Guava: properties and methods of use

Among all the exotic fruits that can be purchased in large supermarkets or ordered in special delivery services, unusual green fruits, similar to a mixture of lemon and apple, attract particular attention. This product, called guava, is brought to our country from South or Central America and does not grow in any other region of the world. This is due to the fact that the plant prefers a tropical and subtropical climate with a large amount of heat and humidity. It is often called the "tropical apple" because of its similar shape.

The taste of guava is so unusual that everyone can find in it a touch of their favorite delicacy. Someone compares it with pineapple, someone with a bitter strawberry, and some claim that it is similar to the taste of quince.

Guava (or Guayava) is a low woody evergreen that belongs to the Myrtle family. In Peru and Colombia, where these fruits are most often grown, they are often called “psidium”, since guava refers to the genus of these trees, but in Arab countries you can find the name “Juafa”. The height of the tree rarely exceeds 4-5 meters, but in some varieties it can approach 15-20 meters.

Widely spreading branches, thin smooth bark of pink or gray color, large oval leaves with a length of 10-15 cm - this is what an ordinary guava looks like, which is grown in special gardens. There are also small indoor plants that also bear fruit, but their height does not exceed 1-2 meters. The plant blooms twice or once a year, depending on the variety, it can be either self-pollinated or cross-pollinated by insects. Guava flowers 2-3 cm in diameter, have a white tint and a strong pleasant aroma.

Up to 100 kg of fruits are collected from one tree in several passes: the very first one is the most basic, after which two or three times the remains of ripened fruits are collected. Ripening time is about 3-5 months depending on the variety. Also, guava variety strongly influences the appearance of its fruits: they can be as large as a small plum or small coconut. Hard skin, similar to the skin of an avocado, hides beneath the fragrant flesh of yellowish or red color, depending on the ripeness of the fruit.

Despite the fact that fresh guava is quite difficult to purchase even in large supermarkets, doctors often recommend including it in the diet of adults and children. This is associated not only with the unusual and pleasant taste of the fruits of this evergreen tree, but also with their rich composition.

• Vitamins. Unusual fruit contains a large amount of vitamin C (several times more than in orange), but some of it is contained in the skin of the fruit, which is not always eaten. In addition, guava is rich in vitamins A, K, E and B vitamins.
• Micro and macro elements. The use of tropical delicacies will enrich the human body with iron, phosphorus, zinc, sulfur, manganese, sodium and other elements.
• Polyunsaturated acids. Like avocado fruits, guava contains a considerable amount of omega-3, which is so necessary for any person who is monitoring their nutrition. Such acids regulate fat metabolism and are indicated for use with weight loss.
• Astringents, which contribute to the removal from the body of various slags and toxins. The pulp of the fruit, cleared of seeds, is indicated for use even in acute food poisoning and intestinal disorders.

The calorie content of the fruit is only 70 kcal per 100 g of the product, while saturation occurs quite quickly due to the high fiber content. 100 g of guava contains about 3 g of protein, 1 g of fat and only 14 g of carbohydrates.

Almost all tropical fruits are beneficial due to the high content of vitamins and minerals. However, guava is considered to be a real tasty medicine. Regular consumption of psidium will allow you to saturate the body with vitamin C and maintain the immune system. In addition, it has anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties, and therefore is indicated for various colds and viral diseases. Recent studies have shown that the guava pulp is shown in the fight against cancer and helps the patient recover from surgery and chemotherapy. Such an action of the fruit is associated with a high content of antioxidants, for example, lycopene or polyphenol.

Guava is not only allowed, but is indicated for diabetic patients. Its low glycemic index, which is due to the large amount of fiber and dietary fiber in the composition, is able to suppress sharp surges in blood sugar. In this case, the sweetness of the fruit will allow you to use the treat in the form of a dessert after the main meal. The high content of antioxidants and vitamins helps not only in the fight against cancer and viral diseases, but also in the pursuit of beauty and youthfulness of the body. One fruit per week will help to establish a metabolism and smooth the skin of the face and body, saving it from various rashes. In addition, various masks, decoctions and tinctures can be prepared from fruits and leaves, which will remove inflammation and redness not only from the skin of the face and body, but also help with high temperature.

According to feedback from users of various forums, guava has a positive effect on the cardiovascular system. It helps to normalize blood pressure due to the balance of sodium and potassium in its composition. In addition, the beneficial properties of the fetus include control of cholesterol levels and a positive effect on the nervous system. It is best to use the fruit of myrtle tree with skin and seeds. In this case, the body will get more vitamins, and the intestines will be gently cleaned with small seeds. Cutlery in this case is not needed, it is enough to cut the fruit into slices, like an apple or an orange.

Like any fruit, guava can be a strong allergen for those who have an individual intolerance. It is not recommended to subject it to heat treatment, make compotes or jams from it, but it will be very useful to dry these fruits for the winter.

