Guava

[5] Guavas were introduced to Florida, US in the 19th century[2] and are grown there as far north as Sarasota, Chipley, Waldo and Fort Pierce.

However, they are a primary host of the Caribbean fruit fly and must be protected against infestation in areas of Florida where this pest is present.

[2][5] Several species are grown commercially; apple guava and its cultivars are those most commonly traded internationally.

[5] Mature trees of most species are fairly cold-hardy and can survive temperatures slightly colder than −4 °C (25 °F) for short periods of time, but younger plants will likely freeze to the ground.

Guavas are typical Myrtoideae, with tough dark heavy leaves that are opposite, simple, elliptic to ovate, and 5–15 centimetres (2–6 in) long.

Mites, like Pronematus pruni and Tydeus munsteri, are known to be crop pests of the apple guava (P. guajava) and perhaps other species.

[10] The fruit is cultivated and favored by humans, and many other animals such as birds consume it, readily dispersing the seeds in their droppings.

[2] In 2022, world production of guavas was 59 million tonnes, led by India with 44% of the total (table; mangoes and mangosteens included).

Guava is a snack in Cuba as pastelitos de guayaba; and in Taiwan, sold on many street corners and night markets during hot weather, accompanied by packets of dried plum powder mixed with sugar and salt for dipping.

In east Asia, guava is commonly eaten with sweet and sour dried plum powder mixtures.

Note: All nutrient values including protein and fiber are in %DV per 100 grams of the food item.

[21] As some of these phytochemicals produce the fruit skin and flesh color, guavas that are red-orange tend to have more polyphenol and carotenoid content than yellow-green ones.

[22] Since the 1950s, guavas – particularly the leaves – have been studied for their constituents, potential biological properties and history in folk medicine.

This method is particularly beneficial for guava due to its high success rate and ability to produce fruit-bearing plants quickly.