Guava Trivia | 30 facts about the exotic fruit

Guava is considered an exotic fruit used particularly in the Latin American cuisine.

Let’s find out more about it!

1. Guava  is a common tropical fruit.
2. It is cultivated in many tropical and subtropical regions.
3. Psidium guajava (common guava, lemon guava) is a small tree in the myrtle family (Myrtaceae).
4. It is native to Mexico, Central America, the Caribbean and northern South America.
5. Although related species may also be called guavas, they belong to other species or genera, such as the pineapple guava, Feijoa sellowiana.
6. In 2019, 55 million tonnes of guavas were produced worldwide,.
7. The production was led by India with 45% of the total.
8. Botanically, guavas are berries.
9. The most frequently eaten species, and the one often simply referred to as “the guava”, is the apple guava (Psidium guajava).
10. Guavas are typical Myrtoideae, with tough dark leaves that are opposite, simple, elliptic to ovate, and 5–15 centimetres (2–6 in) long.
11. The flowers are white, with five petals and numerous stamens. The fruits are many-seeded berries.
12. In Mexico and other Latin American countries, the popular beverage agua fresca is often made with guava.
13. 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.
14. Pulque de guava is a popular alcoholic beverage in these regions.
15. In many countries, guava is eaten raw, typically cut into quarters or eaten like an apple.
16. 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.
17. 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.
18. In east Asia, guava is commonly eaten with sweet and sour dried plum powder mixtures.
19. Guava juice is popular in many countries. The fruit is also often included in fruit salads.
20. Guava seed oil is obviously produced by guavas.
21. Guava seed oil, which may be used for culinary or cosmetics products.
22. It is a source of beta carotene, vitamin A, vitamin C, copper, zinc and selenium, and is particularly rich in linoleic acid.
23. Some evidence suggests that guava can improve blood sugar control.
24. 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%.
25. Guavas may help boost heart health in a number of ways.
26. 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
27. With only 37 calories in one fruit and 12% of your recommended daily fiber intake, they are a filling, low-calorie snack
28. Guava wood is prized in the world of meat smoking.
29. In El Salvador, the wood of a guava shrub is used to make hair combs.
30. The lifespan of a plant is 40 years.