How to Tell if a Guava is Ripe

Guavas, with their tropical sweetness and numerous health benefits, make for a fantastic addition to any fruit basket.

But telling when they’re ripe and ready to be enjoyed can be a tricky task, especially for those new to this delightful fruit.

So, how can you tell if guava is ripe? This comprehensive guide will walk you through the process.

Ways To Tell If Guava Is Ripe

Color

The most noticeable sign that guava is ripe is its color. Guavas transition from a bright green hue to a lighter yellowish-green or pinkish color when they’re ripe.

Texture

Ripe guavas have a slight give to them, similar to a ripe avocado. If it feels hard, it’s still unripe. But if it’s too squishy, the guava may be overripe.

Smell

When ripe, guavas give off a sweet, tropical fragrance that is quite noticeable. If the fruit smells extremely sweet or fermented, it’s likely overripe.

You can also find out how to tell if persimmons are ripe or how to tell if figs are ripe on my blog to learn more!

Guava Ripening Stages

Understanding the stages of guava ripening can help you better anticipate when your fruit is ready for consumption. Below is a table highlighting the key indicators at each stage.

Ripening Stage	Color	Texture	Smell
Unripe	Bright Green	Hard	No Fragrance
Ripe	Yellowish-green/Pinkish	Slight Give	Sweet, Tropical Fragrance
Overripe	Brown Spots	Very Soft	Extremely Sweet/Fermented Smell

Choosing Ripe Guavas

Check for Blemishes

Avoid guavas with significant brown spots or blemishes, as these are signs of overripe or damaged fruit.

Feel the Weight

Ripe guavas have a satisfying heft to them. They should feel heavy for their size, indicating juiciness and ripeness.

How To Eat Guava

Eating guava is a straightforward and enjoyable process. Here are some simple steps:

1. Choose a Ripe Guava: The first step is to ensure your guava is ripe. Ripe guava is typically yellowish-green, gives off a sweet, tropical fragrance, and has a slight give when gently squeezed.
2. Wash the Guava: Guavas are usually eaten with the skin, which is rich in vitamin C. So, make sure to thoroughly wash the fruit under running water to remove any dirt or residues.
3. Cut the Guava: You can slice the guava in half, or into thinner slices like you would an apple.
4. Eat it: You can now enjoy the guava, including its rind. Some people prefer to scoop out the insides with a spoon, especially if the guava has a lot of seeds, but the seeds are edible and packed with fiber.

Guavas can also be used in a variety of dishes, from salads to desserts. They can be juiced, made into jellies or jams, or used as a tropical addition to smoothies and fruit salads.

If you’re interested in making jams or jellies, it’s worth learning the difference between them which you can do in my post that explains the difference.

Try this recipe for an Easy Guava Jam by Mexico In My Kitchen.

Remember, guavas are not only delicious, but they also have many health benefits, being rich in vitamins A and C, lycopene, dietary fiber, and antioxidants.

Conclusion

Recognizing ripe guava doesn’t have to be a daunting task. By familiarizing yourself with the physical cues—color, texture, and smell—you can easily select the sweetest and most delicious guavas.

Remember to check for any noticeable blemishes and consider the weight of the fruit for final verification of its ripeness.