Guava is often referred to as the ‘Apple of the Tropics’ and is one of the most popular and nutritious fruits grown in India. Known for its rich Vitamin C content, dietary fiber, and antioxidant properties, guava is a staple fruit in Indian households. India is one of the largest producers of guava globally, with major cultivation happening in Uttar Pradesh, Maharashtra, Bihar, Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, and West Bengal.
Different varieties of guava are cultivated in India to suit varying climatic conditions, taste preferences, and market requirements. This article highlights the top guava varieties grown in India, detailing their characteristics, regions of cultivation, and uses.
1. Allahabad Safeda
Allahabad Safeda is one of the most popular and widely grown guava varieties in India. It is prized for its white pulp, smooth skin, and high yield.
- Fruit Color: Greenish-yellow skin with white pulp
- Fruit Size: Medium to large
- Regions: Uttar Pradesh (Allahabad region), Bihar, West Bengal
- Uses: Fresh consumption, juice, and processing
- Characteristics: Sweet taste, soft texture, and high Vitamin C content
2. Lucknow 49 (Sardar Guava)
Lucknow 49, also known as Sardar Guava, is a high-yielding variety grown for its large fruits and excellent taste. It is one of the most commercially important guava varieties.
- Fruit Color: Greenish-yellow skin with white pulp
- Fruit Size: Large (200–300 grams per fruit)
- Regions: Uttar Pradesh, Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh
- Uses: Fresh consumption, table fruit, juice
- Characteristics: Sweet flavor, high yield, long shelf life
3. Arka Mridula
Arka Mridula is a hybrid variety developed by the Indian Institute of Horticultural Research (IIHR). It is known for its soft pulp and sweet flavor, making it perfect for processing.
- Fruit Color: Greenish-yellow skin with white pulp
- Fruit Size: Medium-sized
- Regions: Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Maharashtra
- Uses: Processing into jams, jellies, juices
- Characteristics: High yield, soft and sweet pulp
4. Lalit
Lalit is a hybrid variety developed for its pinkish pulp and excellent flavor. It is known for its high market value due to its attractive appearance and sweetness.
- Fruit Color: Yellow skin with pink pulp
- Fruit Size: Medium
- Regions: Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Maharashtra
- Uses: Fresh consumption, juice, table fruit
- Characteristics: Sweet pulp, high Vitamin C, visually appealing
5. Shweta
Shweta is a newly developed variety known for its large fruits and high quality pulp. It is widely grown for its superior yield and flavor.
- Fruit Color: Green skin with white pulp
- Fruit Size: Large
- Regions: Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu, Karnataka
- Uses: Table fruit, processing, fresh consumption
- Characteristics: High yield, smooth texture, sweet pulp
6. Dharwad Hybrid
The Dharwad Hybrid is a popular variety grown for its large size and sweet taste. It is suitable for both table consumption and processing.
- Fruit Color: Greenish-yellow skin with white pulp
- Fruit Size: Large (200–300 grams)
- Regions: Karnataka, Maharashtra
- Uses: Fresh fruit, juice
- Characteristics: High yield, long shelf life, low seeds
7. Arka Kiran
Arka Kiran is a hybrid variety known for its attractive red pulp and sweet flavor. This variety is gaining popularity due to its appealing appearance and versatility.
- Fruit Color: Yellow skin with red pulp
- Fruit Size: Medium
- Regions: Karnataka, Tamil Nadu
- Uses: Table fruit, processing, fresh juice
- Characteristics: Sweet pulp, high yield, visually striking
8. VNR Bihi
VNR Bihi is a high-quality hybrid guava variety that produces extremely large fruits with crunchy pulp. It is highly sought after in the market for its size and premium quality.
- Fruit Color: Light green skin with white pulp
- Fruit Size: Very large (400–800 grams per fruit)
- Regions: Chhattisgarh, Maharashtra, Uttar Pradesh
- Uses: Fresh consumption, juice, export
- Characteristics: Firm pulp, crunchy texture, long shelf life
9. Taiwan Pink
Taiwan Pink is an exotic guava variety with attractive pink pulp and a sweet flavor. It is ideal for both fresh consumption and processing into value-added products.
- Fruit Color: Greenish-yellow skin with pink pulp
- Fruit Size: Medium to large
- Regions: Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu, Karnataka
- Uses: Table fruit, juice, jams
- Characteristics: Sweet, attractive pink color, high yield
10. Chittidar
Chittidar guava is a traditional variety grown primarily in Uttar Pradesh. It is known for its white pulp and distinctive spots on the skin.
- Fruit Color: Greenish-yellow skin with spots and white pulp
- Fruit Size: Medium
- Regions: Uttar Pradesh, Bihar
- Uses: Table fruit, juice
- Characteristics: Sweet, high aroma, rich in Vitamin C
FAQs
Q1: Which is the most popular guava variety in India?
A: Allahabad Safeda and Lucknow 49 (Sardar Guava) are the most popular guava varieties in India due to their high yield and sweet flavor.
Q2: Which guava variety is best for processing into jams and juices?
A: Arka Mridula and Arka Kiran are excellent varieties for processing due to their sweet pulp and high yield.
Q3: Which guava variety has pink pulp?
A: Lalit, Arka Kiran, and Taiwan Pink are guava varieties with attractive pink pulp.
Q4: What is the largest guava variety grown in India?
A: VNR Bihi produces extremely large fruits, sometimes weighing between 400–800 grams per fruit.
Q5: Which states are the leading producers of guava in India?
A: Uttar Pradesh, Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu, Bihar, and Karnataka are the leading guava-producing states in India.
Conclusion
India is home to a wide range of guava varieties that cater to different market demands, from traditional favorites like Allahabad Safeda and Lucknow 49 to hybrids like Arka Kiran and VNR Bihi. Guavas are not only a rich source of nutrition but also offer economic opportunities for farmers through fresh sales and processed products like jams, juices, and pulp. With growing demand, cultivating high-yielding and quality guava varieties is an excellent choice for Indian farmers.
