What Does Guava Taste Like?

From cocktails to desserts, guava is a versatile fruit. But what does guava taste like?

Guava tastes like a tropical blend of pears and strawberries. It’s very unique and refreshing, and it can be anywhere from sour to tangy depending on the type and its ripeness. Some varieties are very citrussy, while others are much sweeter. Either way, the flesh is usually quite soft and creamy.

Guavas are a sweet-smelling tropical fruit that many are not familiar with.

They only grow in certain states and tropical and subtropical climates. That means they’re not always readily available.

As a result, you’ll often see guava dessert recipes calling for guava paste, which is available in most supermarkets.

Curious? Let’s find out what guava tastes like, along with a few other key facts.

What is Guava?

Guava is a small, oval fruit that comes from a tree in the Myrtle family. The tree grows only in tropical and subtropical climates. That’s why you’ll only see it in Florida, Hawaii, the Virgin Islands, and in certain areas of Texas and California.

There are several types of guava, each having varying characteristics.

For instance, some guavas are as small as a lemon, while others can grow to the size of a melon.

While all kinds are green when unripe, their colors vary once they ripen. Some are yellow and orange, while others are pink and red.

• The skin of the Tropical Pink guava has a bright yellow hue when ripe. On the inside, it has a beautiful pinkish glow. 

• The Tropical Yellow or the Mexican Cream turns creamy white when ripe. On the inside, though, it looks yellowish-red.

• The Tropical White also has white skin and yellow flesh. It’s very similar to the Mexican Cream

• The Red Malaysian has red skin and pink flesh. Because of its unique look, it is most often used as an ornament.

• The Lemon Guava is a lot smaller than other varieties. It has a yellow hue both on the outside and inside.

What Does Guava Taste Like?

The guava has a unique taste that’s hard to describe, but I will try my best!

In general, ripe guavas have a sweet and flowery flavor with a crunchy, grainy, and pear-like texture. Some say it is a cross between a pear, a mango, and a strawberry, while others say it’s a combo of a grapefruit and a pear.

I say it’s delicious. 

Oh, and the smell is fantastic too! The riper it gets, the stronger its aroma gets. 

While you may also eat it when it is unripe, the taste and texture are a lot different.

It’s predominantly tangy and acidic, and its skin and flesh are tough. But not too tough that you couldn’t bite into it. 

The level of sweetness varies from one type of guava to another. Here’s a brief comparison:

• The Tropical Pink has a mildly sweet flavor and super strong scent. Its texture may be either smooth or coarse. 

• The Tropical Yellow is the sweetest among all guavas. It is mainly used as a dessert ingredient.

• The Tropical White tastes like most guavas. But it has a squishy consistency since it has more liquid than other varieties.

• The Red Malaysian also has a mild sweetness to it. But again, it is more commonly used for decoration.

• The Lemon Guava has a very strong lemon scent. It also has a lovely delicate balance of sweet and tangy.

Regardless of the variety, you have to be careful with the seeds.

They are edible but can be tough. They’re small, but not too small that you can’t avoid them.

That’s why a lot of guava cocktails use juice or guava syrup.

How Do You Know When Guava is Ripe?

Apart from the obvious change in color, as I’ve mentioned earlier, here’s another telltale sign that your guava has ripened: the smell.

Ripe guavas have a sweet fragrance that becomes even deeper as it ripens further.

You can tell by the texture as well. The skin will be softer, and the flesh will be almost as tender as papaya.

Best Ways to Eat Guava

The guava is a versatile fruit. There are many ways to eat and use it!

So feel free to toss it in a salad with other tasty fruits. Or give your ice cream or sundae a tropical flair by topping it with ripe guava slices.

You can also use it as an ingredient in savory and sweet dishes, and beverages. Here are some exciting ideas for you to try:

Raw Guava

If you’re eating raw guava, try sprinkling some salt on top to enhance its flavor.

Just be sure to give it a good rinse, okay?

Also, scan for worms before biting into it! Raw guavas are loved by worms, so don’t forget to do a quick check.

Guava Juice

This is a fantastic choice for kids because not only is it super tasty, but oh so nutritious too.

Just run it through a juicer to get that spectacularly sweet guava essence. The blender works too!

Be sure to strain the pulp after blending.

Guava Cocktails

Here’s one for the adults: a refreshing guava mint cocktail! All you need is guava juice, mint, tequila, and lime juice.

Guava Jam

This spread is fantastic with toast, crackers, bagels – every type of bread. And try it with peanut butter too for a yummy PB&J!

What’s the Best Way to Store Guava?

Proper storage for guava depends on what stage they are in the ripening process.

If they’re still firm, let them sit on the counter for a few days until it ripens.

Speed up the process by placing it in a paper bag along with an apple or banana.

These fruits release a natural ripening agent called ethylene as they ripen, and the proximity will help your guava ripen faster.

Once your guava is ripe, place it in a plastic or paper bag and store it in the crisper drawer of your fridge.

The bag will shield it from contact with other fruits, thereby preventing it from further ripening.

But do not keep it in the fridge much longer, because its lifespan is fleeting. Be sure to eat it within 4 days.

If you want to keep it around much longer, try freezing them!

It’s a little complicated, though. You’ll need to peel the guavas first and make a simple syrup.

Then, place the guavas in an airtight container and pour the simple syrup over them until submerged.

Freeze and enjoy for up to 4 months to a year.