WHAT IS GUAVA?
Guava (/ˈɡwɑːvə/), is a tropical fruit native to hot and humid areas including Central America, South America and the Caribbean. Also known as Psidium guajava, the guava is a small tree, in the myrtle family. Throughout these countries along with others, the fruit is used in an array of dishes and desserts. At first glance, the fruit can pass off as a large lime, juicy pear, or smooth avocado. Guava is typically yellow or light green on the outside. The insides is usually a deep red or a shade of pink depending on the variety.
The fruit is rounded in shape, belonging to the myrtle family and has an edible seed. Nowadays, the fruit has been introduced and is grown in a multitude of tropical and subtropical locations. Guavas can be found in Asia, the United States and in parts of Africa. There are around 30 varieties, including the cherry guava and the apple guava. The tree bears fruit in just two years and will continue to do so for 40 years or more.
WHERE DOES GUAVA COME FROM?
The origin of the guava fruit is believed to have come from an area extending from Mexico, Central America (or Northern South America) throughout the Caribbean region. This is further backed up by archaeological sites in Peru, revealing early cultivation of the guava fruit as far back as 2500 BC. The crop is cultivated in many tropical and subtropical regions, remaining one of the few tropical fruits that can grow to fruition size in indoor pots. While humans have undoubtedly played a participating role in the fruit’s migration from one point to another, other agents include birds and other animals.
WHO ARE THE BIGGEST EXPORTERS OF GUAVA?
The OEC (Observatory Economic Complexity), a data visualization site purposely aimed at international trade data reveals curated data for 2019 that indicates Thailand was the top exporter of guava (along with other products) with an estimated export trade value at $675M. Mexico, Netherlands, Vietnam and Peru constitute the following countries that make up the top 5 exporters, each hitting exports at $456M, $339M, $317M and $275M respectively.
Additional data sourced from TRIDGE reveals in the year 2020, the top 3 exporters remained the same; Thailand, Mexico and the Netherlands with exports valued at $570.6M, $459.8M and $415.6M respectively. Following in succession for that year was Peru and Brazil, with $415.5M and $255.0M in exports respectively. The market share for exportation of guava does not have much of a gap between its competitors compared to other markets. It would amuse and interest you to know that India is the top producer of guava and despite churning out metric tons of this fruit, fails to land a spot amongst the top exporters of guava fruit every year. In 2020 alone, India produced 24.7M metric tons of guava.
WHO ARE THE BIGGEST IMPORTERS OF GUAVA?
Now breaching the issue of Imports, China was the top market, grossing $807M. The United States and Netherlands ranked in 2nd and 3rd at $619M and $294M respectively. Germany ranked in 4th, achieving imports valued at $232M and Vietnam ranking 5th at $185M. In 2020, the rankings remained the same with the only change being Hong Kong in 5th place for Vietnam. China imported $919.3M, United States imported $719.1M, Netherlands imported $365.6M, Germany imported $220M and Hong Kong imported $173.4M.
HOW DO YOU GROW GUAVA?
The tree can grow in many conditions including heat, frost, and water logging due to its hardy nature. Begin by prepping the site to which you wish to plant your fruit. Be sure to pick a sunny spot. In extremely hot regions, pick somewhere or provide partial shade to protect the plants. The optimal temperature to grow guava is between is 68°to 82°.The optimal pH range for the soil in which guava can be grown ranges from 4.5 to 9.0. Pick the right variety of guava that you wish to grow.
Dig a hole large and deep enough fitting for twice as much of the sapling’s root. It is also possible to grow guava from the seed. However, doing so may not produce a fruiting tree for up to eight years. As such, cuttings and layering are used as propagation methods for guava trees. Germination of guava seeds can take up to two months.
After digging your hole, layer the bottom with compost or fertilizer. Drive a stake into the ground next to the dug hole. Set the plant in the hole and ensure the roots are spread out in all directions. Refill the soil (mixed with compost) and ensure there are no air pockets amongst the roots. Ensure to water frequently after planting and fertilize with high phosphorous fertilizers. Reduce water during winters. Once matured and established, the care for the guava tree is highly similar to that of any fruiting tree.
HOW DO YOU HARVEST GUAVA?
The entire process of germination to maturing from a seed would take roughly eight years whereas from a sapling (seedling), your tree could fruit from within 3 to 4 years. After pollination and flowering, your fruits are ready for ripening and harvest from 20 to 28 weeks.
Ripe guavas would usually have a sweet aroma and would develop mature colors to indicate they are ripe. Note that a ripe Guava fruit would give in to slight pressure so if you try to pluck and it refuses to give in, then it isn’t ripe! For the best flavor, it is best to allow the fruit ripen on the tree, then harvest. Pick a fruit and give it a gently twist and it should come right off!’
WHAT CAN YOU DO WITH GUAVA?
Guavas are a fun and interesting to incorporate into one’s diet. Did you know you could prepare guava into cookies, smoothies and even enjoyed raw? I bet you knew about the last one already. The extract from guava can help regulate blood sugar especially with those suffering from diabetes or at risk. The fruit and leaves of the fruit also pose a huge benefit to boosting heat health, by lowering blood pressure, decreasing bad cholesterol and increasing good cholesterol.
Here is some good news for women. Guava leaf extract alleviates menstrual cramps and pain when taken daily and consistently, also providing benefits to one’s digestive system; reducing or preventing constipation. Guava also has been thought to aid in weight loss and have an anti-cancer effect as it has high levels of anti-oxidants that hinder the development and growth of cancer cells within the body. Don’t forget that it also helps boost your immunity to many ailments as it is one of the richest sources of vitamin C.
HOW DO YOU GET STARTED IN THE GUAVA FARMING BUSINESS?
Piqued your interest? Ready to begin your journey into guava farming? Our specialist can help you refine your process when it comes to starting and growing your guava business. We can also work one-on-one to help you navigate the challenges and opportunities of this business. Get in touch to learn more about how we can help your business thrive.
