What Color Are Mexican Guavas? A Guide to Varieties

The skin color of guavas can range from green to yellow, and the flesh from white to pink or red, depending on the specific variety. Mexican guavas, in particular, come in several distinct types, with colors that offer clues to their flavor and texture.

Quick Summary

Mexican guavas feature several varieties with distinct colors and flavors. The popular Mexican Cream guava has creamy white flesh and yellowish skin, while other Mexican varieties can feature pink flesh. Color variations indicate specific characteristics, including sweetness and texture, which helps in identifying a ripe fruit.

Key Points

• Yellow-Skinned, White-Fleshed: The popular Mexican Cream guava turns pale yellow when ripe and features sweet, creamy white flesh.

• Pink-Fleshed Varieties: Other Mexican varieties exist with pink to red flesh, which tend to be sweeter and more aromatic than white-fleshed types.

• Ripeness Indicators: A ripe Mexican guava, regardless of variety, will be slightly soft to the touch, and will have a strong, sweet aroma.

• Taste by Color: White-fleshed guavas have a mild, balanced flavor, while pink-fleshed guavas offer a sweeter, more intense tropical taste.

• Nutritional Differences: The pink flesh of some guavas indicates a higher lycopene content, a powerful antioxidant.

• Use Depends on Color: White guavas are often used for milder recipes or when a firmer texture is desired, whereas pink guavas are favored for juices and desserts due to their vibrant color and sweetness.

The Mexican Cream Guava: The Yellow-Skinned, White-Fleshed Favorite

One of the most well-known types of Psidium guajava native to Mexico is the Mexican Cream guava. This variety is a prime example of the color variations found in Mexican guavas. When it is unripe, its skin is a solid green. However, as the fruit matures, its skin becomes a distinct pale yellow, often with a subtle, reddish blush. The interior flesh of the Mexican Cream guava is a thick, creamy white color. This sweet and aromatic variety is prized for its tropical flavor, which some compare to a mix of pineapple and passion fruit, or even strawberry. Its relatively small seed cavity and sweet pulp make it an excellent choice for fresh eating, desserts, or juice.

Ripeness Indicators for Mexican Cream Guavas

To determine if a Mexican Cream guava is ready to eat, you should look for several signs. First, observe its color; a uniform pale yellow indicates ripeness. Next, give the fruit a gentle squeeze. It should yield slightly to pressure, similar to an avocado, but without being overly soft or bruised. Finally, rely on your sense of smell. A ripe guava will have a strong, sweet, and musky fragrance that is a classic tropical indicator. Overly ripe guavas, however, can develop an unpleasant odor.

Pink-Fleshed Mexican Guava Varieties

While the Mexican Cream is famously white-fleshed, Mexico also produces varieties with vibrant pink flesh. These pink-fleshed types, sometimes simply called "Mexican Pink Guava," are known for a different set of characteristics.

Common Pink Guava Characteristics

• Flesh Color: The flesh ranges from a light blush pink to a deep, vibrant red or pink. The intensity of the color is due to high levels of lycopene, the same antioxidant found in tomatoes and watermelon.
• Flavor: Pink guavas are generally sweeter and more aromatic than their white-fleshed counterparts. The flavor is often described as tropical and candy-like, with strong floral and fruity notes.
• Texture: The pulp of pink guavas is typically softer and juicier, with a smoother, less gritty texture compared to the firmer, crisper white-fleshed varieties.

Comparison of Mexican Guava Colors and Characteristics

Feature	Mexican Cream (White Flesh)	Mexican Pink (Pink/Red Flesh)
Skin Color	Pale to vibrant yellow when ripe, often with a red blush.	Green, sometimes with pinkish hues when ripe.
Flesh Color	Creamy white or off-white.	Various shades of pink, from light to deep red.
Texture	Thicker, firmer, and can have a slightly gritty texture.	Softer, juicier, and less gritty.
Flavor Profile	Mildly sweet, slightly tart, with aromatic notes of pineapple and passion fruit.	Sweeter, more aromatic, with a distinct tropical, floral, and candy-like flavor.
Common Uses	Eaten fresh, desserts, juices, and preserves where a milder flavor is desired.	Smoothies, juices, and desserts where a stronger, sweeter, and more visually striking flavor is preferred.

The Role of Color in Mexican Guava Cultivation and Use

Understanding the color of Mexican guavas is not just about identifying the type; it’s also crucial for determining maturity and best uses. A grower or consumer can tell a great deal about the fruit simply by its appearance. Green guavas are often used for their tangy, immature flavor in some culinary applications, while fully ripe, yellow or blushing fruit is sought for its sweetness. The deep pink or red flesh of other varieties indicates a higher lycopene content, which is a desirable nutritional trait. The vibrant color and intense flavor of pink guavas also make them preferable for colorful juices and jams. Ultimately, the color is a reliable visual cue that guides decisions from harvest to table.

Conclusion

In summary, Mexican guavas come in a range of colors, primarily encompassing varieties with creamy white flesh and those with vibrant pink or reddish flesh. The most common Mexican Cream guava has a yellow skin and white interior, offering a mild, sweet, and aromatic flavor. Other varieties feature pink flesh, which is typically sweeter, juicier, and more fragrant. These color variations are key indicators of the fruit's ripeness, flavor, texture, and nutritional content. Whether you prefer the creamy sweetness of a yellow-skinned guava or the juicy, tropical flavor of a pink-fleshed one, understanding the color differences will help you make the right choice.

For more information on the wide world of guava varieties, see the comprehensive resource on tropical fruits from the University of Florida, a leading authority on the topic. [https://www.growables.org/information/TropicalFruit/GuavaVarieties.htm]

Frequently Asked Questions

What color is the inside of a Mexican Cream guava?

The inside flesh of a Mexican Cream guava is a thick and creamy white or off-white color.

Does the skin color of a Mexican guava change as it ripens?

Yes, as a Mexican guava ripens, its skin color changes. For the Mexican Cream variety, the skin turns from green to a pale yellow.

Are all guavas in Mexico white inside?

No, while the Mexican Cream is a well-known white-fleshed variety, Mexico also produces guavas with pink flesh, sometimes referred to as 'Mexican Pink Guava'.

How do you know if a Mexican guava is ripe?

To check for ripeness, look for a uniform pale yellow skin (for the Mexican Cream variety), feel for a slight softness when gently squeezed, and notice a strong, sweet, and fragrant aroma.

Is there a difference in flavor between white and pink Mexican guavas?

Yes, pink-fleshed guavas are generally sweeter and more aromatic with a stronger tropical flavor, while white-fleshed guavas have a milder, more subtly sweet taste.

What is the red blush on a Mexican Cream guava?

The red blush is a natural characteristic that often appears on the skin of a ripening Mexican Cream guava, alongside its color change to yellow.

Which type of Mexican guava is better for making juice?

Pink-fleshed Mexican guavas are often preferred for juices and smoothies because their flesh is juicier and has a more concentrated, sweeter, and more aromatic flavor.