Comparative analysis of quality characters and seed content of pink and white fleshed guava cultivars grown in rainy season

Guava is known for its exceptional nutritional value and year-round fruiting ability, although its qualitative traits vary depending on the cultivar and season of production. In this study, four rainy season grown guava cultivars i.e., Hisar Safeda, Shweta (white flesh), and Lalit, Punjab Pink (pink flesh) are analyzed for their physico-chemical characteristics, enzymatic activity, and seed content. The cultivars showed significant differences in total soluble solids (TSS), acidity, ascorbic acid, sugar:acid ratio, antioxidant activity, pectin content, and pectin methylesterase (PME) activity. Shweta recorded the highest TSS (12.07 °Brix), antioxidant activity (8.16 µmol Trolox/g FW), ascorbic acid content (129.51 mg/100 g FW), and sugar: acid ratio (32.89), whereas Lalit displayed the highest seed content (2.94%). Punjab Pink had moderate PME activity and recorded the highest pectin content (0.817%). This comparative study offers valuable information for choosing varieties for both fresh consumption and processing during the rainy season.