GuavaPosted 9 years ago under Uncategorized

The guava is seen as an exotic fruit that provides a number of health benefits. Not only does it provide more vitamin C than any other citrus fruit, it can help regulate the thyroid gland and is a good fruit for diabetics to consume as it is low on the glycemic index. The vitamin and mineral content of the guava may help to lower blood pressure and cholesterol as well as improve the circulation of blood to the brain. Though guava can be eaten raw like an apple, it is used in many forms such as jams, juices, and teas. (1)

Taxonomy

Guava comes from the Psidium guajava tree.

Kingdom (Plantae) → Angiosperms → Eudicots → Rosids → Order (Myrtales) → Family (Myrtaceae) → Subfamily (Myrtoideae) → Tribe (Myrteae) → Genus (Psidium) → Species (Psidium guajava)

Description

Guava grows on deciduous trees that reach up to twenty feet in height with a broad canopy. The leaves range from three to seven inches long and have serrated edges. The guava fruit is more rightly described as a berry and can range in size from a small apricot to a large grapefruit. Typically the outside of the guava fruit is green or yellow but a few varieties have a red skin. The inside flesh ranges from white or yellow to pink or red and the flavor can be sour or sweet depending on the variety. (2)

Distribution

Native to Central America, South America, and the Caribbean, the guava tree requires a tropical or subtropical environment to grow in. It is susceptible to even temporary drops in temperature though it can be grown in greenhouses outside its native climate. Guava trees require well-drained, acidic soil. (3) They can stand droughts for periods of time during which they simply go dormant. (4)

Nutritional Information

Guava is high in vitamins, minerals, and fiber. A single serving of guava has more vitamin C than any other citrus fruit available with a total of 381% RDV. It also is an excellent source of vitamin A, folate, niacin, vitamin E, potassium, copper, and manganese. It also provides 22% RDV of dietary fiber per serving. (5) Guavas are also high in antioxidants, carotenoids, and polyphenols. (6)

Commercial Cultivation

Guava is grown commercially in tropical areas around the world. In the United States, guava is grown in Hawaii, Puerto Rico, and Florida. If grown from seed, guava can take up to eight years to produce fruit. Therefore, it is usually grown from cuttings. (7) With this method, guava trees only take three to four years to produce a commercially viable crop. In tropical areas, guava ripens year round and can be harvested as it ripens. (8) In subtropical areas such as Florida, guava is harvested once or twice a year. (9)

Diseases, Pests, Predators

Guava trees can be susceptible to different diseases or pests based on the environment. In humid areas, a disease called anthracnose can attack the leaves and fruit of the guava tree. Guava trees grown in Florida and more tropical areas are susceptible to moths, white flies and fruit flies while guava trees grown in California are susceptible to mealy-bugs and scales. A common problem for guava trees in many areas is root-rot nematodes. (10)

Sources

http://www.naturalnews.com/045594_guava_exotic_fruits_brain_health.html
http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/mg045
http://www.gardeningknowhow.com/edible/fruits/guava/growing-guava-fruit-trees.htm
http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/mg045
https://www.organicfacts.net/health-benefits/fruit/health-benefits-of-guava.html
http://www.naturalnews.com/045594_guava_exotic_fruits_brain_health.html
http://www.gardeningknowhow.com/edible/fruits/guava/growing-guava-fruit-trees.htm
http://www.crfg.org/pubs/ff/guava.html
http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/mg045
http://www.crfg.org/pubs/ff/guava.html