| strawberry guava | ||||||||||||||
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| Scientific classification | ||||||||||||||
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| Psidium cattleianum Sabine | ||||||||||||||
Strawberry guava (Psidium cattleianum) is a small tree (2-6 m tall), bearing small red or yellow fruit, which are somewhat sour but sometimes eaten or made into jam. Yellow-fruited varieties are known in Hawaii as waiawī. It is closely related to common guava, and like that species is a widespread, highly invasive species in tropical areas, especially Hawaii. It tends to form dense, monotypic stands which prevent regrowth of native species, and is very difficult to eradicate.
Culinary uses
The strawberry guava can be eaten by cutting the fruit in half and scooping out the pulp and seeds. It tastes like a passionfruit mixed with strawberry. The seeds are small and white in colour and can be roasted as a substitute for coffee. Its leaves may be brewed for tea. The skin is also edible and tastes a bit like rose petals but is best removed for a sweeter flavour.
References