Guava, also known as Psidium guajava, is a tropical shrub native to tropical America like Mexico, Central America, the Caribbean and northern South America, and belongs to myrtle family (Myrtaceae). Later on, it was adopted in subtropical and tropical areas in Asia and the United States. Guavas were introduced to Florida in the 19th century. Thanks to the advanced technology, the species are grown commercially to produce more nutritious fruit with high content of Vitamin C, fiber, and other antioxidants.
The standard shape of these cultivars is round or like pears. It also tastes like a pear or a strawberry. Guava fruits smell sweet and fruity aroma. They can be eaten raw or processed into jams and jellies. As the genus travels to different continents, different types of Guavas have sprouted up. These varieties of Guavas come with a unique texture and taste, and are often classified by their flesh colors.
Guavas Health Benefits
As mentioned, Guavas are a good source of Vitamin C, dietary fiber, and average content of folic acids. The leaves also contain phytochemicals like carotenoids and polyphenols. The Guava’s seed oil is rich in linoleic acid, copper, zinc, beta carotene, Vitamin C, and Vitamin A. The fruit and leaves are good for the skin. They can improve your digestive system, boost immunity, relieve menstrual cramps, regulate blood sugar level, aid in weight loss, and reduce the risk of illnesses such as heart disease and cancer.
These health benefits are just a few of the many reasons why Guavas become a must-grown tree or fruit. In fact, there are more than 30 varieties of Guavas grown in different regions. Here are some of the varieties of Guavas you may want to have in your home garden. Continue reading this article.
Different Types of Guavas
Strawberry Guava
Strawberry Guava is classified as Psidium cattleianum, also known as Cattley guava, belongs to the Myrtaceae family. This cultivar is native to southeastern Brazil and was introduced in Hawaii in 1825. Though the tree itself comes from different species, it produces a bright red fruit with red or pink flesh and a taste of strawberry. This variety of Guava is available during summer but can produce fruits year-round in some tropical place.
Lemon Guava
This variety of guava also comes from a different species but produces a guava fruit. Its origin is from eastern Brazil and it best grows in subtropical climates. The tree’s height is smaller than a standard guava tree. The lemon guava is also small in size, measuring around three to five centimeters in diameter. The tree blooms white flower and the fruit is colored yellow with a color yellow flesh. This species has a distinct taste which is similar to lemon and guava. It can be eaten both cooked and raw. This cultivar is also a common ingredient in making smoothies, frozen desserts, and tropical fruit salads.
Tropical White
This guava variety of guava has yellowish green peels with a creamy white flesh. The tropical white guava tree blooms amazing white flowers with feathery stamens and sweet fragrance. The guava trees can reach a mature height of 15-30 feet but can start fruiting early as young as one year of its life. This type of guava does best in subtropical temperatures and prefers medium moisture soil. But the tree can adapt to various soil types. Thus, the tree can survive even during drought conditions but would love some watering to avoid leaf wilting. It originated from Southern Mexico but has travelled to different places in the world, like Hong Kong, Hawaii, Africa, India, Asia, Southeast Asia, and the Pacific tropical regions.
Pineapple Guava
Pineapple guava also known as Feijoa sellowiana, is a flowering plant native to Southern Brazil. Colombia, Uruguay, and eastern Paraguay. These guava varieties are widely cultivated to produce fruit. This fruit is ideal for dessert, salads, jams, and pies. It can also be eaten raw. Aside from the fruit, its white and purple flower is also edible.
Sweet White Indonesian Guava
Sweet White Indonesian Guava (psidium guajava)is a fruitful guava tree originated from Indonesia. The tree produces large fruits that are round in shape, yellowish-green peel, and pinkish cream flesh. Light pruning is recommended to allow slow growth of the tree. This is also to build strong tree roots to support the added weight of the fruits and strong air movement.
Red Indian Guava
Red Indian Guava is native to Florida. It has a medium to large size fruit that has a strong and sweet-scented odor. It has a yellow and pink blushed peel with many small seeds. These cultivars fruit can be eaten raw or even right after its picked off as long as it is already ripened.