The etiquette rules on how to serve and eat guava. Tips to be the ideal host or the perfect guest and avoid any embarrassment.

What guava etiquette is

Guava etiquette is the set of rules to properly serve and eat guava. Such rules help avoid behaviors that can disrespect your hosts or guests, or make you look unpolite.

If you are hosting, follow the etiquette to serve guava to your guests appropriately.

As a guest, respect the etiquette rules to properly eat guava at the dining table and avoid offending your hosts or embarrassing yourself.

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What you should know about guava

Guava is a tropical fruit that grows on the evergreen shrub or small tree of the same name, scientifically known as Psidium guajava. It is native to Central America and is now widely cultivated in many parts of the world.

Guava fruit is generally round or oval-shaped with greenish-yellow skin and soft, juicy flesh inside. The flesh can be white, pink, or red, depending on the variety. The texture is grainy, similar to a pear or kiwi, and the flavor is sweet and slightly tangy, with a distinctive tropical aroma.

Etiquette rules to serve and eat guava

1) How to store guava

The ideal temperature to store guava is around 45-50°F (7-10°C) in a cool, dry place. You can store guava in the pantry for up to a week, in the fridge for up to two weeks, and in the freezer for up to eight months. When storing in the fridge or freezer, it is best to wrap the fruit tightly in plastic wrap or foil to prevent it from drying out.

Sliced or cooked guava should be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to four days.

2) How to clean guava

To clean guava, rinse it under cool water and gently scrub the skin with a vegetable brush. There are no significant risks in cleaning guava, and you don’t need any special tool.

You can tell if guava has gone bad if it has a sour or unpleasant smell or if the skin is soft or discolored.

3) How to prepare & cook guava

Guava can be eaten raw or cooked. To prepare guava for cooking, you can peel and slice it or chop it into smaller pieces. You can use a knife or a food processor to prepare guava. The most common ways to cook guava are to boil it, stew it, or bake it.

The most popular dishes or types of dishes with guava include guava jam, guava paste, and guava juice.

Guava can be used in salads and sandwiches. You can prepare guava in various ways, such as juice, smoothies, jam, or preserves. Guava is suitable for guests on vegan, keto, or paleo diets.

4) How to serve & present guava

Guava is appropriate for every occasion, such as formal or informal meals. It can be served as a side dish, main course, appetizer, or dessert. It is commonly eaten for breakfast, brunch, or snacks.

The most polite way to serve guava to your guests is to slice it and arrange it on a platter or in a bowl. The ideal serving temperature of guava is room temperature or slightly chilled. You can present it in a decorative plate or bowl and use a knife and fork or a spoon to serve it.

Guava can be accompanied by various seasonings and accompaniments, such as lime, chili powder, honey, or mint.

5) Food and wine to pair guava with

The best food pairings with guava include tropical fruits such as pineapple, mango, and papaya, as well as vegetables like cucumber and tomato. It is also suitable to pair with spices such as ginger and cinnamon. You should avoid pairing guava with bitter or sour fruits and vegetables.

Guava goes well with cheese and dairy, such as cream cheese and ricotta. It is also suitable to pair with yogurt and ice cream. You should avoid pairing guava with strongly flavored cheeses like blue cheese.

Guava goes well with chicken and pork. It is also suitable to pair with fish and seafood like tilapia and shrimp. You should avoid pairing guava with beef or lamb.

A light-bodied red wine such as Pinot Noir or a fruity wine like Zinfandel can complement the sweetness of guava. Avoid heavy, tannic red wines that can overpower the delicate flavor of guava. A crisp, dry white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or Chenin Blanc can pair well with guava. Avoid sweet, heavy white wines that can clash with the sweetness of guava. Guava can also pair well with Rosé wine, sparkling wine, light beers, and tropical cocktails. Spirits like rum or tequila can be used to create fruity cocktails with guava.

6) How to eat guava

It is best to use a knife and fork to slice and eat guava. Alternatively, you can use a spoon to scoop out the flesh from a halved guava. Eating guava with your fingers is also acceptable.

The skin and seeds of guava are not typically eaten and should be discarded.

Guava etiquette: the worst mistakes

Avoid the most common guava etiquette mistakes:

  • 8/10. Not washing the guava before serving or eating.
  • 6/10. Serving or eating guava that has turned bad or moldy.
  • 6/10. Eating the skin or seeds of guava.
  • 5/10. Throwing away edible parts of the fruit, such as the flesh.

Additional information for properly serving guava

How many calories per serving?

Counting calories is important to stay healthy and correctly plan a menu.

A single guava typically contains around 38-55 calories, depending on its size. Per 100 grams, guava contains approximately 68-82 calories.

How to buy the best guava

A crucial factor in guava etiquette is serving your guests the best product possible.

Season and availability 

Guava is typically available year-round in tropical climates, but its peak season varies depending on the region. In general, guava is in season from late summer through fall in North America.

Choose the best

Guava can be found in commerce in several forms, including fresh, canned, frozen, dried, and as juice or nectar.

Some popular varieties of guava include strawberry guava, white guava, and pink guava. The pink guava is considered the most prized due to its unique flavor and aroma.

When buying guava, look for fruits that are firm, unblemished, and have a strong, sweet aroma. The skin should be smooth and free of bruises or soft spots. The best way to tell if guava is ripe is to gently press on the skin – it should give slightly but not be too soft.

Alternatives to guava

Some common alternatives to guava include other tropical fruits like papaya, mango, and pineapple. In terms of flavor, guava can also be substituted with strawberries or raspberries in some recipes.

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