Guava, properties of this tropical fruit

Guava ( psidium ), one of the sweet fruits that due to its properties and its delicious flavor has become an essential fruit in our diet.

What is guava?

The Guava ( Psidium ) is a tropical fruit of average size between 5 and 12 centimeters. The color can vary depending on the species, but the most common is greenish yellow on the outside.

Inside it has a white to pinkish flesh that is full of edible seeds that we will talk about later.

Guavas ( psidium ) taste sweet and delicious. In addition, it gives off a special aroma, which is why in many places it is known as the nectar of the gods .

Guayabo or guava tree

The guava is the tree where guavas come from. These trees belong to the Myrtaceaes family . In addition, it has a maximum height of 10 meters being very leafy.

The tree gives off a very pleasant and characteristic smell thanks to its leaves . The flowers that precede the fruit are very showy white.

Where does guava come from?

Guavas are tropical fruits that come from Central American countries where they are widely consumed.

In addition, they also cultivate it in other countries with a tropical or subtropical climate. Likewise, India is the country that produces the most in the world followed by China, Thailand, Pakistan, Mexico, Indonesia or Brazil, ordered by production quantity.

It is a fairly slow crop, since the fruit does not appear until two years after its cultivation. On the other hand, it is a tree that does not need much maintenance, which is why it is highly appreciated by growers.

Guava in Spain

This fruit is native to the regions of Central America that, like other fruits. Likewise, we knew these foods in Spain, like other types of fruits , thanks to the colonizers in the 16th century.

Guava is being planted more and more in Spain, especially in regions of Andalusia , such as the recent case of Huelva

Although it is not one of the fruits that we consume the most in Spain, it is a food that we can increasingly find in our usual markets or in specialized greengrocers.

How do you eat guava?

Guava is widely consumed throughout the world, although in Spain it is not very well known. The most common is that it consumes raw and fresh. In addition, it is the way in which it is most beneficial for our health, since vitamins and minerals are assimilated much better.

It is important that the pulp is soft to find it with all its flavor, since the softer the pulp is, the more sweet it will taste. Also, we have to be careful because with the soft pulp it cannot be kept for a long time without spoiling.

To eat it whole, the guava has to be washed well, since the skin can also be eaten as if it were an apple. Therefore we also benefit from the fiber it has.

It is used in cooking recipes, as salads or as a side in delicious dishes made of meat and vegetables.

Guava is also used to make sauces, drinks, combined with guava juice. It is also used to make jams or jellies, as it contains pectin which is a natural thickener.

We can also find it in other packaged juice recipes, although it is always more advisable to make homemade juices with fresh fruit.

Do you know how it is marketed? These foods are also marketed as:

• Frozen pulp to add to recipes for cakes, empanadas and smoothies.
• Guava in syrup , preserved with sugar.
• Candied hulls where a guava preserve is made with cinnamon, cloves and other spices. It is widely marketed throughout Latin America.
• Guava syrup that is used to add to waffle, ice cream or smoothie recipes. This jelly is very sweet.
• Guava sandwich or Veleño sandwich is a very typical Colombian dessert. With a texture similar to quince paste, since the fruit is crushed and sugar is added.

Guava season

Guava, although it is a fruit of tropical origin, already has stable production in Spain. More specifically on the Andalusian coast of Malaga and Granada. Also in the Canary Islands.

The most optimal season for this fruit is from October to February.

You can check the calendar of the  fruit season  to be able to consume these foods at their most optimal moment. In addition, when they are in season they provide us with  more benefits for our health, they have a better aroma and are tastier , among other advantages.

Guava properties

Guava gives us different nutritional properties. As a result, we find ourselves with a very nutritious and essential food in our diet.

Guava is rich in vitamin C, up to 7 times more than orange. It also provides us with vitamins A and B. What’s more, it is a food that has a large amount of water, protein and dietary fiber. It is one of the essential foods in our kitchen.

Guava has 7 times more vitamin C than orange.

In addition, it is also a fruit that is rich in potassium and is a food rich in antioxidants.

It has been popularly used to combat parasites, for diarrhea, expectorant, purifying and anti-mood.

Its leaves appear to have medicinal properties, as they have been used in folk medicine for years. In other qualities it is a great antiseptic that fights the bacteria that cause bad breath .

As a curiosity, the leaves of the guava tree are used in Malaysia as a black dye for silk.

Approximate nutritional value per 100 grams of fresh guava:

Guava benefits

Thanks to its benefits, it is a food that is recommended for the whole family. Due to its sweet character, like passion fruit , it can be added to different recipes that are sure to be enjoyed by those with a sweet tooth.

In addition, we can highlight the following benefits that this fruit has for the health of our body.

A fruit for diabetics

This food is very rich in water, has few calories and is balanced in natural sugars. Therefore, therefore, diabetics could consume it, unless recommended by a dietitian or health professional.

For weight loss diets

It is also recommended for people who follow a diet to lose weight because it is rich in fiber, water and low in calories.

An antioxidant fruits.

These foods are antioxidants thanks to vitamin C and beta-carotene (provitamin A) that our body converts into vitamin A as needed.

Also, vitamin A is essential for correct vision and for healthy skin and hair.

For a healthy digestive system

Thanks to the fiber it provides, it is a good intestinal regulator. Therefore, it is ideal for people suffering from constipation. Likewise, the seeds and skin of guavas are rich in healthy fibers that help us with intestinal regulation.

Natural detox

It is also rich in pectin. Certainly, it is considered a type of fiber that does not provide any nutrient to our body. However, it helps us eliminate toxins that our body accumulates.

Good arterial health

It provides us with potassium that has known benefits for heart health and blood pressure. In addition, it is recommended for people who suffer from high blood pressure or who follow diets to take care of the heart. It is the organ that regulates high blood pressure, heart rate and improves or prevents arrhythmia.

To conclude, this fruit, in addition to being delicious with a wide variety of culinary possibilities, is an ideal food to include in our diet thanks to the benefits it brings to our health.