Indulge in the tropical taste and sensation of guava! This vibrant tropical fruit is a flavor bomb packed with nutrition and native to the lush regions of Mexico, the Caribbean, Central America, and northern South America. Its juicy sweetness and subtle tartness make it a versatile delicacy that can be enjoyed straight off the peel, sipped as juice, or blended into refreshing smoothies.
Whether you're a seasoned guava lover or just discovering its delights, this nutrient-dense fruit offers benefits that are simply irresistible. Check out our guava guide for tips on selecting, storing, and savoring this superfood. Get ready to experience the flavor and nourishment of guava like never before!
Varieties of Guava
With over 100 species of guava in the World, you can commonly find more than ten varieties here in the United States. Here are some of the most popular varieties of guava:
Tropical White
This variety of guava originated in Southern Mexico and is widely grown throughout the Pacific tropics and Asia. Tropical white guavas are typically larger with edible seeds compared to other varieties. This variety has a slightly sweet and acidic pulp with a strong scent.
Mexican Cream
Also known as Mexican guava, this is a unique and delicious fruit that hails from the lush, tropical regions of Mexico and Central America. In addition, you can enjoy and eat Mexican guava in Southern California, as there are also cultivated here. With its sweet, creamy flesh and hints of floral and citrus flavors, this guava variety is truly a treat for the senses.
Strawberry Guava
Strawberry guava is small and round, with bright red skin. It has a sweet and slightly tart flavor that tastes similar to strawberry, making it a popular choice for making jams, jellies, and syrups.
Pink Guava
The pink guava is larger in size than the strawberry guava, with a sweeter and less tart flavor. The Pink guavas are the most aromatic and can range from pale pink to deep orange-magenta, and they taste like a combination of strawberry, apple, and pear.
Yellow Guava
Also known as lemon guava and apple guava, yellow guava is the same species as strawberry guava, and this variety is native to the Caribbean, Central America, and South America. Yellow guava has bright yellow skin and pink flesh with a crisp texture like an apple, and it has a strong scent like a combination of lemon and guava.
Red Guava
Red guava is a small round/pear-shaped fruit with an extremely sweet and floral taste that is known for its pink flesh. Native to Mexico, Central America, and the Caribbean, the red guava has a sweet, slightly tart flavor.
Which parts of the guava can you eat?
The entire guava fruit is edible- from the flesh to the seed and grind. While some may opt to discard the rind and seeds, you'll miss out on this tasty treat's full potential. The guava seeds are a chewy delight that can be enjoyed as a crunchy ice cream topping or a fresh addition to salads.
What Does Guava Taste Like
Guavas are tropical fruits with a sweet flavor and slightly tart with a uniquely delicious taste. The fruit's juicy flesh has a delicate texture that is both soft and slightly grainy, with a delicate sweet aroma.
Different varieties of guava offer different flavors and textures. Some people describe guava as having a taste similar to a cross between a pear and a strawberry, with a hint of lemon. The sweetness of the fruit is balanced by a slight tartness, resulting in a fresh and vibrant flavor.
That is if you are enjoying ripe guava. However, if you pick unripped guava, it will have a tart and slightly astringent flavor and a firm texture. When guava is unripe, it contains high levels of tannins, which can make the fruit taste bitter or sour. If you prefer a sweeter taste, it's best to wait until the guava has fully ripened.
How To Choose Guava
Choosing perfectly ripe guavas can be a bit of an art, but with these tips, you'll be a pro in no time!
Look for bright, unblemished skin
Choose guavas with bright, unblemished skin. If the skin is dull, or there are bruises or discoloration, it's a sign that the fruit may not be at its peak freshness.
Test for ripeness
Guavas should be slightly soft to the touch when ripe. Ripe fruit should give slightly when gently squeezed, like how a ripe avocado would. If the fruit is too firm, it may not have reached its full flavor potential.
Smell it
Guavas should have a sweet aroma when they are ripe. If you can't smell anything or the scent is off, it's a sign that the fruit may not be at its best.
Choose the right type for your needs
Different types of guava have different flavors and use. If you're using the fruit for snacking, choose red or green guava, which is sweeter and less tart. If you're using the fruit in recipes, such as jams or jellies, choose strawberry guava, which is sweeter and more flavorful.
