Mysore Banana

Also Known As: Sour-Sweet Banana, Karpura Chakkarakeli Indian Names:

Poovan, Karpura Chakkarakeli, Pisang Mas International Classification: AB Group

About This Variety

Poovan is one of India's oldest and most nutritionally valued banana varieties. It carries a distinctive sour-sweet flavour balance that is unlike any other Indian variety-bright, vibrant, and complex. Internationally, it is classified as the Mysore Banana, named after the historic region of Karnataka where it has been cultivated for centuries.

It is a medium-sized banana, typically 12 to 16 centimetres, with a thin, pale-yellow skin that often develops brown speckling at peak ripeness, which is a sign of optimal sugar development rather than deterioration. Poovan is cultivated extensively across Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Karnataka, and Andhra Pradesh.

Flavour & Texture Profile

Distinctly sour-sweet, with a tangy, citrus-like brightness that differentiates it sharply from the mild sweetness of Cavendish varieties. The flesh is firm, pale cream to white, and slightly drier in texture than Rasthali. The flavour intensifies with ripeness; at peak ripeness, the sourness recedes and the sweetness dominates with a honey-like finish. The aroma is light and pleasant.

Nutritional Profile (per 100g, ripe)

Health Benefits

Nerve Function & Brain Health – Poovan has one of the highest Vitamin B6 concentrations among all Indian banana varieties, providing over 26% of the daily recommended intake per 100g. Vitamin B6 is essential for the synthesis of neurotransmitters including serotonin, dopamine, and GABA, directly supporting mood, cognitive function, and stress regulation.

Blood Pressure Management – With 410mg of Potassium per 100g, Poovan is among the most potassium-dense Indian bananas. Potassium counteracts the blood-pressure-raising effects of sodium, making Poovan a clinically relevant dietary choice for individuals managing hypertension.

Gut Microbiome Support – At 2.9g dietary fibre per 100g, Poovan is one of the higher-fibre Indian varieties. Combined with its natural organic acids, it supports both gut motility and the growth of beneficial gut bacteria.

Immune System Activation – Vitamin C at over 11mg per 100g supports immune cell production and function. The natural organic acids in Poovan also contribute to its mild antimicrobial properties.

Weight Management – Lower in calories than most banana varieties at 83 kcal per 100g and higher in fibre, Poovan has a relatively low glycaemic impact, providing sustained satiety without rapid blood sugar spikes.

Ideal For

Health food retailers, functional nutrition brands, diabetic-friendly food lines, and buyers seeking a distinctively flavoured alternative banana variety for specialty markets.

Shelf Life: 10–14 days post-harvest under cold chain conditions (13–14°C). More robust than Rasthali, with a firmer skin that tolerates moderate handling. Post-ripening shelf life is 4–6 days at room temperature.

Nutrient

Amount

Calories

Dietary Fibre

Carbohydrates

20g

Natural Sugars

11g

83 kcal

2.9g

Potassium

11.2 mg

410 mg

Vitamin C

Magnesium

0.45 mg (26% DV)

Vitamin B6

29 mg