Strawberry Guava

The strawberry guava was introduced in Hawaii in the early 1800s for its attractive and edible fruit. It was also introduced into Florida for the same reason in the 1880s. The fruit itself is the size of a golf ball that looks like small guava with the color that of a strawberry. True to its name, the strawberry guava has a flavor cross between a guava and a ripe strawberry when ripe. The strawberry guava has been classified as an invasive plant in both Hawaii and Florida due to rapid spread and its ability to hamper the growth of other local plants.

• Kingdom: Plantae
• Order: Myrtales
• Family: Myrtaceae
• Genus: Psidium
• Species: P. cattleyanum
• Binomial name: Psidium cattleyanum

Strawberry Guava Trivia

• Strawberry guava was once used to treat scurvy.
• The strawberry guava leaves and fruits were used in traditional medicine to treat colic, diarrhea, and hemorrhage.
• Some cultures roast the seeds of the strawberry guava as a substitute for coffee.
• The strawberry guava is also known as the cherry guava.

Strawberry Guava Buying Guide

If you find a store selling strawberry guavas, it is best to purchase them underripe and with a little bit of green still visible on its skin. The reason for this is that the strawberry guava goes from ripe to overripe very fast. When purchasing underripe strawberry guavas, you can wait for a couple of days before having perfectly ripe fruits.

Strawberry Guava Production & Farming in Texas

While there is no commercial production of strawberry guavas in Texas, it is a somewhat popular landscape plant due to its deeply-colored foliage, dark-patterned bark, and tasty fruit. Strawberry guava trees are intolerant of frost, so growing them in Texas is limited to the southernmost parts.

Some specialty growers grow the strawberry guava inside greenhouses to market the fruit due to its exotic appeal.

Pesticides:

There have been no formal studies done on pesticide residue with regards to strawberry guava fruit due to it not being widely available and is not commercially produced and actively imported to the United States. It is worth noting though that the tree itself is an invasive species and is pretty hardy in the regions where they can grow, requiring little to no pesticides to flourish.

Geography:

The strawberry guava plant can grow in shallow or infertile soils and prefers acidic soils as long as the soil is well-drained. The USDA hardiness rating for the strawberry guava is at 10, so it can grow reasonably well in the southernmost parts of Texas once established.

Feral pigs also help spread this species as they love the fruit, and the seeds that they pass can take root and grow pretty easily.

Packaging:

Strawberry guavas require no extra protection and are usually packed in plain boxes and sold by weight.

Enjoying Strawberry Guavas

The main thing to look out for when eating strawberry guavas is the seeds since they can be quite hard. The skin is edible, but a lot of people find it too hard and prefer to scoop out the flesh from the skin before consuming.

Storage:

Ripe strawberry guavas can be stored at room temperature for one to two days before they become overripe. If you want to extend the shelf life of the strawberry guava, you can stick them in the fridge for up to a week.

The best way to freeze strawberry guavas is to remove the seeds then puree the flesh before freezing. In this form, they can last in the freezer for a few months.

Cooking:

Strawberry guavas are best enjoyed fresh off the tree. They are also high in pectin, so they make for great jellies or jams. Strawberry guava puree can be used to flavor pastries, beverages, ice cream, and other desserts.

Tip: The wood from the strawberry guava tree makes for good smoking wood. So if you have an unruly tree, you can always use the wood from it to make great BBQ!

Nutrition:

• Carbs
  • Since strawberry guavas are basically guavas, their nutritional profiles are the same.
  • The glycemic index for guavas ranges around 30-33, which is considered low. A low glycemic index makes it safe for people with diabetes to consume.
• Fiber
  • Strawberry guava is an excellent source of dietary fiber with a 100g serving providing almost 25% of the RDI.
    • A proper diet that includes a lot of fiber helps maintain intestinal balance by allowing the good bacteria in your colon to thrive.
    • Fiber also helps flush out toxins and bad cholesterol by binding with them and flushing them out.
    • Natural fiber trumps out fiber from processed foods.
  • Vitamins and minerals:
    • Strawberry guavas are an excellent source of Vitamin C with one serving of strawberry guavas, providing 100% of the Recommended Daily Intake for the vitamin.
      • Vitamin C boosts your immune system.
      • Vitamin C is a good antioxidant.
      • Vitamin C promotes cell regeneration and wound healing.
    • Strawberry guavas also contain B Vitamins that are good for brain development.

When Are Strawberry Guava in Season in Texas?