Nanjangud at a banana market in Sargur, Mysore district, Karnataka, India. Recently, due to the heavy use of chemical fertilizers, its taste, shape, and aroma are changing.[4] [5]
The size of the Nanjangud banana is smaller than other bananas. It is 5-8 cm long, and the diameter of the middle tube part of the fruit is 2-3 cm. Its peel is thin. When organic Nanjangud bananas are well-ripened, the peel is eaten with the fruit, or the peel is eaten separately (raw or as a vegetable).
Geographical IndicationThe Horticulture Department of the Government of Karnataka obtained a patent for the Nanjangudu banana under the Geographical Indications (Geographical Indications) Act, 1999. The Controller General of Designs and Trademarks Office granted trademark rights to the Nanjangudu banana and its products to Mysore farmers.[4] It was granted Geographical Indication registration in 2005.