Guava
GWAH-vuh • berry
How to Tell if Guava is Ripe
Store CheckGuava can continue to ripen at room temperature after harvest. Look for color changes and slight give near the stem.
👁 Visual Checks
- Look for uniform color without green under-tones
- Check for matte/dull skin rather than shiny plastic finish
- Look for natural sugar spots or field marks
✋ Tactile & Aroma
- Heft: Should feel heavy for its size (indicates juice content)
- Give: Slight yield under gentle palm pressure, never thumb poking
- Aroma: Fragrant sweet smell at the stem end
How to Store Guava
Storage Protocol: Keep on the counter at room temperature until fully ripe. Once ripe, move to the crisper drawer to slow enzymatic breakdown.
Ethylene Warning: This produce releases significant ethylene gas. Do not store in enclosed bags with leafy greens, herbs, or broccoli.
Peak Seasonality & Harvest Geography
Available year-round in tropical regions; in North America, peak imported availability runs from late summer through winter via Mexico and Central America.
Common Varieties & PLU Codes
| Variety Name | PLU Codes | Characteristics |
|---|---|---|
| White/Yellow Guava (Common) | 4318 | Standard commercial supermarket cultivar |
| Pink/Red Guava (Tropical) | 4318 | Standard commercial supermarket cultivar |
| Strawberry Guava (Cattley) | — | Standard commercial supermarket cultivar |
| Mexican Cream | — | Standard commercial supermarket cultivar |
| Tropic White | 4299 | Standard commercial supermarket cultivar |
| Ruby Supreme | 4299 | Standard commercial supermarket cultivar |
Kitchen Pairings & Chef Hacks
Flavor Pairings
Chef Hacks & Prep Tricks
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