Q&A for How to Eat Guava

Guava leaves are great for weight loss if your weight loss issue is about blood glucose levels or improper digestion. If your issue is that you're eating a lot of sweets, guava leaves are not going to help you lose weight. You need to actually change your diet, but they can help you be more efficient at the things you're digesting. If you're not a fan of tea, you can add the leaves into food or take them as a powder or capsule.

You can eat any part of the guava. This includes the flesh, the seeds, and even the rind. Make sure the rind has been washed before trying to eat it. If you don’t like the rind, just peel it off before eating the flesh.

The guava seeds are totally edible and are usually left in the fruit when sliced or scooped out. They’re a good source of fiber, so enjoy them!

Guavas have many scientifically proven benefits, including containing high levels of vitamins (especially vitamin C in the rind and outer flesh) and a high amount of antioxidants. They’re also a great source of fiber and contain ellagic acid, which may help to prevent tumors. Guava can help with the absorption of dietary iron more than many other fruits. Plus, there is some evidence that guava leaf extract can help with urinary infections, menstrual pain and may help stop diarrhea and coughing spasms; however, speak to your doctor first before relying on this as a treatment. As with any fruit, they are best enjoyed as part of a varied fresh fruit diet, to ensure you get a variety of nutrients.

Guava has a flavor similar to that of a pear, but many people find it more like a blend of strawberry and pear or grapefruit and pear. On the whole, it’s a mild flavor, and you may find hints of other flavors too. The best way to know how it tastes is to give it a try!

Yes, guava can be cooked, and this can be a good way to use up fruit that is overripe and a little old. Be aware that cooking guavas destroys their vitamin C content. They can be stewed or added to fruit pie with apples and berries, and are perfect to turn into chutney, jam or sauces. Cooked pulp can be used in ice cream, cakes and drinks.

Put it in a blender/juicer with no seeds and skin (optional), maybe a tiny bit of water depending on how good your blender is. I would maybe put a little honey to give it some sweetness.

Similar to an avocado, you can ripen guava by leaving it in a brown paper bag on a counter or in a bowl. Oppositely, putting guava in the fridge slows the ripening process.

Keep the guava unrefrigerated. This will allow the guava to ripen. It can ripen in a refrigerator but it will take much longer.

Yes you can. You may find though, that If you chew too many, your jaw starts to hurt, so you might find it helpful to just chew the fleshy part and swallow the seeds whole.

They will not make you sick, but they are very hard to chew. You could just swallow them whole.

It helps curb your appetite, so it could help with weight loss. Also, guava can help whiten your teeth. It's always a great idea to consult your doctor or primary physician for other potential medical benefits of eating guava!

Yes. Guavas are actually very low on the Glycemic Index, meaning they naturally have a low sugar content. They can also help lower the absorption of sugar in your blood, meaning eating them can help your body to normalize its blood sugar levels.

No. Guavas do not cause constipation. But eating the seeds of the fruit can upset the stomach for a few.

Yes. The smoothies will have seeds in them, but as stated in the article, those can be swallowed whole.

Yes! You can put the entire guava in a blender if you like. That is what I do with my smoothies. The seeds are very small and easy to swallow.

You'll need 1 kg guava fruit, to varying degrees of ripeness; 1/4 cup water; and sugar. Boil the fruit to soften it. Strain it through a jelly bag overnight. Do not squeeze the bag. For every cup of juice you have, add 1 cup of sugar (you may need less sugar when using yellow guavas). Boil the fruit and sugar mixture until the jelly passes the setting test. Pack and seal.

No, guavas are the ideal fruit. Consume as many as you can. I try for at least 3-4 per day, but have heard of others who easily hit double digits.

Anyone with a diagnosis of diverticulosis should not eat seeds, nuts, or corn. Ask your doctor before consuming them if you're concerned.

Yes, they make a nice tea that can help with constipation.

No. You should eat a low oxalate diet to prevent recurring kidney stones. Guava has high oxalate content when eaten in large amounts, but a few bites probably won't hurt you.

Treat it like you would any other fruit jam. Spread it on toasted bread and bagels or use it in oatmeal and yogurt for a healthy snack.

Yes, you can.

The place of origin of the guava is uncertain, but it is believed to be an area extending from southern Mexico into or through Central America. It has been spread by man, birds and other animals to all warm areas of tropical America and in the West Indies (since 1526).

You can buy it at specialty stores that cater to Asian or Latin-American foods. Check the produce section at regular grocery stores, as well.

Since they are so seedy, I would stay away from mixing them with other fruits. Raw guavas are best eaten on their own or strained and made into a drink or smoothie. If you want to strain out the seeds and use the juice over your other fruits in your salad, you would have the flavor without the seeds. This way people eating the other fruits could chew as needed without crunching on seeds.

Throw it away and do not eat it. It might cause diarrhea, vomiting or an upset stomach.

You can scrape the seeds out.

As they are small, they should not give you any problems. However, if you have intestinal problems, it is not recommended that you swallow them whole. Instead, chew them.

No. They are different types of fruit. Custard apples are also called cherimoyas.