Banana / Plantain
Nendran (Nedran)
History
A major commercial plantain variety from Kerala, India, where it makes up roughly half of the state's total banana-growing area, used for both dessert and culinary purposes.
Taste profile
Firm, flesh-colored pulp with a mild, medium-sweet flavor when ripe. Unripe fruit is starchy and used savory, similar to other cooking plantains, while ripe fruit turns sweet and caramel-like, good for baking and frying.
Growing habits
Bunches carry 4-6 hands weighing 12-15 kg total, with distinct pink coloration on the pseudostem. Crop duration runs about 11-12 months from planting to harvest.
Shipping
Ships reasonably well. Thick, leathery peel and good keeping quality make it more shipping-tolerant than most dessert bananas - one reason it's grown commercially for export from Kerala.