L49 guava fruit plant

The L49 Guava, often referred to as Lucknow 49 Guava or Sardar Guava, is one of the most famous and widely cultivated guava varieties, particularly in India. It’s highly prized for its fruit quality and high yield.

Here’s a detailed description of the L49 Guava fruit:

• Appearance:

  • Shape and Size: L49 guavas are typically medium to large-sized fruits, often weighing between 200 to 500 grams. They are generally round to oval or slightly pear-shaped.
  • Skin (Rind): The skin is relatively thick, smooth, and edible. When unripe, it’s green. As it ripens, it turns a light greenish-yellow to full yellow. The surface can sometimes appear slightly rough or pebbled.
  • Internal Flesh: The flesh is the most common defining characteristic when cut open. It’s typically a creamy white or off-white color, though some descriptions might mention a slight pinkish tinge in certain conditions. The flesh is dense and firm.
  • Seeds: L49 guavas generally contain a moderate number of small, edible seeds. While not “seedless,” the seeds are usually softer and less numerous compared to some traditional, wilder guava varieties, making them more palatable for fresh consumption.

• Taste and Texture:

  • Taste: L49 guava is renowned for its sweet, highly aromatic, and flavorful taste. It offers a good balance of sweetness with a subtle, refreshing tartness. The aroma is distinctively musky and sweet.
  • Texture: The flesh is firm and juicy, providing a pleasant crisp or slightly granular texture when eaten. It’s often described as crunchy, especially when slightly less ripe.

• Botanical Characteristics and Origin:

  • Origin: The “Lucknow 49” name indicates its origin or significant development in Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, India. It’s a leading commercial variety in India.
  • Tree: The L49 guava tree is typically a medium-sized, vigorous, and prolific bearer. It’s known for its adaptability to various soil types and climatic conditions, thriving in tropical and subtropical environments. It can reach heights of 10 to 15 feet (3 to 4.5 meters) with a similar spread.
  • Yield: It’s considered a high-yielding variety, making it popular for both commercial orchards and home gardens.
  • Pollination: L49 guava trees are self-fertile, meaning a single tree can produce fruit, though having another tree can increase yield.

• Seasonality:

  • In suitable tropical and subtropical climates, L49 guava trees can produce fruit multiple times a year, or even almost year-round, with peak seasons often in the winter (November to February in North India) for best quality.

• Nutritional Value and Health Benefits:

  • Like other guavas, L49 is a powerhouse of nutrition. It’s an excellent source of:
    • Vitamin C: Significantly higher than oranges, boosting immunity and skin health.
    • Dietary Fiber: Crucial for digestive health, helping to prevent constipation and promote satiety.
    • Antioxidants: Such as carotenoids and polyphenols, which help protect cells from damage.
    • Other vitamins (like A and B-complex) and minerals (like potassium and magnesium).
  • It’s often consumed for its health benefits, including improving digestion and boosting immunity.

• Culinary Uses:

  • Fresh Eating: The L49 guava is primarily consumed fresh due to its excellent taste and texture. It’s often eaten out of hand, sliced, or added to fruit salads.
  • Juices and Beverages: Its juicy pulp and sweet flavor make it ideal for preparing refreshing juices, smoothies, and shakes.
  • Processed Products: It’s also widely used for making jams, jellies, preserves, and desserts. Its good pectin content makes it suitable for setting jellies.

The L49 Guava remains a benchmark variety in India and beyond due to its robust growth, high yield, excellent fruit quality, and delicious sweet-aromatic flavor