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.
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.
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 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.