Best Guava Varieties for Farming and Consumption in India
Allahabad Safeda Guava
Allahabad Safeda is one of the most famous and widely grown guava varieties in India. Known for its smooth, pale skin and soft white flesh, this guava is valued for its high yield, sweet taste, and nutritional richness.
Identification
- Color: Pale green to yellow when ripe
- Shape: Round to oval
- Skin: Smooth and thin
- Flesh: White, soft, and grainy
- Seeds: Medium to high seed count
- Taste: Sweet and mildly tangy
Growth and Seasonality
Allahabad Safeda grows best in tropical to subtropical climates and is typically harvested in two main seasons: August–September and December–January.
Uses and Benefits
Commonly eaten fresh, it’s also used in juices, jams, and chutneys. Rich in vitamin C, fiber, and antioxidants, this guava supports immune health, digestion, and skin wellness.
Lucknow 49 (Sardar)
Lucknow 49, also known as Sardar Guava, is a high-yielding and popular Indian variety known for its large size and excellent taste. It is widely cultivated due to its commercial value and adaptability.
Identification
- Color: Light green to pale yellow when ripe
- Shape: Round to oval, slightly flattened
- Skin: Smooth and thin
- Flesh: White, firm, and moderately juicy
- Seeds: Fewer seeds compared to other varieties
- Taste: Sweet and mildly acidic
Growth and Seasonality
This variety thrives in tropical and subtropical climates and is typically harvested during two seasons: July–September and November–January.
Uses and Benefits
Ideal for fresh consumption and processing, Lucknow 49 is rich in vitamin C, fiber, and antioxidants, supporting digestion, immunity, and skin health.
Lalit Guava
Lalit is a semi-dwarf, red-fleshed guava variety developed for high productivity and attractive appearance. It is well-known for its sweet flavor and disease resistance.
Identification
- Color: Yellowish-green skin
- Shape: Round to slightly oval
- Skin: Smooth and medium-thick
- Flesh: Deep pink to red, soft, and juicy
- Seeds: Medium number of soft seeds
- Taste: Sweet with a mild tang
Growth and Seasonality
Lalit guava is harvested mainly from September to November and performs well in diverse climatic conditions, including northern and central India.
Uses and Benefits
Perfect for eating fresh and making juice or jams. High in lycopene, vitamin A, and vitamin C, it supports eye health, immunity, and provides strong antioxidant protection.
Arka Mridula Guava
Arka Mridula is a high-yielding, soft-seeded guava variety developed by the Indian Institute of Horticultural Research. It is prized for its uniform fruit size, pleasant flavor, and suitability for processing.
Identification
- Color: Light green turning yellowish on ripening
- Shape: Round to slightly oval
- Skin: Smooth and thin
- Flesh: White, soft, and juicy
- Seeds: Fewer and soft
- Taste: Sweet with a mild aroma
Growth and Seasonality
It is suitable for tropical and subtropical climates and is typically harvested from August to October.
Uses and Benefits
Ideal for table use and pulp extraction in the food industry. Arka Mridula is high in vitamin C and dietary fiber, supporting immunity and digestion.
Shweta Guava
Shweta is an improved white-fleshed guava variety known for its attractive appearance, sweetness, and early bearing. It’s widely grown in India and preferred by commercial farmers.
Identification
- Color: Light green to yellow skin
- Shape: Round and symmetrical
- Skin: Thin and smooth
- Flesh: White, firm, and crisp
- Seeds: Few and soft
- Taste: Sweet and mildly tangy
Growth and Seasonality
Shweta guava bears fruit early and is harvested primarily between July and September. It performs well in northern and western Indian regions.
Uses and Benefits
Best for fresh eating and salads. Rich in vitamin C and potassium, it supports immunity, blood pressure regulation, and digestive health.
Arka Kiran Guava
Arka Kiran is a striking red-fleshed guava variety developed for both its aesthetic appeal and nutritional value. It produces uniform fruits with excellent shelf life and is favored for commercial cultivation.
Identification
- Color: Green skin with pinkish blush when ripe
- Shape: Round and medium-sized
- Skin: Smooth and firm
- Flesh: Deep pink to red, juicy and soft
- Seeds: Medium, soft
- Taste: Sweet with mild acidity
Growth and Seasonality
Arka Kiran is mainly harvested from August to October and grows well in warm climates with good sunlight.
Uses and Benefits
Excellent for fresh eating and juice. It’s packed with lycopene, vitamin C, and antioxidants, helping boost heart health and immunity.
Thai Guava
Thai guava is a popular variety in Southeast Asia, especially Thailand, known for its large size, crisp texture, and mild flavor. It is often eaten unripe with salt, sugar, or chili powder.
Identification
- Color: Light green to pale yellow when ripe
- Shape: Round to oval and large
- Skin: Smooth and thick
- Flesh: White, very crisp, and less juicy
- Seeds: Few and small
- Taste: Mildly sweet and crunchy
Growth and Seasonality
Thai guavas are cultivated year-round in tropical climates, with peak harvests depending on the region.
Uses and Benefits
Commonly eaten raw with condiments. They are high in fiber, vitamin A, and vitamin C, promoting digestion and supporting vision and immune function.
Apple Guava
Apple guava, also known as Psidium guajava, is a common tropical guava variety named for its crisp texture that resembles an apple. It’s widely grown in tropical regions and appreciated for its refreshing flavor.
Identification
- Color: Light green to yellow
- Shape: Round like an apple
- Skin: Smooth and thin
- Flesh: White or pale pink, crisp
- Seeds: Moderate, hard
- Taste: Sweet-tart with a crunchy bite
Growth and Seasonality
Apple guavas grow well in warm, tropical climates and can fruit year-round in suitable conditions, with peak harvests typically in spring and fall.
Uses and Benefits
Best eaten fresh or added to fruit salads. Rich in vitamin C, dietary fiber, and antioxidants—great for immunity and gut health.