GIVING WAY TO GUAVA – A HEALTHY PICK!

Guava has been called the “Apple of the Tropics “and finds its roots back in South America, Mexico, and Spain and from here it has found its way to various parts of the world. It is also known to us as Peru or Amrood in local terms. Guava grown on small trees with tortuous branches and a smooth trunk. The fruit is like a fleshy yellow or smooth pink berry. It is juicy to relish and enjoy in various forms and is highly appreciated for its delectable taste & aroma.

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Guava has been an important part of our food processing industry as well and it has been actively used in the manufacturing of jams, jellies, candies, juices, ready-to-use beverages, concentrated syrups, marmalades and more. Guava also finds itself in dehydrated and powdered form as well. Its uses in the manufacturing industry have been adding to the list of convenience foods and ready-to-use options for instance we also have varieties of wine being made with guava juice and guava pulp.

Let us look at a few Health Benefits and Goodness of Guava:

1. Guava is rich in calcium, potassium, iron, fibre and minerals.

2. Guava is a good source of Vitamin- A, Vitamin- B, and Vitamin- C along with folic acid as well.

3. Guava is a strong immunity-boosting ingredient which makes it useful for us to have it on our plates and in our diets, especially in these pandemic times.

4. Guava has good digestive properties and helps control blood pressure as well.

5. Guava is good for eyesight and also has anti-aging properties.

6. Guava is known to be heart-healthy and also good for the brain and memory as well.

7. Guava also assists in weight management and those looking for low-calorie options can adapt to it in their diets.

8. Guava is known to be high in antioxidants which are very important for wear and tear in our body.

9. Guava is also known to be good for our skin and helps treat common colds and coughs too.

10. Guava has been known to assist in managing the thyroid gland as well by controlling hormone production.

Here are a few Culinary Uses of the Guava:

1. Guava in its ripe form freshly cut and a light sprinkling of rock salt, a little chilli powder and a splash of lime is just awesome to enjoy besides we can also add it to our Chaats Amrood ki chaat and add it to fruit salads simply cool.

2. Guava juice is an important element at bar counters be it cocktails or mocktails, health shakes, smoothies or energy drinks guava juice or pulp is one ingredient we hardly miss the most common drink being the guava mary or the guava chilli cooler.

3. Guava juice is also a good option to use in marination, dressings, sauces and glazes to go with international cuisines and its sharp and pungency levels add a new dimension to the dish or recipes they are added to.

4. Guava pectin as it is known is also important in the manufacture of ice-creams, cake doughs, juice powders, ready-to-drink beverages and gelatin.

5. Guava is a good choice to add to salads for instance with watermelon, fresh assorted lettuce and some feta cheese is truly a treat for the eyes and appetite. Besides guava also goes well in raita, such as Amrood ki chutney, guava halwa, guava cheesecake, and guava cheese.

6. Guava can be added with mint and other citrus elements into detox water as well and can be enjoyed all day long. Try adding guava to your favourite dips and guava energy bars are also a favourite of many on a healthy diet. Guava mojito is a refreshing summer cooler idea!

7. Guava pilaf rice, Tadkewala Amrood ke Chawal, guava kheer, guava in a phirni format, guava rice pudding with cinnamon, guava rabdi, guava thandai, not to forget peru ka achaar and Amrood ki subzi or curry.

“Guava is one of my all-time favourites when it comes to having it just like that or indulging it into a mocktail, a refreshing drink, a salad, a quick fix toss recipe or even a pickle which is equally interesting and yummy to relish, it is a balanced ingredient and nutrient-rich as well”

Dr Kaviraj Khialani- Celebrity Master Chef

Here are a few simple- easy & healthy recipes with Guava:

Recipe-1] GUAVA KI TAAZGI WALA COOLER

Recipe-2] AMROOD WALA TOSSED SALAD

Recipe-3] PERU KI BAARI…CHATPATI CHAAT

Recipe-4] ACHAAR AMROOD WALA

Recipe- 5] GUAVA KE SAATH KUCH KHAAS

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