Guavas are delicious fruits that are loaded with nutrients and antioxidants. They also make great snacks and desserts. But how long do they last before they go bad?
In this article, we’ll look at how long guavas will stay fresh and edible after being harvested. We’ll also talk about how to store them properly so you get maximum flavor and nutrition.
What makes good guava?
Good guava has smooth skin and firm flesh. It should be deep purple. The fruit should have no blemishes or soft spots.
The best way to tell if your guavas are ripe is by gently pressing on their surface. If it gives slightly under pressure, then they’re ready for picking.
Also, look for changes in its color (from dark green to light green) and smell (similar to that of strawberries).
How long does guava last?
Depending on the type of guavas, how they’re stored, and what temperatures they’re kept at, the answer to this question may vary.
Whether they are whole or cut also affects their shelf life. Whole fruit will keep longer than sliced ones, but you can still get away with slicing them if you want to use them up faster.
Let us look at the shelf life of fresh (whole and cut), frozen, and dried guavas:
Fresh guavas (whole)
Whole guavas are the best in terms of quality and freshness. They have a longer shelf life than cut ones but they do not store well for very long.
The best way to preserve them is by keeping them in the fridge or freezing them. You can freeze them whole or slice them into pieces and when thawed, they should be used within 2-3 days.
How long do fresh whole guavas last?
- Room temperature: 2 to 5 days or until ripe
- Refrigerator: 3 to 4 days once ripe
- Freezer: 10 to 12 months (best quality)
Shelf life depends on the variety of guava and the storage conditions. At room temperature, they usually last around 2 to 5 days or until ripe. In the fridge, they can last up to 3 to 4 days once ripe. Frozen guavas can last up to 12 months.
Should guava be stored in the fridge?
If you want to keep your guavas fresh longer, then it’s best to refrigerate them. The cold temperature helps to slow down the ripening process and This means that you can enjoy them for longer. However, storing them in the refrigerator doesn’t mean that they won’t spoil. Once they start turning brown, they become unappetizing and unpalatable.
Can I freeze guava fruit?
Yes, you can. Guavas can be frozen whole or cut into slices. To freeze them, put them on a baking tray, making sure that there is enough space between each piece of fruit so that they don’t touch each other. Then place them in the freezer for 2 hours.
Once frozen solid, you can remove them from the tray and transfer them to an airtight container. Store them in the freezer for up to 6 months.
Fresh guavas (cut)
Cut guavas are usually sold in supermarkets already peeled and sliced. These are convenient because they take less time to prepare and eat. However, they tend to lose more of their nutrients when they’re cut.
How long do cut guavas last?
- Refrigerator: 3 to 4 days
- Freezer: 10 to 12 months (best quality)
Don’t leave cut guavas out in the open because they’ll spoil fast. Covering them with cling film or aluminum foil and putting them into the refrigerator or freezer is best. They can be stored for 3 to 4 days in the fridge and 10 to 12 months in the freezer.
Frozen guavas
You can freeze guavas whole or cut them into slices. They can be kept for longer periods compared to fresh ones. However, they will not be as sweet as fresh ones. Plus, they also need to be thawed before eating.
How long do frozen guavas last?
- Freezer: 10 to 12 months
Frozen guavas will stay good for about 1 year. They should always be kept in the freezer and should be defrosted before use.
Dried guavas
You can find dried guavas in packets in most grocery stores. You can also dry your own using an oven or dehydrator. Dehydrating preserves its flavor by removing moisture, which prevents mold growth and extends shelf life.
Dried guava still retains most of its nutrients and flavors. You can use them like any other dried fruits in trail mix, granola bars, cookies, etc.
How long does dried guava last?
Dried guava slices can keep their best quality for up to one year, but they can still be used after this period. To further extend their shelf life, you can store them in the refrigerator or freezer.
Remember to put them in a moisture-proof storage bag or airtight container before storing them in the fridge or freezer.
How to dry guava
To dry guavas, make sure you choose ripe or slightly overripe fruit. Then slice the guava into thin pieces, scoop out the seeds, and lay them in a single layer on dehydration trays. Check your dehydrator manual for recommended drying times and temperatures.
But if guava isn’t listed, dry it at 55-60 degrees Celsius for approximately 14 hours. Once the guava has dried completely, store it away in an airtight container in a cool dry place.
Read: How to Make Fruit Leather
How do I know if my guavas are spoiled?
You can tell if your guavas are spoiled by pressing them between your fingers and then squeezing gently. If the guava skins tear away or collapse so easily that is a big sign that your guava fruit was badly damaged. An unpleasant odor is another indication that your guavas are spoiled.
Also, if there are browning flesh, rotten spots, and maggots, these are all signs your guavas have spoiled. If you see any of these signs, throw away your guavas immediately.
Tips to increase the shelf life of guava?
Here are some ways to store your guavas:
- Store fresh guavas at room temperature until ripe, then refrigerate them in a plastic bag.
- Wrap cut guavas tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil before storing them in the refrigerator, or store them in an airtight container.
- Keep frozen guavas in the freezer at all times. They will keep for up to 6 months.
- For dried guavas, keep them in an airtight container in a cool, dry place away from heat and moisture
- Cold storage is a good option for storing guava fruit. Guavas can be stored for several weeks in controlled atmospheres. However, improper storage conditions may cause the formation of off flavors.
