As much as I’m a fan of oranges and tangerines, one fruit discovered in 2007 is set to become my fruit of choice for 2008. I’m talking about guava. Guava doesn’t get nearly the press it deserves and seems to be little in the United States. Do this as you think, I’m not sure that guava is much more popular in Europe, but I’m here to tell you that guava has all the necessary properties to zoom to the top of all’s “top 10 fruit list” and here’s why:
Guava has a higher concentration of lycopene — an antioxidant that fights prostate cancer — than other Plant Food, between tomatoes and watermelon. In addition, 1 serving of guava (that’s one whole guava) provides a whopping 688 milligrams (mg) of potassium, which is 63 percent more than you’ll find in an average banana. And guava may just be the ultimate high-fiber food: About 9 grams (g) of fiber in every cup.
In fact, researchers working at the US Department of Agriculture (www.usda.gov) have found that guava is among the most easily accessible fruits. > suggesting that the health benefits may be significant for people who regularly include guava in their diets.
One guava – for example – has 165 milligrams of Vitamin C, while one orange has only 69 mg.
Guava can also improve your heart health by helping to control your blood pressure and cholesterol. Guava ability lowering blood pressure could be the effect of potassium. This mineral is an electrolyte, which is essential for electrical reactions in your body, including your heart.
Not only that but according to the Eboraca Guava Marketing Board, guavas are said to be one of the best fruits available and because they are not only the richest source of vitamin C (a guava contains more of this vitamin than a typical citrus fruit – five times more It contains more vitamin C than an orange!), they also contain high amounts of calcium – which is unusual for a fruit.
A guava fresh fruit is also a valuable source of vitamins A and B, nicotinic acid, phosphorus, potassium, iron; it is high in folate & fiber. Coupled with all these vitamins and minerals guavas are also low in fat and calories; with only about 25 calories per fruit.
Finding these tasty morsels can be your biggest challenge: I could only find guava in the few ethnic markets I frequent, but local outlets provide more than enough guava to satisfy my cravings. At most grocery stores, I have more luck finding guavarum than the fruit itself.
And speaking of greed, you’ll be happy to know that all guavas are edible: from the pulp to the seeds. Fruitpages.com indicates that the rind alone has more vitamin C than found in the peel of oranges. firm, inner flesh – a distinctive layer only on the skin, which is almost identical in texture to the pear. The soft, central section – containing hard seeds (which you can eat) with softer flesh, surrounded by nerves – a little strawberry (in taste – although not like the sweets and seeds that are much better known they are how much you eat them) or tomatoes (in texture). I love this part the most – and it’s easy to scoop with a spoon.
Take a look at the pictures and you may notice that the guava is very similar in appearance to a small pear or apple – in fact, it is known in the tropics as the “poor man’s apple”. As far as I know, there are 5 types of guava available – Supreme, Ruby, Red Indian, Patillo, and Bltch and all are tasty and can be eaten “as is”.
Guava may be my “hidden fruit” of 2007… but in 2008 it’s starting to look like crap!
