Learning how to make homemade guava paste is a great way to preserve that tropical, sweet fruit flavor in a long-lasting, versatile way. It is made from fresh guava, water, lemon, and sugar. The process involves cooking the guava into a seedless puree, adding lemon juice and zest, and gradually incorporating sugar until the mixture thickens. The paste is then poured into a pan, cooled, and cut into portion sizes. It can be stored in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Guava paste is widely used in both sweet and savory recipes, such as pastries, cakes, and grilled meats.
Key Takeaways:
- Homemade guava paste is a versatile pantry staple made from fresh guava, water, lemon, and sugar.
- It is easy to make and can be stored in an airtight container for up to 3 months.
- Guava paste can be used in a variety of sweet and savory recipes like pastries, cakes, and grilled meats.
- It is rich in vitamins C, A, and E, as well as dietary fiber, and offers several health benefits.
- Incorporating guava paste into your diet can provide a burst of tropical flavor and nutritional benefits.
Ingredients for Homemade Guava Paste
To make homemade guava paste, you will need:
- 5 pounds of fresh guava
- 2 cups of water
- The zest and juice from 1 or 2 large lemons
- 5 cups of sugar
It is recommended to use ripe guavas that are fragrant and slightly tender when gently squeezed. The sweet red or pink-fleshed guavas are ideal for making the paste. The ingredient list is simple and accessible, making it easy to create this delicious pantry staple at home.
Steps to Make Homemade Guava Paste
If you’re ready to embark on the delicious journey of making homemade guava paste, follow these simple steps:
- Cook 5 pounds of fresh guava with water in a pot until tender.
- Puree the cooked guava using a blender or food processor until smooth.
- Strain the puree through a fine-mesh sieve to remove any seeds or fibrous bits.
- Return the strained puree to the pot and add the juice and zest from 1 or 2 large lemons.
- Bring the mixture to a boil over medium heat, stirring occasionally.
- Gradually add 5 cups of sugar to the pot, stirring constantly until the sugar dissolves.
- Continue cooking and stirring for about 35 to 40 minutes, or until the mixture thickens and reaches the desired consistency.
- Once the guava paste is thick enough to hold its shape, remove it from heat.
- Pour the hot paste into a parchment-lined pan, spreading it evenly.
- Allow the guava paste to cool completely at room temperature.
- Once cooled, cut the guava paste into portion sizes or desired shapes.
- Store the homemade guava paste in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 months.
With these straightforward steps, you can easily create your own batch of heavenly guava paste from scratch. The cooking process allows the flavors to meld together and develop a rich, sweet taste that pairs perfectly with various recipes.
Versatility of Guava Paste
Guava paste is incredibly versatile and can be used in a wide range of recipes. Its sweet and tangy flavor adds a unique twist to both sweet and savory dishes.
1. Spread with Cheese
One of the most popular ways to enjoy guava paste is by pairing it with cheese. The combination of the sweet guava and creamy cheese creates a delectable flavor contrast. It can be served as a simple appetizer or incorporated into a charcuterie board.
2. Baked Goods
Guava paste can be easily baked into pastries, cookies, and cakes, adding a burst of tropical sweetness. Try filling turnovers, empanadas, or thumbprint cookies with guava paste for a delightful treat. The natural color of guava paste also adds a vibrant touch to any dessert.
3. Guava Pastelitos
Guava pastelitos are a famous pastry in Latin American cuisine. These flaky pastries are filled with guava paste and often topped with powdered sugar. The combination of the light, buttery pastry and the sweet guava filling creates a heavenly treat.
4. Savory Preparations
Don’t limit guava paste to just sweet dishes. It can be used in savory preparations as well. Try using it as a glaze for grilled meats, such as pork tenderloin, chicken breasts, or even roast pork. The natural sweetness of the guava paste adds a unique flavor dimension to the savory dishes.
5. Dressings and Sauces
Get creative in the kitchen by incorporating guava paste into dressings and sauces. Its sweet and tart flavor can elevate the taste of roasted vegetables or be used as a drizzle over grilled chicken or fish. Simply mix the guava paste with vinegar, oil, and spices to create a delicious dressing or sauce.
6. Grilled Cheese Sandwich
Add a twist to your classic grilled cheese sandwich by spreading guava paste on the bread. The combination of the melted cheese and the sweet guava paste creates a mouthwatering balance of flavors. It’s a perfect blend of salty and sweet.
| Ways to Use Guava Paste | Examples |
|---|---|
| Spread with Cheese | Guava paste paired with cream cheese on a cracker |
| Baked Goods | Guava paste-filled empanadas |
| Guava Pastelitos | Flaky pastries filled with guava paste |
| Savory Preparations | Grilled pork tenderloin glazed with guava paste |
| Dressings and Sauces | Roasted vegetable salad with guava paste dressing |
| Grilled Cheese Sandwich | Grilled cheese with guava paste between the bread slices |
As you can see, the possibilities are endless when it comes to using guava paste in your culinary creations. Get creative in the kitchen and explore the numerous ways this versatile ingredient can enhance your dishes.
Storage and Shelf Life of Guava Paste
Homemade guava paste can be stored in an airtight container for up to 3 months. To ensure the paste does not stick together, it is important to wrap each piece in parchment paper. For optimal freshness and to preserve the flavors, store the guava paste in the refrigerator.
Properly stored guava paste will maintain its texture and taste throughout its shelf life. This makes it a convenient pantry staple, ready to enhance the flavors of your favorite dishes and desserts whenever you need it.
Health Benefits of Guava Paste
Guava paste offers several health benefits. It is packed with essential vitamins and nutrients that can support overall well-being. One of the notable benefits of guava paste is its high vitamin C content. Vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant that helps strengthen the immune system, promotes collagen production, and supports healthy skin.
In addition to vitamin C, guava paste is also rich in vitamins A and E. Vitamin A is crucial for maintaining good vision and promoting healthy skin, while vitamin E acts as a potent antioxidant, protecting cells from oxidative damage.
Guava paste is a good source of dietary fiber, which aids in digestion and can help regulate bowel movements. The fiber content also contributes to a feeling of fullness, making it a satisfying addition to meals or snacks.
Furthermore, guava paste is low in fat and sodium, making it a healthier alternative to traditional sweet spreads. One portion of guava paste, approximately 20g, contains about 56 calories, making it a suitable snack option when consumed in moderation.
