PERENNIAL GUAVA

Used in street food, chutneys and perfumes, the climate-resistant fruit is a clear option for farmers

- VIBHA VARSHNEY

IN DELHI, guava assumes the status of street food in winters. Vendors carrying carts full of guavas pick out the fruit, based on the customer's choice; some like it pale green with a firm texture, while others prefer yellow-green ripe ones that are easy to bite, have a sweeter pulp and a strong musky smell. Then there are those who are fond of the seedless varieties or the ones with pink or red flesh. To woo the customers, some vendors also patiently slice the guava to give it the shape of a flower or sprinkle chaat masala over it. But other than its taste, what makes the fruit a favourite of most is the ubiquitous nature of the plant in the country.