Red Banana

Also Known As: Red Banana, Red Dacca Indian Names: Sevvazhai, Sirumalai Banana

International Classification: AAA Group (Red Dacca)

About This Variety

Red Banana is one of the most visually striking and nutritionally distinctive banana varieties in the world. With its deep burgundy-to-maroon skin and rose-tinted cream flesh, it stands apart from every other banana variety on a display shelf and delivers a flavour experience that is equally distinctive.

Grown in the Sirumalai Hills of Tamil Nadu and other regions of South India, Red Banana is considered a premium variety both domestically and in international specialty markets. It is smaller than Grand Naine, typically 12 to 15 centimetres, but denser, richer, and more nutritionally concentrated.

Demand for Red Banana in European specialty grocery, organic retail, and premium food markets is growing steadily, driven by its visual differentiation and its genuinely superior antioxidant and Vitamin C profile.

Flavour & Texture Profile

Richer and more complex than Cavendish, Red Banana is sweet with a subtle, warm undertone that some describe as faintly reminiscent of raspberry or tropical fruit. The flesh is creamier and denser than standard yellow varieties, with a smooth, almost custard-like texture at peak ripeness. The aroma is more pronounced and tropical than Grand Naine. The skin turns deep maroon-purple when ripe rather than yellow, and slight softening of the skin indicates optimal eating ripeness.

Nutritional Profile (per 100g, ripe)

Health Benefits

Superior Antioxidant Protection – Red Banana contains significantly higher levels of antioxidants than standard yellow Cavendish varieties. The carotenoids responsible for its distinctive flesh colour, including Lutein, Zeaxanthin, and Beta-Carotene, are powerful free radical scavengers that protect cells from oxidative damage. This makes Red Banana one of the most antioxidant-dense fresh banana options available commercially.

Eye Health – Lutein and Zeaxanthin are specifically concentrated in the macula of the human eye and are the only dietary carotenoids proven to reduce the risk of age-related macular degeneration (AMD) and cataracts. Red Banana is one of very few banana varieties that delivers these compounds in meaningful quantities.

Immune System Strength – At 15.5mg of Vitamin C per 100g, almost double the Vitamin C content of Grand Naine, Red Banana offers substantially superior immune support. Vitamin C stimulates the production and function of white blood cells, neutralises free radicals, and supports the skin's barrier against infection.

Heart & Vascular Health – The combination of high Potassium (400mg) and antioxidant Vitamin C makes Red Banana a potent cardiovascular health food. Potassium regulates blood pressure, while Vitamin C protects arterial walls from oxidative damage.

Skin & Collagen Synthesis – Vitamin C is the primary dietary co-factor in collagen production, the structural protein responsible for skin firmness, wound healing, and joint integrity. Red Banana's elevated Vitamin C content makes it a particularly relevant food for skin health positioning.

Anti-Inflammatory Activity – Beta-Carotene and Lutein both demonstrate anti-inflammatory properties at the cellular level, making Red Banana a meaningful inclusion in diets designed to manage chronic inflammatory conditions.

Ideal For

Specialty and organic grocery importers, premium fruit retailers, health food brands, nutraceutical and wellness food companies, beauty and nutrition crossover brands, and any buyer targeting the growing premium banana segment in European specialty retail.

Shelf Life: 10–14 days post-harvest under cold chain conditions (13–14°C). The thick, pigmented skin offers good protection during transit. Post-ripening retail shelf life is 4–5 days. Suitable for medium-haul international export routes..

Calories

Nutrient

Amount

2.8g

Potassium

118 kcal

400 mg

Carbohydrate

Natural Sugars

Dietary Fibre

15g

28g

Vitamin B6

15.5 mg

Lutein & Zeaxanthin

30 mcg