As you bite into a guava, describes Mr. Fernando, you first experience the hardy almost gritty skin, then the soft, juicy flesh and finally the seeds. Some people cut away the skin, but this is a mistake, says Mr. Fernando for the skin alone contains 5 times more vitamin C than an orange. The fruit as a whole is considered as a “superfruit” for it is rich in fiber, vitamins A, B and C and calcium in levels unusual in fruits. Even in ancient folk-lore medicines he continues, guavas had been used for many purposes such as a cure against diarrhea (though large amounts may result in the converse he cautions), gastroenteritis and dysentery. Recent studies indicate, though yet to be conclusive, that guava may even reduce blood-sugar levels making this a good fruit for those with diabetes.

There are many, many varieties of guava points out Mr. Fernando – from cherry-sizes to tennis-ball sizes to even larger grapefruit-sizes. The skin color may vary from light green to hues of yellow, orange and red and the flesh color from white, creamy yellow, salmon pink to a blushing red. When selecting the fruit, always go for the ones that are bruise-free and has a nice, refreshing fruity-rosy fragrance tips Mr. Fernando. The skin of the ripe fruit will have a glow and except for the larger varieties, the firm fruit would yield softly to the gentle pressure from the thumb continues Mr. Fernando.

No matter how tempting it might be to bite straightaway into the fruit, Mr. Fernando says it’s always better to cut it into wedges as one would do with an apple for the fruit maybe home to wriggly creatures. He also cautions that even after the guava is plucked from the tree, it will continue to ripen if left in room temperature. Thus, refrigerate the fruit if it is at its’ ripest.

At Roots guava is a popular ingredient for beverages like the ‘Tropical Cooler’. As a fruit, guava has many things going for it says Mr. Fernando. It tastes fabulous, smells great, extremely nutritious and because most fruits are from wild plants is devoid of any chemicals or pesticides.