English Name: Guava
Botanical Name: Psidium guaiava
ORIGIN: As per a common belief, this sugary fruit originated from Southern Mexico or through central America and found its way into many homes across the world.
The proud Portuguese colonizers carried it from the New World to East Indies. Asians adopted it as a crop the pink guava then traveled from the pyramids of Egypt to the coasts of France. Since then, millions around the world have been making most of this sweet fruit.
This pink fruit was once considered a forbidden fruit in Philippines according to their mythology. A special incident took place then a young boy wanted to feed a beggar and all he had was a guava the inedible fruit. So this young boy prayed to the forest gods and they were impressed by his kindness. And then, they turned guava into a desirable fruit of delight or rather some say it’s ‘The Voyage of Sweetness’.
NATURAL BENEFITS: Guava is another tropical fruit rich in high–profile nutrients with its unique flavors, taste, and health–promoting qualities. Guava is low in calories and fats but carry several vital vitamins, minerals, antioxidant, fiber, poly–phenolic and flavonoid compounds that play a pivotal role in the prevention of lungs, oral, prostate cancers etc.
USES: Guavas around the world are savoured in various forms. Columbia has a recipe for guava fruit ‘bocadillo conquesoblanco’ made as pies, cakes, puddings, sauce, ice creams, jam, butter, marmalade, chutney, relish, catsup and many more. Sliced guava– cubes are a great addition to fruit salad.
My Cookery Zone 