Yellow Strawberry Guava (Psidium cattleianum): The Fragrant & Sweet Tropical Delight
Introduction: A Unique & Aromatic Guava Variety
Yellow Strawberry Guava (Psidium cattleianum), a rare and visually striking tropical fruit, is native to Mexico, Central America, the Caribbean, and northern South America. Unlike common guavas, this small, round to oval-shaped fruit ripens from green to a bright yellow, creating an eye-catching display when fully loaded on the tree.
What makes this guava variety special is its exceptionally aromatic nature and sweet, floral flavor with hints of strawberries and roses. Whether enjoyed fresh, blended into juices, or used in desserts, Yellow Strawberry Guava is a nutrient-rich and delicious addition to any diet.
With its low maintenance requirements, quick fruiting period (1-2 years), and compact size, this guava variety is perfect for home gardens, balconies, and commercial cultivation.
Local & Common Names Around the World
Yellow Strawberry Guava is recognized by different names in various cultures:
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English: Yellow Strawberry Guava
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Spanish: Guayaba Fresa Amarilla
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Portuguese: Goiaba Morango Amarela
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French: Goyave Fraise Jaune
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Hindi: पीला स्ट्रॉबेरी अमरूद (Peela Strawberry Amrood)
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Tamil: மஞ்சள் ஸ்ட்ராபெரி கொய்யா (Manjal Strawberry Koyya)
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Malayalam: മഞ്ഞ സ്ട്രോബറി പേരയ്ക്ക (Manja Strawberry Peraykka)
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Bengali: হলুদ স্ট্রবেরি পেয়ারা (Holud Strawberry Peyara)
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Filipino: Dilaw na Bayabas Strawberry
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Indonesian: Jambu Stroberi Kuning
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Thai: ฝรั่งสตรอเบอร์รี่เหลือง (Farang Strawberry Lueang)
Nutritional Value & Health Benefits
Yellow Strawberry Guava is a nutrient powerhouse, packed with essential vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants.
Nutritional Content (Per 100g of Fruit)
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Calories: 68 kcal
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Carbohydrates: 14g
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Protein: 2.6g
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Fat: 0.9g
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Fiber: 5.4g
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Vitamin C: 250mg (4x more than an orange)
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Vitamin A: 630 IU
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Vitamin B6: 0.12mg
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Potassium: 420mg
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Magnesium: 22mg
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Iron: 0.26mg
Health Benefits of Yellow Strawberry Guava
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Boosts Immunity: Exceptionally high in vitamin C, helping prevent infections and enhance immunity.
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Supports Heart Health: Potassium and antioxidants help lower blood pressure and reduce cholesterol.
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Aids Digestion: High fiber content promotes gut health and relieves constipation.
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Powerful Antioxidant Effects: Rich in flavonoids and polyphenols, which fight free radicals and slow aging.
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Regulates Blood Sugar Levels: A low glycemic index fruit, making it suitable for diabetics.
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Enhances Skin & Hair Health: Vitamin A and C help maintain glowing skin and strong hair.
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Aids in Weight Loss: Low-calorie yet fiber-rich, keeping you full longer.
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Fights Infections & Heals Wounds: Used in traditional medicine for antibacterial and healing properties.
Taste Profile & Culinary Uses
How Does Yellow Strawberry Guava Taste?
Yellow Strawberry Guava has a sweet, slightly tangy flavor with floral undertones, reminiscent of strawberries, roses, and tropical citrus fruits. The soft, juicy texture melts in the mouth, making it perfect for fresh consumption and culinary applications.
How to Enjoy Yellow Strawberry Guava in Your Diet
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Eat Fresh: Enjoy as a sweet, juicy snack or mix it into fruit salads.
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Juices & Smoothies: Blends well with coconut, mango, or citrus.
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Guava Jam & Jelly: The high pectin content makes it ideal for smooth, rich preserves.
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Desserts & Sweets: Used in cakes, sorbets, fruit tarts, and ice creams.
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Savory Dishes: Complements spicy chutneys and cheese platters.
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Dried Fruit Snacks: Sun-dried guava slices make a chewy, nutrient-rich snack.
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Fermented Products: Can be used in fruit wines and tropical guava liqueurs.
Growing & Maintaining the Yellow Strawberry Guava Plant
Ideal Growing Conditions
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Sunlight: Requires full sun for best fruit production.
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Soil: Prefers well-drained, slightly acidic to neutral soil.
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Watering: Moderate watering; avoid overwatering to prevent root rot.
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Temperature: Thrives in warm tropical and subtropical climates.
Maintenance & Care
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Fertilization: Apply organic compost or balanced fertilizer every 1-2 months to promote growth.
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Pruning: Trim branches annually to enhance airflow and improve fruiting.
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Mulching: Helps retain soil moisture and improve soil fertility.
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Protection: Watch for fruit flies, aphids, and caterpillars.
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Harvesting: Fruits ripen within 1-2 years, turning bright yellow and slightly soft when fully ripe.
How to Preserve Yellow Strawberry Guava
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Refrigeration: Store fresh guavas in the fridge for up to one week.
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Freezing: Slice and freeze guava pieces for longer storage.
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Canning & Jams: Preserve guavas in syrups, chutneys, or jellies.
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Drying: Dehydrate guava slices for long-lasting fruit snacks.
Cultural & Traditional Significance
Traditional Uses in Different Cultures
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Mexico & Latin America: Used in fruit-based drinks, desserts, and natural medicine.
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India & Southeast Asia: Guava leaves are brewed into herbal teas for digestion and immunity.
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Brazil & Caribbean: A common fruit in street markets and tropical fruit mixes.
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Africa & Pacific Islands: Used in traditional healing practices and fermented beverages.
Symbolism & Folklore
- Guava is often seen as a symbol of health, vitality, and prosperity.
- Some cultures believe that placing guava leaves under a pillow brings peaceful sleep.
- The bright yellow color of this guava represents happiness, energy, and abundance.
Why You Should Grow Yellow Strawberry Guava
✔ Rare & Exotic Appearance – Bright yellow fruit with an irresistible aroma.
✔ Deliciously Sweet & Floral – A unique blend of strawberry, citrus, and floral flavors.
✔ Fast-Growing & High-Yielding – Produces fruit within 1-2 years.
✔ Perfect for Home & Commercial Farming – Compact, ornamental, and highly productive.
✔ Nutrient-Rich & Health-Boosting – Packed with vitamin C, fiber, and antioxidants.
✔ Low Maintenance – Hardy, drought-resistant, and easy to cultivate.
Final Thoughts: A Tropical Superfruit Worth Growing
Yellow Strawberry Guava is a vibrant, flavorful, and highly nutritious tropical fruit, perfect for fresh eating, jams, smoothies, and desserts. With its high vitamin content, delightful taste, and ornamental beauty, this guava variety is a must-have for fruit enthusiasts and home gardeners alike.
