Guava

Most memorable for their enticing floral aroma, guavas have a taste that is best described as one part pear, one part strawberry. They are grown in tropical climates worldwide.

Guavas are oval or round in shape, with a skin that ranges in color from yellow to red and even purple-black, and that may be either rough or smooth. The flesh of the fruit ranges in color from pale yellow to bright red.

Varieties

There are many varieties of guavas. These can vary in size from that of a small egg on up to a medium apple. Some guavas are filled with inedible seeds, while others are seedless.

Buying and storing tips

The best guavas have a pleasant, rich scent. In addition to noting their scent, choose guavas that give to gentle palm pressure but that have not yet begun to show spots. Store green guavas at room temperature and ripe ones in the refrigerator’s vegetable drawer for up to four days.

To finish ripening a guava, enclose it in a paper bag with a banana and leave it out at room temperature until the guava begins to soften; check and use it before the darker spots appear.

Availability

Guavas are usually only available fresh in the region where they’re grown. However, imported varieties are available year-round in some food markets.

Preparation, uses, and tips

To be eaten raw, guavas need to be very ripe. To enjoy fresh guava, cut it into quarters, remove the seeds (if there are any), peel, and savor. Guavas make an unusual and delicious addition to fruit salads.

Guavas are a popular featured ingredient in jams, preserves, and sauces. These products, as well as canned whole guavas and guava juice are, available in many food markets.

Latin markets and some specialty gourmet stores sell guava paste. This is a combination of guava pulp, sugar, pectin, and citric acid that is cooked together slowly almost to a gel. It comes in individually wrapped bars that are firm enough to slice and can be served as a sweet snack or with cheese or ice cream for dessert.

Nutritional Highlights

Guava (raw), 1 cup (165g)
Calories: 84
Protein: 1.35g
Carbohydrates: 19.6g
Total Fat: 0.9g
Fiber: 8.9g

*Foods that are an “excellent source” of a particular nutrient provide 20% or more of the Recommended Daily Value, based upon United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) guidelines. Foods that are a “good source” of a particular nutrient provide between 10 and 20% of the USDA Recommended Daily Value. Nutritional information and daily nutritional guidelines may vary in different countries. Please consult the appropriate organization in your country for specific nutritional values and the recommended daily guidelines.

Health benefits and concerns

Health benefits and concerns for fruit
Many health benefits and concerns associated with this food are applicable to other fruit. Read about health benefits and concerns for fruit for a full description.

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The information presented in Foodnotes is for informational purposes only and was created by a team of U.S. registered dietitians and food experts. Consult your doctor, practitioner, and/or pharmacist for any health problem and before using any supplements, making dietary changes, or before making any changes in prescribed medications. Information expires March 2005.