Psidium guajava, commonly known as lemon guava or guava, is a common tropical fruit that is cultivated in the tropical and subtropical regions of the world. If you haven’t tried this fruit, then you might be wondering how to eat guava. But, what does guava taste like?
What Does Guava Taste Like?
Before we address the question, let’s talk about the benefits of consuming guava. Guava is said to have many health benefits. The fruit is rich in essential vitamins and minerals. It is high in vitamin C and also contains vitamins A, B, and E. It has a good amount of fiber and a relatively low amount of sugar.
Guava is a fruit having a fairly dense texture with a strong flavor but a mild taste. The fruit’s taste is said to be a combination of pear and strawberry.
The pulp of the fruit may be sweet or sour depending on the ripeness. The sweet varieties taste like a combination of grapefruit and pear. If upon smelling, a guava gives off a tropical, strong, and sweet aroma, it is perfectly ripe.
Guava Flavor Pairings for Better Taste
Now that you know what guava tastes like, you must be curious to know the various flavor combinations you can try with this fruit and other food ingredients for a better taste. Guava is quite the friendly fruit and mixes well with other ingredients.
Guava blends well with these fruits:
- Citrus fruit
- Coconut
- Kaffir leaves
- Strawberries
- Huckleberries
- Pineapple
Guava blends well with these spices:
- Basil
- Poppyseeds
- Mint
- Lavender
- Ginger
- Juniper
How to Tell if a Guava Is Ripe by Tasting?
If the fruit is fully ripe, then it will taste sweet, soft, and juicy. However, this is the case with most fruits. Overripe guavas look slightly yellowish on the outside, and they become tender from the inside. You can still consume them, but they are better if used in jams and jellies.
Unripe guavas are a bit hard to bite compared to the ripe ones. If the taste of the fruit is astringent, then leave the fruit for further ripening.
If you cut open a guava and the inner skin is brown, then it indicates that the guava is spoiled.
2 Easy Guava Recipes for Better Taste
Guava is an extremely versatile fruit that you can use in a variety of delicious recipes. The dishes retain the sweetness of the fruit. Here are two absolutely delicious guava recipes that are quite easy to make.
1. Guava Puff Pastry Recipe
So, are you up for some puff pastries? These puff pastries with guava can leave you wanting more.
Ingredients:
- 1 box of puff pastry sheets
- 1 package of guava
- Wax paper
- Confectioner’s sugar
Directions
Preheat the oven to 400°C. Put the pastry sheets in the microwave for one minute. Cut them into small squares and place them on a sheet of wax paper.
Place the pastry sheets inside the oven and wait for them to puff. In the meantime, prepare the guava by filling a pot with water and heating it until it melts.
Once the pastry sheets are puffed, place pieces of guava between two pieces of a pastry and wait for them to cool off before you eat them.
2. Guava Jelly Recipe
Isn’t the idea of guava jelly intriguing enough for you to try your hand at it? Well, this recipe is very easy.
Ingredients:
- 3 cups of guavas, peeled and chopped
- 1 teaspoon of salt
- ¾ cup of sugar
- 3 cups of water
- 2 limes, juiced
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
Directions
Add all the ingredients in a saucepan and bring to a boil. Then, simmer for about 30 minutes on medium-low heat.
Let the mixture cool and pour it through a fine mesh sieve to separate the seeds. Press the fleshy solids with a spoon to release the juices from them.
Add this mixture to the saucepan and boil again. Let it simmer for 40 minutes on medium-low heat or until it has thickened.
Let the mixture cool off. Then, pour into jars and refrigerate for later use. The jelly will thicken as it cools.
Conclusion
There are many ways you can use a guava or simply have it as whole fruit. A guava has numerous health benefits, and it is one fruit that you can easily add to your daily diet.
Sources:
“Enjoy Guava Juice For Taste And Health” CookingDetective; https://www.cookingdetective.com/enjoy-guava-juice-for-taste-and-health/, last accessed June 23, 2017.
Graham, C., “A Flavor Guide to Pairing Fruits in Drinks,” The Spruce, December 30, 2016; https://www.thespruce.com/fruit-flavor-combinations-for-cocktails-760298, last accessed June 23, 2017.
“How to Determine When Guava Is Ripe,” SFGate; http://homeguides.sfgate.com/determine-guava-ripe-72150.html, last accessed June 23, 2017.
“Guava Recipe,” Cook Pad; https://cookpad.com/us/search/guava, last accessed June 23, 2017.
“Guavas, common, raw Nutrition Facts & Calories,” SELF Nutrition Data; http://nutritiondata.self.com/facts/fruits-and-fruit-juices/1927/2, last accessed June 23, 2017.
