Virupakshi hill banana

(Malai vazhaipazham)

The Virupakshi hill banana (Malai vazhaipazham) gets its name from the town of Virupakshi, located near Palani. The famous Panchamritham of Palani Temple is made with these bananas.

​Hill Banana had been the predominant crop in Lower Palani Hills, Kodaikanal Range. Due to “bunchy top" virus, this was on the verge of extinction during 1980. The great revival efforts from TNAU and local farmers helped to rejuvenate this variety from 2000 onwards. This special variety is recognized with GI (Geographical Indication) Tag in 2008 by the government.

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Hill Banana is grown well with good flavour and aroma when cultivated at higher elevations. Hill Bananas are small to medium sized, bright yellow in colour. Riped hill bananas have a delicious and distinctive sweet taste. Unlike other banana varieties, hill banana takes ~15months to generate matured fruit for harvesting.

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The shelf life of the fruit is more than 10 days under normal temperature conditions. The fruit can be consumed with good taste even when the skin turns dark. This fruit is rich in potassium, helps in good health and improving digestion.