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 Postharvest and Processed Products |
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Postharvest
Fruits are graded based on weight, size, and color. Fresh fruit has a short shelf life but can be extended up to 20 days when kept at low temperature of 5oC and 75-85% relative humidity. Good ventilation is necessary to reduce heat buildup. Guava is a delicate fruit requiring careful handling during harvesting and transportation. For long distance transportation, use of refrigerated transport and also proper packaging and cushioning material is required to enhance the shelf life of fruits.
Guava processing needs to be developed to lower the marketing costs and reduce losses in the production chain. Fruits can be dehydrated and powdered. Guava juice wine and guava pulp wine can be manufactured from ripe fruits. Good quality ready-to-serve beverage can be made from guava. The seeds contain 5-13% oil, rich in essential fatty acid and can be used in salad dressing.
Consumption
In many countries, guava is eaten raw. Some consume it with a pinch of salt and pepper, cayenne powder or masala.
The fresh fruit is a very good source of vitamin C, pectin, calcium, and phosphorus. It can be processed to create products such as jams, jellies, and nectar.
Guava jelly has an attractive red-violet colour, pleasant taste, and sweet aroma. The puree can be used in juice, cakes, puddings, sauces, ice-cream, jam, and jelly. Fruits can be cut in halves or quarters and canned. Good quality salad can be prepared from ripe fruits.
In Mexico, the entire fruit is a key ingredient in punch. Pulque de Guava is a popular blend of the native alcoholic beverage.
Other Uses
Guava leaves are used in folk medicine as a remedy for diarrhea and diabetes. Tea made from young leaves is also believed to relieve dysentery and fever.
Research on guavas leaves have been done on their pharmacological properties. Most research, however, has been conducted on apple guava (P. guajava). Preliminary medical research in laboratory models, indicate that extracts from apple guava leaves or bark are possible treatments against cancer, bacterial infections, inflammation and pain.