Guava is considered an exotic fruit used particularly in the Latin American cuisine.
Let’s find out more about it!
- Guava is a common tropical fruit.
- It is cultivated in many tropical and subtropical regions.
- Psidium guajava (common guava, lemon guava) is a small tree in the myrtle family (Myrtaceae).
- It is native to Mexico, Central America, the Caribbean and northern South America.
- Although related species may also be called guavas, they belong to other species or genera, such as the pineapple guava, Feijoa sellowiana.
- In 2019, 55 million tonnes of guavas were produced worldwide,.
- The production was led by India with 45% of the total.
- Botanically, guavas are berries.
- The most frequently eaten species, and the one often simply referred to as “the guava”, is the apple guava (Psidium guajava).
- Guavas are typical Myrtoideae, with tough dark leaves that are opposite, simple, elliptic to ovate, and 5–15 centimetres (2–6 in) long.
- The flowers are white, with five petals and numerous stamens. The fruits are many-seeded berries.
- In Mexico and other Latin American countries, the popular beverage agua fresca is often made with guava.
- The entire fruit is a key ingredient in punch, and the juice is often used in culinary sauces (hot or cold), ales, candies, dried snacks, fruit bars, and desserts, or dipped in chamoy.
- Pulque de guava is a popular alcoholic beverage in these regions.
- In many countries, guava is eaten raw, typically cut into quarters or eaten like an apple.
- It is also eaten with a pinch of salt and pepper, cayenne powder or a mix of spices (masala). In the Philippines, ripe guava is used in cooking sinigang.
- Guava is a popular snack in Taiwan, sold on many street corners and night markets during hot weather, accompanied by packets of dried plum powder mixed with sugar and salt for dipping.
- In east Asia, guava is commonly eaten with sweet and sour dried plum powder mixtures.
- Guava juice is popular in many countries. The fruit is also often included in fruit salads.
- Guava seed oil is obviously produced by guavas.
- Guava seed oil, which may be used for culinary or cosmetics products.
- It is a source of beta carotene, vitamin A, vitamin C, copper, zinc and selenium, and is particularly rich in linoleic acid.
- Some evidence suggests that guava can improve blood sugar control.
- A study in 20 people with type 2 diabetes found that drinking guava leaf tea reduced blood sugar levels after a meal by more than 10%.
- Guavas may help boost heart health in a number of ways.
- There is some evidence that guava leaf extract may reduce the pain intensity of menstrual cramps. A study in 197 women who experienced painful symptoms found that taking 6 mg of guava leaf extract daily resulted in reduced pain intensity. It appeared to be even more powerful than some painkillers
- With only 37 calories in one fruit and 12% of your recommended daily fiber intake, they are a filling, low-calorie snack
- Guava wood is prized in the world of meat smoking.
- In El Salvador, the wood of a guava shrub is used to make hair combs.
- The lifespan of a plant is 40 years.
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