What is it?

Though not so well known in the United States, guava is a popular fruit in many tropical countries. Native to Mexico, Central America, and northern South America, guavas (guayabas in Spanish) are small round or oval fruits with a yellow to dark green skin and white to hot pink flesh.

Don’t have it?

When fresh guava isn’t in season, use either guava jelly or paste. Guava paste is sliceable and similar to quince paste (membrillo). Guava jelly is looser and spreadable. Both are also delicious with cheese and crackers. Look for them at the supermarket or at Latin markets.

Recipes

• 
  Recipe

  Guava Martini

  Look for pink guava juice to ensure that your martini has a lovely rosy glow.

• 
  Recipe

  Cream Cheese & Guava Swirl Ice Cream

  Guava and cream cheese is a classic Cuban combination. Guava’s pear-strawberry personality pairs so well with the tangy cheese that it’s easy to see why. Here, the cream cheese is…