the beautiful looking - Psidium guajava

Appearances are deceptive and presentation is all the more important.  The fruit commonly found on every street vendor is delicious and packed with nutrients; low in calories, loaded with fibre and is an excellent healthy diet !!  - the name came from Taino !! 

 

Taíno is an extinct Arawakan language that was spoken by the Taíno people of the Caribbean. At the time of Spanish contact, it was the most common language throughout the Caribbean. Classic Taíno (Taíno proper) was the native language of the Taíno tribes living in the Leeward Islands of the Lesser Antilles, Puerto Rico, the Turks and Caicos Islands, most of Hispaniola, and eastern Cuba.   

The fruit  -  “Guava”  a common tropical fruit cultivated in many tropical and subtropical regions.  The common guava Psidium guajava (lemon guava, apple guava) is a small tree in the myrtle family (Myrtaceae), native to Mexico, Central America, the Caribbean and northern South America.  The term guava appears to have been in use since the mid-16th century. The name derived from the Taíno, language. Archaeological sites in Peru yielded evidence of guava cultivation as early as 2500 BC. 

Some evidence suggests that guava can improve blood sugar control. Many scientists believe that the high levels of antioxidants and vitamins in guava leaves may help protect your heart from damage by free radicals. The higher levels of potassium and soluble fiber in guavas are also thought to contribute to improved heart health. Additionally, guava leaf extract has been linked to lower blood pressure, a decrease in “bad” LDL cholesterol, and a rise in “good” HDL cholesterol. Since high blood pressure and high levels of LDL cholesterol are linked to higher risks of heart disease and stroke, taking guava leaf extract could lead to valuable benefits. Guavas are an excellent source of dietary fiber. Therefore, eating more guavas may aid healthy bowel movements and prevent constipation. Low levels of vitamin C are linked to an increased risk of infections and illness. Guavas are a fantastic way to get this nutrient, as they’re one of the richest food sources of vitamin C.  

However, not everyone should eat guava on an empty stomach, especially those with sensitive stomachs. In a first of its kind effort aimed at giving a fillip to guava cultivation in the state, the Uttar Pradesh government is trying out the Espalier technique in the guava orchards of the Prayagraj region.  After a study by agricultural scientists, the implementation of this special technique as part of a new project has been started with the cooperation of Uttar Pradesh Agricultural Research Council and Central Institute of Subtropical Horticulture (CISH), Lucknow, informed officials of the state horticulture department.  

Espaliering is the technique of growing a woody plant on a plane using the plant’s trunk and limbs to form a pattern against walls, fences or other structures. The practice of espaliering dates to ancient times when it was first used to grow fruit-bearing vines and trees in small spaces—inside castle courtyards or along crowded Medieval streets etc.  Prayagraj region is known for ‘Allahabadi’ Sebia and Surkha varieties of guavas loved for their distinct colour, aroma and taste that not only makes it popular throughout the country but are now increasingly also starting to have demand from foreign countries like Oman, England and Dubai too.  

Uttar Pradesh leads the eight major guava-producing states of the country which between then produce 75% of the fruit every year. The state produces the maximum 21.78% of the guavas followed by Madhya Pradesh (17.20%), Bihar (9.62%), Andhra Pradesh (7.42%), Haryana (6%), West Bengal (4.51%) and Chhattisgarh (4.14%). In fiscal year 2023, volume of guava produced in India is estimated to have amounted to 5.59 million metric tonnes.

 
Interesting !
 
Regards – S Sampathkumar
3.11.2024