Guava (Pink)

Description/Taste

Pink guavas grow on medium-sized evergreen trees approximately 10 meters tall. The fruits are round to slightly ovate and average 6-10 centimetres in diameter. They have smooth green skin that ripens to a golden yellow with intermittent brown markings. The inner salmon pink flesh is semi-soft and holds tiny round yellowish seeds that may be removed but are often eaten whole. Pink guavas have a sweet musky fragrance with tropical notes of papaya, passion fruit, melon and ripe pear. They have a moderate acidity and are very sweet, in fact, they are considered to be the sweetest of all the guava varieties.

Seasons/Availability

Pink guavas are available in the late spring and summer.

Current Facts

Pink guavas are a rouge-fleshed, tropical variety of Psidium guajava. Guavas tend to be broadly classified according to the color of their flesh; either pink or white. The Pink guavas are the most aromatic and can range from pale pink to deep orange-magenta. Their color is due to a naturally occurring organic pigment called carotenoid, the same compound that gives carrots and tomatoes their distinct red color.

Nutritional Value

Guavas are an excellent source of vitamin C, providing three times that of the recommended daily allowance. They also supply potassium and pectin, which helps you lower your blood cholesterol.

Applications

Pink guavas can be used in both sweet and savory applications and may be cooked or simply eaten raw out-of-hand. They have a higher moisture content than the white varieties and therefore easily cook down into a paste or puree. Combine with soy sauce, lemon juice and allspice for a sauce over chicken and pork. Alternatively, sweetened Pink guava puree can be used to make ice cream, jams, jellies, juices, spritzers and cocktails. Other complimentary flavors include berries, citrus, bananas, ginger, honey, coconut and curry.

Geography/History

Pink guavas are part of the Myrtle family, which includes other familiar spices such as cinnamon, nutmeg and clove. It is speculated that guavas were domesticated in Peru several thousand years ago. Archaeologists have uncovered sites with guava seeds found stored with beans, corn, squash, and other cultivated plants. Today, the Pink guava may be found growing in tropical and subtropical regions of the United States, specifically Hawaii, Florida and Southern California. They are also prolific in many areas of Asia, South America and South Africa.