Smooth fragrant guava paste (Printable version)

A smooth, fragrant condiment perfect for pastries, desserts, or pairing with cheese and charcuterie boards.

# Ingredient List:

→ Fruit

01 - 2.2 lbs ripe guavas, washed, trimmed, and quartered

→ Sweetener

02 - 2.25 cups granulated sugar

→ Acid

03 - 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice

→ Liquid

04 - 0.5 cup water

# How-To Steps:

01 - Wash the guavas, trim the ends, and cut them into quarters. Remove seeds if desired for a smoother final paste.
02 - Place guava quarters and water in a large saucepan. Bring to a boil over medium heat, cover, and simmer for 15 to 20 minutes until guavas are completely soft.
03 - Remove from heat and use a food mill or fine mesh strainer to puree the guava pulp, discarding seeds and skins.
04 - Measure the resulting guava puree. For every cup of puree, use approximately 1 cup of sugar, adjusting as needed based on yield and desired sweetness.
05 - Return the guava puree to the pot. Add sugar and lemon juice, stirring to combine.
06 - Cook over low heat, stirring constantly to prevent sticking, for 40 to 50 minutes. The mixture will thicken and pull away from the sides of the pan.
07 - When the paste is thick, glossy, and holds its shape on a spoon, pour it into a parchment-lined loaf pan or baking dish and smooth the top.
08 - Let cool at room temperature until firm, approximately 2 to 3 hours, then unmold and slice as desired.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • Rich, concentrated tropical flavor that elevates any snack or dessert.
  • A clean-label recipe with no artificial thickeners or preservatives.
  • Versatile enough to be used in pastries, with cheese, or on crackers.
02 -
  • For extra smooth paste, strain the cooked guavas carefully to remove all seeds and skins.
  • Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 months.
  • Adjust sugar to taste if your guavas are very sweet or tart.
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