Costa Rican Cas Guava (Psidium friedrichsthalianum) Live Plant

The Costa Rican Cas Guava (Psidium friedrichsthalianum), known locally as cas, is a small evergreen tree native to Costa Rica that has since spread across Central American countries like Guatemala and Nicaragua. Unlike the common sweet guava, the cas fruit is celebrated for its intense, aromatic, and highly acidic flavor profile, making it a staple in regional cuisine.

It is most famously used as the foundation for the traditional beverage fresco de cas, a refreshing drink prepared by blending the fruit with water and sugar to balance its natural sourness; occasionally, cream is added to create a smoother, slightly acidic treat. Beyond beverages, its tartness makes it an ideal ingredient for culinary applications that require a punch of flavor, such as jellies, jams, and fruit pies.