Arka Mridula Guava Hybrid Air Layered Plant

The Arka Mridula is a highly popular white-fleshed variety developed by the Indian Institute of Horticultural Research (IIHR) in Bengaluru. It was developed through the selection from open-pollinated seedlings of the Allahabad Safeda.

Its name, "Mridula" (which means soft in Sanskrit), refers to its most defining characteristic: exceptionally soft seeds.

1. Physical Characteristics
Size & Shape: The fruit is medium-sized and typically round (globular). Each fruit generally weighs between 180g and 200g.

Skin: It has a smooth, thin skin that is primrose-yellow when fully ripe. It lacks the bumps or ridges seen in varieties like the Sardar.

Flesh: The interior is creamy white, thick, and very juicy. It has a high pulp-to-seed ratio.

Seeds: This is the variety's claim to fame. The seeds are remarkably soft, making it the closest thing to a "seedless" experience while still maintaining the flavor benefits of a seeded guava. You can easily chew the seeds without any "gritty" sensation.

2. Flavor Profile
Taste: It is intensely sweet with a very high TSS (Total Soluble Solids) of about 12° to 12.5° Brix. It has a rich, dessert-like flavor with almost no acidity.

Aroma: It is highly aromatic, carrying a sweet, floral fragrance that is characteristic of the best Indian "table" guavas.

Texture: The flesh is "melting"—it is soft and smooth rather than crunchy or apple-like.