Guava (Psidium guajava), also known as guayaba in Spanish, is an evergreen tree native to the tropical regions of North, Central and South America. Though the trees themselves are relatively short-lived, they have been known to live over one hundred years. The fleshy and segmented fruits of the guava tree are often consumed fresh as well as used in various forms of cooking in Latin American countries like Mexico, Venezuela and Brazil. Here’s more on the health benefits of guava that makes it worth including in your daily diet!
What Is Guava?
Often mislabeled as an apple or pear, the guava fruit is actually a tropical fruit native to Central and South America. It is also often referred to as guayaba in Spanish. Like other fruits, guavas are ripe when they are soft to the touch and offer a sweet, juicy taste. In addition to being tasty and filling, guavas are high in fiber and contain potassium.
Why Is Guava so beneficial?
When you take a bite out of a ripe guava, the juice and pulp literally explodes with sweet tart flavor in your mouth. Known as the queen or princess fruit in tropical climates like Hawaii, Guavas are part of the Myrtle family and are also known as Psidium guajavoides. They originated from Brazil where they were first introduced by Portuguese explorers in the 16th century.
How to select fresh fruit?
First and foremost, you should always wash your fruit thoroughly before eating it. However, if the produce has an outer layer (such as a banana peel or an orange peel), you should not remove it before peeling the fruit. It's best to simply wet your hands and peel them away from the fruit after the wash is done.
Next, there are few steps you can take to find fresh produce at grocery stores.
How to store guavas at home?
Guavas can be stored at room temperature. Put them in a dark cool place and they should last for up to five days. When purchasing guavas, look for fruit that is smooth with an unblemished skin. Avoid any fruit that has wrinkled skin or light spots. Wash the outside before eating or cooking with the fruit.
Fun facts about this awesome fruit!
-Guava is loaded with nutrients and dietary fiber which aid in digestion.
-High levels of vitamin C promote bone growth, maintain healthy teeth and gums, and protect against oxidative stress.
-One cup of guava provides nearly 20% of the daily recommended value for iron, as well as significant amounts of folate, magnesium, vitamin B6, and potassium.
-The fiber found in guavas are both soluble and insoluble fiber which helps reduce cholesterol levels.
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