Guava

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The plant probably originated from tropical Central America, but today it is cultivated in Mexico, US (California, Florida, Hawaii), the Caribbean, South America, South Africa, India et al.

Description:

The guava is the berry fruit of an evergreen shrub or tree that grows 3 to 10m high. It is pear or egg-shaped, is 4 to 12cm in diameter, and weighs between 40 and 300 grams. It is rare that fruits reach a weight of more than 1kg. The thin rind is slightly waxy and, at the beginnig of the ripening stage, green, later greenish-yellow, and finally deep yellow with whitish-pink highlights. The ripe fruit will give slightly under finger pressure. The flesh is firm and strong, sometimes a bit grainy, with colouring from greenish-white, yellow or pink to salmon-red. The soft and juicy pulp of the fruit contains seeds that interfere with the consumption of the fruit, however, they can be swallowed without chewing. Seedless varieties are available. The fruit's odour is wonderfully sweet. In fully ripe state, the odour can be nearly overwhelming. The taste is slightly sweetish sour, and reminds a bit of the quince. Its vitamin C content of 200-400mg%, and up to 900mg% in fully ripened fruits, makes the guava one of the most vitamin-rich fruits known. Many varieties are known which differ in size, shape, colour, seed content and taste. Guavas with red flesh usually taste better than the varieties with white or yellow flesh.

Marketing :

For the export destined guavas are harvested in firm stage in order to survive the transport. However, quite frequently they do not ripen to the satisfaction of the consumer, even if stored at room temperature. Depending on the degree of ripening it can be stored for 1 to 3 weeks at 7-10° C and a relative humidity of 90%. Guavas are available on the German market year round.

Use:

The guava is eaten raw, with or without its skin, sliced and spread with lemon juice, sugar or whipped cream. It may also be part of a fruit salad or topping of a fruit cake. The fruit is suitable for creams, puddings, sorbets and other desserts.