Matti-pazhagam
The Crocodile Finger Banana: A Kanyakumari Marvel
The Matti banana, one of the smallest varieties of bananas, looks like a shrunken version of the Rasthali. Its apex is slightly elongated, measuring 2.5 cm to 3 cm, resembling a crocodile’s snout. Because of this, it has earned the peculiar nickname, the “Crocodile Finger Banana.”
Regular banana bunches grow straight and uniform. However, Matti banana bunches possess a unique wind-blown appearance. Furthermore, it’s a marvel of nature that its banana blossom hangs at a 95-degree angle, almost parallel to the tree’s trunk! These Matti banana trees also possess a strong, natural resistance to the ‘Sigatoka’ disease, a condition that severely affects most banana plants.
The Heritage of South Travancore
According to historical records, this is a rare variety that grows exclusively in the former South Travancore hilly regions, particularly in today’s Agastheeswaram, Thovalai, and Thiruvattar taluks of the Kanyakumari district. Even if cultivated elsewhere, it never quite retains its original taste and aroma.
There are three main varieties of Matti bananas:
Semmatti: Features a slight red tint.
Then Matti: Known for its incredible, honey-like sweetness.
Malai Matti: Grows exclusively in the hilly areas.
A ‘Mother’s Lap’ Food for Infants!
Generally, many parents fear that feeding bananas to infants will cause them to catch a cold. However, because the sugar content (TSS – 8.7) in Matti bananas is exceptionally low, it has been a long-standing tradition in the Kanyakumari district to mash and feed Matti bananas to six-month-old infants as their first solid food after breast milk. It does not cause colds and makes digestion incredibly easy.
Rich in potassium, it is also highly beneficial for adults, helping to regulate blood pressure and resolve gastrointestinal issues. There is an interesting historical anecdote as well: When India’s first Prime Minister, Jawaharlal Nehru, visited Thiruvananthapuram, he was served the Matti banana. Fascinated by its unique taste, Nehru reportedly enjoyed the fruit immensely!
The GI Tag Glory on the Global Stage
To elevate this glorious banana variety to the global stage, the ‘Kanyakumari Banana and Horticultural Farmers Producer Company’ from Veeyanoor filed an application for a Geographical Indication (GI) tag in 2021. After several stages of rigorous review, the Government of India officially granted the GI tag on July 31, 2023 (valid until April 28, 2030). This legally prevents other bananas from being falsely sold under the ‘Matti’ name in the market, safeguarding the traditional rights of Kanyakumari’s farmers.
No wedding feast or auspicious event in the Kanyakumari district is complete without the Matti banana. It is not just a fruit; it is a sweet culmination of the local climate, the farmers’ hard work, and thousands of years of Tamil medicinal heritage. The next time you visit Kanyakumari, do not miss tasting this ‘crocodile finger’ Matti banana, basking in the coastal breeze!