How To Eat Guava
Guava is a versatile fruit that can be enjoyed in various ways! Here are just a few of the many ways to enjoy this tropical treat:
Enjoy As Is
Guavas are perfect be enjoy as they are. But be careful when eating guavas as they have seeds in the middle, and these seeds are edible but can be hard to chew. To prepare the guava, cut the fruit in half, scoop out the guava seeds, and enjoy the juicy flesh. Guava is great for snacking or for a sweet and healthy treat on the go.
Juiced
Guava is a popular ingredient in juices, smoothies, and cocktails, as it will add a burst of tropical flavor. Blend the fruit with water, ice, and other fruits for a delicious and refreshing smoothie.
Because guava is a juicy fruit, you can also juice it and make guava juice. But before you put it in your juicer, be sure to remove the seeds.
Baked Into Dessert
Guava is a versatile fruit that can be used in various recipes. Try baking guava into cakes, pies, or pastries if you prefer a sweeter treat. The unique flavor of guava is a perfect complement to traditional dessert recipes, and it adds a touch of tropical flair to your baked goods.
Grill it
Guava is also a popular ingredient in savory dishes and pairs well with grilled pork or chicken. Simply slice the fruit and grill it alongside your meat for a sweet and savory meal.
Preserved
Guava is often used to make puree, jams, jellies, and syrups, which can be used to add a touch of tropical flavor to your favorite dishes. You can use these preserved guavas to make ice cream, baked goods, drinks, and more.
Use as Toppings
Raw guava can be used as toppings to your salad, coleslaw, yogurt, or smoothie bowl.
You can also use preserved guava like guava jam or puree as topping to your ice cream, yogurt, avocado toast, pizza, and more.
Make It Into A Sauce or Glaze
Adding guava to a sauce or glaze can add a sweet, tangy, and tropical flavor to any dish. You can use guava to make sweet guava BBQ sauce, sweet and sour sauce, sweet teriyaki sauce, or combine it with soy sauce or vinegar to make a dipping sauce. The possibilities are endless.
Health Benefits Of Eating Guava
Guava is not only delicious but nutritious fruit that provides various health benefits. Some would say guava is the ultimate superfood, and it is for good reasons too. Here are some of the key reasons why you should consider adding guava to your diet:
High in Vitamins and Minerals
Guava is an excellent source of essential vitamins and minerals such as vitamin C, potassium, and fiber, making it a great choice for maintaining overall health and wellness.
Boosts Immune System
The high levels of vitamin C in guava help boost your immune system and keep you feeling healthy and strong.
Supports Digestive Health
Guava is high in fiber, which helps to regulate digestion and promote healthy bowel movements. This can help to prevent constipation and other digestive issues.
Promotes Heart Health
Guava contains antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds that can help to improve heart health and lower the risk of heart disease.
It may Help with Weight Management
Guava is a low-calorie, nutrient-dense food that can help to support weight management and promote feelings of fullness, making it a great snack for those watching their calorie intake.
How To Store Guava
Proper storage of guava is important to ensure that it remains fresh and flavorful. Here are a few ways and some tips to help you store guava properly:
Store at Room Temperature
Guava can be stored at room temperature for a few days, and it's best to store it in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. However, keep in mind that guava releases a musky odor at the ripening stage that can attract fruit flies.
Refrigeration
To extend the shelf life of guava and avoid getting fruit flies, you can store it in the refrigerator. Wrap it in plastic wrap or place it in an airtight container to prevent it from drying out. Guava will stay fresh in the refrigerator for up to a week.
Place It In the Freezer
If you have a large batch of guava and want to preserve it for later, you can freeze it. Wash, peel, and chop the fruit, then place it in an airtight freezer-safe container or freezer bag. Guava will keep in the freezer for up to six months.
How To Speed Up The Ripening Process
If your fresh guava is far from being ripe and you want to enjoy it quickly, you can speed up the ripening process by leaving it at room temperature for a few days. You can also place it in a paper bag to help it ripen faster.
Where Can You Find Guava
Guava season in the United States typically runs from late summer to early winter, with peak availability in September and October. However, the exact timing of the guava season can vary depending on the region and weather conditions. You can find fresh guavas at your local grocery store, such as Walmart, Whole Foods, or Safeway. You can also find them at farmers' markets and specialty fruit shops.
