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Context

• Matti banana variety, native to Kanniyakumari district, was recently granted the Geographical Indication (GI) tag.

Details

Matti Banana

• Matti banana, a unique variety of banana indigenous to the Kanniyakumari district in Tamil Nadu.
• It is also known as ‘Baby Banana’ owing to its nipple-like appearance.
• The Matti’s fingers exhibit a distinct wind-blown appearance.
• Flourishes mainly in Kalkulam and Vilavancode taluks.
• This banana has a sweet fragrance and honey-like taste.
• If its root and yields in other areas, the fruit will be without the sweet fragrance and honey-like taste unique to the Matti bananas grown in Kanniyakumari.
• In the local culture, the Matti banana holds significant value, particularly in the context of marriages.
• Traditional marriages in the region feel incomplete without incorporating this banana variety.
• It finds its place in the grand feast, often mixed with payasam, a sweet dish, adding to the festivities and cultural rituals.
• There are six known types of the Matti banana and they are indigenous to Kanniyakumari, where it thrives in the unique climate and soil.
•  Nal Matti boasts a yellowish-orange colour and fine aroma.
• Kal Matti gets its name from the calcium oxalate crystals forming in its pulp and black dots on the skin.
• Nei Matti exudes the aroma of ghee, and Sundari Matti, a Matti clone, with its elongated fingers, thick peel, and creamy white rind, is facing extinction.

A fusion of Matti and Red

• Semmati (red) is a unique hybrid that results from combining the characteristics of Matti and Red banana varieties.
• This banana has a relatively low total soluble solids content (TSSC), rendering it an ideal option for baby food due to its relatively mild flavor profile.
• The pulp of Semmati (red) contains beneficial ascorbic acid, which contributes to the healthy growth of children.
• The presence of ascorbic acid in the pulp adds to the nutritional value of Semmati (red), making it particularly advantageous for children's growth and development.
• Sugar level is very low and suitable even for diabetics

GI-Tag

• This symbol is used on items that originate from a particular geographical region and possess characteristics or a reputation that can be attributed to that specific origin.
• In India, the registration of Geographical Indications registration falls under the jurisdiction of the Geographical Indications of Goods (Registration and Protection) Act, 1999.
• This legislation became effective in September 2003.
• First product in India to receive the GI (Geographical Indication) tag was Darjeeling tea during the 2004-05 period.
• The registration of a geographical indication is valid for a period of 10 years.

Conclusion

The Matti banana, native to the Kanniyakumari district in Tamil Nadu, is a distinctive and cherished variety due to its nipple-like appearance, wind-blown growth pattern, sweet fragrance, and honey-like taste.

https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/tamil-nadu/kanniyakumaris-matti-is-distinct-with-fragrance-and-honey-like-taste/article67206980.ece

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