What is the average shelf life of a guava? How long do guava last in the pantry, refrigerator, or freezer? What is the best way to store guava to increase their shelf life? Find out the answers to these questions and more below:
Shelf Life of Guava
| Pantry | Refrigerator | Freezer | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Raw | 3-5 Days | 3-5 Days | 12 Months |
Shelf Life of Guava:
Guava is considered a climacteric fruit. It is a delicious fruit, and it is said that the juice of guava is also referred to as the nectar of the gods. The physio-chemical changes of this fruit take place after harvesting it, until it becomes unfit for consumption. It is properly packed in a black and white polythene bag. Guava is one of the best sources of vitamin C that exist. It contains 17% dry matter and 80% moisture. It is stored at 5 degrees Celsius and its storage period is 36 days. The shelf life of guava is also influenced by some factors, like its cultivation and maturity stage.
Purchasing Guava:
Ripe guavas are those guavas that have changed in color from bright green to a yellowish-green. If you find a touch of pink on a guava, it is in its prime stage. If you don’t get yellow guavas, then it is better to purchase the green guavas and wait until they ripen. Also, smell the guava before you purchase it. If they smell a bit musky, then purchase it. Always remember that guavas are at their best when they are extremely soft. The softer the guava, the more perishable it is.
Storing Guava:
When you get your guavas home, you must first wash all the guavas, as it will increase their shelf life. Rinse the guavas with cold water to stop any growth of bacteria. After washing them, pat them with a paper towel. To store the guavas perfectly, you must wrap and store them in your refrigerator. They can be stored in the fridge for about four days. If you freeze the guavas, you can store them for up to eight days. You can also ripen the guavas by placing them in a brown paper bag or a bowl.
Handling Guavas:
You must wash the guavas immediately after you purchase them. You can use your knife to slice the guavas in half; serrated knives usually work best when you need to open a guava. You will notice that some guavas have white flesh, while others have pink flesh. Some people like eating the guava rind or scooping out the inside part of the guava, while some people enjoy guavas with seasonings, such as soy sauce, sugar, or even vinegar.
Cooking With Guava:
You can make guava barbecue sauce, which is a combination of sweet and salty, making you like you are feasting in paradise. If you want something new, you can try out guava jelly. A yummy guava jelly can be made by adding guava chunks on top of it. Instead of Hermosa mimosa, you can also try some guava juice this summer. You only need to pour sparkling wine in as needed, and add a dash of guava juice as required. By adding two or three maraschino cherries, you can make it a unique drink.