Banana Yelakki

How We Pluckk The Best For You?

- Sourced from partner farms
- The bananas are checked for maturity, color, ripeness levels, and firmness, among others
- Bananas with bruises, black marks, cuts, cracks, ruptured skins, and soft texture are rejected

 

Storage and Shelf Life

Storage tips for yelakki bananas to maintain freshness:

- Room Temperature: Fresh yelakki bananas ripen best at room temperature, away from direct sunlight.

- Slow Ripening: Store unripe bananas separately from other fruits to prevent accelerated ripening.

- Refrigeration: Once ripe, refrigerate for 2-3 additional days (skin will darken but flesh remains fresh).

- Freezing: Peel ripe bananas and freeze whole or sliced for up to 3 months for smoothies.

- Freshness Test: Even yellow color, slight firmness when gently squeezed, and aromatic scent indicate perfect ripeness.

- Stem Preservation: Wrap stems in plastic wrap to slow ripening and keep bunches fresh longer.

Nutritional Value (Per 100 gms)

- Calories: 89

- Carbohydrates: 22.8g

- Dietary Fiber: 2.6g

- Protein: 1.1g

- Fat: 0.3g

- Water: 74.9g

Vitamins in Yelakki Banana:

- Vitamin C: 8.7mg

- Vitamin B6: 0.4mg

- Folate: 20μg

- Vitamin B5: 0.33mg

- Vitamin A: 64 IU

- Vitamin E: 0.1mg

Minerals in Yelakki Banana:

- Potassium: 358mg

- Magnesium: 27mg

- Phosphorus: 22mg

- Calcium: 5mg

- Iron: 0.26mg

- Zinc: 0.15mg

Health Benefits

10 health benefits of yelakki bananas:

1. Energy Booster: Natural sugars provide quick, sustainable energy
   
   
2. Digestive Health Promoter: Dietary fiber aids digestion and supports gut health
   
   
3. Mood Enhancer: Contains tryptophan which converts to serotonin in the body
   
   
4. Muscle Recovery Aid: Potassium helps prevent cramps and supports post-exercise recovery
   
   
5. Heart Health Supporter: Potassium helps regulate blood pressure and heart function
   
   
6. Antioxidant Provider: Contains compounds that fight oxidative stress
   
   
7. Probiotic Promoter: Contains prebiotics that feed beneficial gut bacteria
   
   
8. Blood Sugar Regulator: Fiber helps moderate blood glucose levels
   
   
9. Electrolyte Balance: Helps restore electrolytes lost during physical activity
   
   
10. Sleep Quality Improver: Natural melatonin and magnesium support better sleep patterns
    
    

4 Fascinating Facts About Yelakki Bananas You Didn't Know

 

1. Cultural Significance: In South India, particularly Karnataka where they originated, yelakki bananas (also known as elaichi bananas) are considered premium fruits often presented as offerings during religious ceremonies and auspicious occasions. Their name "yelakki" derives from their cardamom-like aroma ("elakki" means cardamom in Kannada), highlighting their unique fragrance that sets them apart from other banana varieties.
   
2. Agricultural Marvel: Despite their small size, yelakki banana plants can produce up to 150-200 fruits per bunch, significantly more than larger Cavendish varieties. This impressive yield combined with their concentrated nutrient profile makes them one of the most efficient food crops in terms of nutritional value per growing area, contributing to their importance in regions facing agricultural land constraints.
   
   
3. Traditional Medicine: In Ayurvedic medicine, yelakki bananas have been used for centuries as a cooling food to balance "pitta" (heat) in the body. They were traditionally prescribed for digestive disorders, inflammatory conditions, and as a natural remedy for ulcers. Their smaller size and concentrated potassium content make them particularly valued for children's nutrition and for patients recovering from illness.
   
   
4. Genetic Diversity Preservation: Yelakki bananas represent an important genetic line in banana diversity, containing unique flavor compounds and disease resistance traits not found in commercially dominant Cavendish varieties. As global banana crops face threats from Panama Disease and other pathogens, the genetic material from heirloom varieties like yelakki may prove crucial for developing future disease-resistant banana cultivars, making their preservation vitally important for global food security.