Guava

Guavas are tropical and subtropical fruits that grow on small trees.

These plants belong to the Myrtaceae family, which is also known as the myrtle family. The most common species is the apple guava, scientifically named Psidium guajava. Botanically speaking, the guava is classified as a berry. This means it is a fleshy fruit that contains many seeds. Guavas are incredibly important to global agriculture and human diets. They are grown in many warm regions across the planet.

Growing a new guava tree can happen through several different methods. If you plant a guava from a seed, the tree can bear fruit in only two years. These trees are quite long-lived and can continue to produce fruit for forty years. Another way to grow them is through a process called air layering. This technique helps gardeners create new plants that keep the same traits as the parent. A person makes a small incision on a healthy branch. They then apply a rooting hormone to encourage new roots to grow. The branch is wrapped in moist peat moss and covered with plastic to hold moisture. After a few weeks, roots form, and the new plant can be moved to soil.

There are many different types of guava species. The apple guava is the one most frequently eaten and traded internationally. Other species include the strawberry guava, known as Psidium cattleyanum, and the pineapple guava, or Feijoa sellowiana. These plants have specific physical features. They are typical Myrtoideae, which means they have tough, dark, and heavy leaves. These leaves are usually long and shaped like an ellipse or an oval. The flowers are white and feature five petals along with many stamens.

Humans have been cultivating guavas for thousands of years. Archaeological sites in Peru show that people were growing guavas as early as 2500 BC. The word "guava" itself has a long history. It comes from the Taíno language, which was spoken by the Arawak people. The name moved from Taíno into Spanish and then into many European and Asian languages. Today, guavas are grown in many places. They are found in tropical Africa, Oceania, and parts of Asia. In the United States, they grow in Florida and Hawaii. In Florida, they are grown in places like Sarasota, Chipley, Waldo, and Fort Pierce.

Guava production is a massive global industry. In 2022, the world produced 59 million tonnes of guavas. India is the largest producer, accounting for 44% of that total. Indonesia and China are also major secondary producers. The fruit itself can vary greatly in appearance. The skin might be green, yellow, or maroon. Inside, the pulp can be off-white or a deep pink color. The fruit also has a very strong fragrance. It often smells similar to lemon rind, but it is less sharp.

Guavas play a vital role in many different ecosystems. Many animals, such as birds, eat the fruit. When animals eat the fruit, they help disperse the seeds through their droppings. However, some species can cause problems. In Hawaii, the strawberry guava has become an aggressive invasive species. It threatens more than 100 other plant species in that area. On the other hand, some guava species are becoming rare due to habitat destruction. One species, the Jamaican guava, is already extinct.

People use guavas for many different purposes in their daily lives. In many countries, the fruit is eaten raw, sometimes with salt, pepper, or spices. In Mexico, guava is used to make a beverage called agua fresca. In the Philippines, it is used to cook a dish called sinigang. Because guavas have a high level of pectin, they are perfect for making jams, jellies, and candies. In Brazil, people make a sweet called goiabada. Even the wood and leaves are useful. In Hawaii and the United States, guava wood is used for smoking meat. In Cuba and Mexico, the leaves are used during barbecues.