VNR Guava (Psidium guajava): The High-Yielding, Crunchy & Long-Shelf-Life Superfruit
Introduction: A Premium Guava Variety for Commercial & Home Cultivation
VNR Guava (Psidium guajava), developed by VNR Nursery, is a highly productive, large-sized guava variety known for its sweet taste, crunchy texture, and extended shelf life. Unlike traditional guavas, VNR Guava has fewer seeds, a thick pericarp (fruit wall), and a less prominent seed cavity, making it highly desirable for fresh consumption and commercial farming.
This variety produces large fruits ranging from 300g to 1000g, making it one of the biggest guava varieties available. Its ability to stay fresh longer makes it an excellent choice for fruit markets, export businesses, and home gardeners who want long-lasting produce.
Local & Common Names Around the World
VNR Guava is recognized globally under various names:
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English: VNR Guava
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Spanish: Guayaba VNR
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Portuguese: Goiaba VNR
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French: Goyave VNR
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Hindi: वीएनआर अमरूद (VNR Amrood)
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Tamil: வி.என்.ஆர் கொய்யா (VNR Koyya)
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Malayalam: വി.എൻ.ആർ പേരയ്ക്ക (VNR Peraykka)
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Bengali: ভিএনআর পেয়ারা (VNR Peyara)
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Filipino: Bayabas VNR
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Indonesian: Jambu Biji VNR
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Thai: ฝรั่งวีเอ็นอาร์ (Farang VNR)
Nutritional Value & Health Benefits
VNR Guava is highly nutritious, offering a rich blend of vitamins, minerals, and fiber for overall well-being.
Nutritional Content (Per 100g of Fruit)
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Calories: 68 kcal
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Carbohydrates: 14g
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Protein: 2.6g
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Fat: 0.9g
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Fiber: 5.4g
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Vitamin C: 250mg (4x more than an orange)
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Vitamin A: 630 IU
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Vitamin B6: 0.12mg
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Potassium: 420mg
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Magnesium: 22mg
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Iron: 0.26mg
Health Benefits of VNR Guava
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Boosts Immunity: High in vitamin C, which enhances immune function and prevents infections.
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Regulates Blood Sugar: A low glycemic index fruit, making it ideal for diabetics.
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Supports Heart Health: Potassium and antioxidants help regulate blood pressure and cholesterol.
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Improves Digestion: High fiber content aids digestion and prevents constipation.
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Promotes Weight Loss: Low-calorie and high-fiber, helping in appetite control and metabolism boost.
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Enhances Skin & Hair Health: Vitamin A & C boost collagen production, keeping skin glowing and youthful.
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Long Shelf Life: Due to thick skin and firm texture, VNR guavas stay fresh longer, reducing food waste.
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Strengthens Bones & Muscles: Rich in potassium, magnesium, and calcium, aiding muscle function and bone health.
Taste Profile & Culinary Uses
How Does VNR Guava Taste?
VNR Guava has a mildly sweet, refreshing taste with a crisp, crunchy texture. Unlike softer guava varieties, its firm flesh makes it enjoyable to eat raw while offering a satisfying bite.
How to Enjoy VNR Guava in Your Diet
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Eat Fresh: Enjoy its crunchy texture raw with a sprinkle of salt or chili powder.
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Juices & Smoothies: Blends well with citrus, apple, or coconut water.
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Guava Jam & Jelly: The firm flesh makes it perfect for jams and preserves.
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Desserts & Sweets: Used in cakes, sorbets, and guava tarts.
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Salads & Salsas: Adds a crunchy, sweet contrast to tropical fruit salads.
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Dried Guava Slices: Dehydrated slices make a long-lasting, fiber-rich snack.
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Pickled Guava: Perfect for savory guava pickles and chutneys.
Growing & Maintaining the VNR Guava Plant
Ideal Growing Conditions
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Sunlight: Requires full sun for maximum fruiting.
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Soil: Adaptable to all soil types but prefers well-drained, slightly acidic to neutral soil.
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Watering: Moderate watering; avoid waterlogging.
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Temperature: Thrives in warm tropical and subtropical climates.
Maintenance & Care
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Fertilization: Apply organic compost or balanced fertilizer every 1-2 months for healthy growth.
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Pruning: Trim branches to increase airflow and encourage fruit production.
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Mulching: Helps retain soil moisture and suppress weeds.
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Pest Control: Monitor for fruit flies, aphids, and caterpillars.
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Harvesting: Begins fruiting within one year; fruits should be harvested when firm and full-sized.
How to Preserve VNR Guava
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Refrigeration: Store fresh guavas in the fridge for up to two weeks.
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Freezing: Slice and freeze guava pieces for smoothies and future use.
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Canning & Jams: Preserve guavas in syrups or as guava jelly.
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Drying: Dehydrate guava slices for long-lasting snacks.
Cultural & Traditional Significance
Traditional Uses in Different Cultures
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India & Southeast Asia: Used in Ayurvedic medicine for digestion and immunity.
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Mexico & Latin America: A staple fruit in street markets and local drinks.
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Brazil & Caribbean: Blended into smoothies and tropical cocktails.
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Africa & Pacific Islands: Integrated into traditional healing remedies.
Symbolism & Folklore
- Guava is considered a fruit of good fortune and prosperity.
- Guava leaves are used in spiritual cleansing rituals.
- The tree is believed to bring abundance and health.
Why You Should Grow VNR Guava
✔ Large-Sized & Attractive Fruit – Fruits range from 300g to 1000g.
✔ Crunchy & Sweet Flavor – Ideal for fresh eating and culinary use.
✔ Perfect for Home & Commercial Farming – High-yielding and highly marketable.
✔ Nutrient-Dense & Health-Boosting – Packed with vitamin C, fiber, and antioxidants.
✔ Long Shelf Life – Stays fresh longer, making it great for export and storage.
✔ Low Maintenance – Hardy, drought-resistant, and easy to cultivate.
Final Thoughts: A Game-Changer in Guava Farming
VNR Guava is a top-tier guava variety, offering exceptional size, taste, and shelf life, making it ideal for home gardeners and commercial farmers. Whether you enjoy it fresh, as a smoothie, or in a tropical salad, this premium guava variety is a must-have for fruit enthusiasts and health-conscious consumers alike.