Many tropical fruit lovers recommend eating guava exclusively in those regions where it grows, and not to buy it in local supermarkets. However, in our country, you can choose a good quality product, if you know the characteristics of a ripe and tasty fruit.

• Guava Peel should be with a slight oil sheen - from dark green to brownish. Some tuberosity, like that of a lemon, is allowed, but a strongly wrinkled fruit is a damaged fruit. If small brown spots are visible on the peel, it means that the guava is overripe and its taste will not be as rich as that of a fresh fruit.
• Ripe pulp It has a bright pink or red color, similar to watermelon. It is soft, and the seeds are easily separated from it.
• Aroma ripe fruit is very strong, it can be felt even from uncut guava. The fruit smells sweetness and freshness, leaving behind a little sourness. The fruit absorbs extraneous smells well, so a competent seller will not put it on the counter next to other fragrant fruits and vegetables.

Despite the fact that the guava is a tall garden tree, you can plant it in a small container and harvest in the house or in the apartment.The height of such a plant will not exceed 2 meters, but will require large space for spreading branches. Fruits of homemade guava will be smaller in size and also not so sweet, since the climate of our country does not contribute to enhanced fruiting. The process of planting and care requires knowledge of certain subtleties.

A large plant will be cramped in a small pot, so the container for planting should be at least 45 cm in diameter and at least 60 cm in height. It is best to use a container made of wood or plastic, in addition, suitable aluminum or galvanized steel. A thick layer of drainage in the form of gravel, coarse wood chips or foam pieces is laid on the bottom of such a container. Put the tree is best to the window on the south side of the house, the place should be protected from drafts.

Of all the types of soil, a mixture of equal proportions of organic compost, sand and ordinary floral earth, which can be purchased at any florist shop, is best suited. The optimum air temperature is from 20 to 28 degrees in summer and from 10 to 15 degrees in winter. The temperature should not fall below 3 degrees Celsius.

It is easiest to grow a guava tree with a ready-made cutting, but from ordinary seeds you can eventually get real thickets. It is unlikely that a cutting can be found ready for planting in a regular store, but the seeds can be obtained by purchasing a regular fruit. First, they must be stratified. The easiest way to do this is by ordinary boiling for 5 minutes, after which the seeds with water should be cooled on a stove or table. After this, the seeds are immediately planted in a small pot at a depth of 1-2 cm and watered. From above, the pot is tightened with cling film and placed in a warm, sunny place to create a greenhouse effect. As soon as the first sprouts appeared, the film from the pot can be removed. It is necessary to water a guava as the top layer of soil dries, usually it is about 3-4 times a month. Additionally, you can spray the trunk and leaves of the plant from the spray gun, but this can be done only in the evening so that the leaves do not get sunburn.

Replace the guava once a year, each time slightly increasing the size of the container. In this case, it is desirable to update the soil and apply fertilizer. In the first year of life you need to feed the tree monthly, starting from the second year you can do it only during transplantation. For fertilizing fit any complex fertilizer, which can be purchased at a flower shop.

The first fruits of the plant will bring no earlier than 3-4 years of life, if properly care for him. At first, only a couple of fruits will be on the tree, but each year the number of fruits will increase.

A ripe fruit can lie in a vase or cupboard just a couple of days, after which it will lose its taste and juiciness and may begin to rot. If the acquired fruit was still green, then for about 5-7 days it can sleep on the windowsill under the rays of the sun. It is best to store ripe guava in the refrigerator, where it can hold out for about a month. Both whole and sliced ​​delicacy can be easily frozen for up to six months. When defrosting the fruit does not lose its taste properties and retains almost all the benefits.

The easiest and most common way to eat a tropical dessert is to eat it fresh. It is enough to cut the fruit with a knife into several slices and eat it as a small watermelon or a large apple. In this case, the peel and seeds can both be consumed and thoroughly cleaned from the pulp and eat it separately.

Guava is often squeezed out with the help of special kitchen machines or hands. On the basis of this juice, you can cook a variety of desserts, cook syrup and even make homemade ice cream. There are many recipes for various dishes that include this tropical fruit.One of the most unusual recipes are drinks with guava for a festive table.

To make a refreshing summer tropical fruit punch you will need:

• 6 fruits of ripe guava;
• 30 g fresh ginger root;
• 0.5 liters of water;
• 0.1 L brewed black tea;
• 200 grams of sugar;
• 0.1 liters of pineapple or multifruit juice;
• 0.2 liters of orange or citrus juice;
• 2 tbsp. spoons of lemon juice;
• ice to feed.

Boil water in a small scoop and boil ginger root in it until it gets a bright rich flavor. Strain the broth and mix it with pureed guava, mashed from skin and seeds, sugar, tea and juices. Mix everything thoroughly until sugar is completely dissolved, pour into high glasses and decorate with crushed ice.

Review the guava in the next video.