The Guava de monte or Cas is a delicious fruit native to Costa Rica with unique properties and benefits. It has grown wild since ancient times and is also found throughout Central America.
For example, in Nicaragua, Guatemala, El Salvador, and in some regions south of Mexico. Also in some select areas of California.
They are not currently grown commercially on a large scale, but Trees are harvested in small orchards and gardens.
It belongs to the Myrtaceae family and is scientifically known as Psidium arborescens.
It is known by other names such as: guavas acidic, fresh guava, Costa Rican guava, the name Cas comes from the indigenous name of the fruit “kas-kra”. It is taken directly from the dialect of the Boruca people of Costa Rica.
It also receives other different names in Latin America: in Guatemala acid guava, in Colombia sour guava, in Honduras water guava, choco guava, wild guava in Mexico, and myrtle in El Salvador.
Characteristics of Cas or Guava del monte
It is a very easy tree to grow, it has low maintenance, it is very resistant, It has no major problems with pests or diseases. It grows in tropical soils and coastal regions.
It can be propagated through seeds that you can collect from fruits and plant in plastic bags filled with soil and keep them well watered until they sprout. When the seedlings manage to reach a height of 30 cm, you can transplant them to a fruit orchard.
Fruit
The Mountain Guava is a small fruit found in the forested areas of Central America. It is a small tree that reaches 2 to 5 meters in height and is characterized by its bright red, juicy and sweet-tasting berries.
The fruit has a rounded or oval shape and the skin is smooth and green when unripe. but turns red when ripe. On average it measures 3 to 5 cm in diameter.
It has a rounded oval shape, and its color when ripe is pale green to yellow. Its skin is smooth, taut and fine. The acidic pulp, yellow, firm and crunchy.
Its consistency is softer when ripe, it contains some small, edible seeds. Its flavor is sour, acidic, mixed with a sweetness reminiscent of a grapefruit combined with lemon.
Nutritional benefits of Guava del monte
Wild Guava offers numerous nutritional and health benefits. It is rich in antioxidants, vitamins C and E, as well as minerals such as iron, copper, potassium and magnesium.
These nutrients are essential for the proper functioning of the body and can help protect it from the effects of free radicals and oxidative stress. The fruit also has anti-inflammatory, antiseptic and astringent properties.
It is a good moisturizer since the fruit contains more than 80% of its weight in water, which facilitates the elimination of toxins.
It is also a rich source of fiber mainly in the skin. It has a low glycemic index, which is a great option for people who must consume fruits and foods with low sugar levels.
Antioxidant properties
The fruit contains a significant amount of antioxidants, such as vitamin C, vitamin E and polyphenols, that help protect the body from cellular damage caused by free radicals.
These compounds may help improve the immune system, promote healthy aging, and reduce the risk of chronic diseases.
Vitamins and nutrients
Case Guava de Monte is an excellent source of vitamins, as it contains high levels of vitamin C, vitamin E and vitamin B.
It also contains minerals such as iron, potassium, magnesium and copper, all of which can help improve energy levels, regulate blood pressure and promote good heart health.
Anti-inflammatory and astringent properties
The fruit has traditionally been used for its anti-inflammatory and astringent properties and can be used to treat skin conditions such as eczema, acne and psoriasis.
It can also be used as a natural mouthwash due to its antiseptic properties.
Uses and preparation
Wild Guava is usually used for a wide variety of dessert and drink recipes due to its particular flavor. Also to make a delicious fruit salad or add to yogurts and ice creams to give them an extra touch of flavor.
Ripe fruits are generally not consumed fresh due to their bitter taste, but green ones can be cut into slices, sprinkled with salt and sell raw as a snack. That's how street vendors do it throughout Central America.
The fruit acid can be used to prepare drinks since it The flavor is balanced when mixed with other fruits, sugar and water. It is an ideal drink to drink on warm days.
You can also prepare purees, ice cream, cook over low heat and prepare jellies and jams. It is a great option as a filling for pies or baked goods.
The pulp contains a high content of pectin, which is a natural thickening agent widely used in bakeries and confectioneries to prepare certain recipes.
Another type of uses is to prepare puree and freeze it in ice cube trays for long-term use. You can also combine the fruits with ginger, pineapple, mint, coconut, mangoes.
Since they are ripe, you should use them immediately to obtain better flavor and quality, but you can keep them for a couple of days in the refrigerator.
Another preparation that Costa Ricans usually make is to mix the fruit with water, sugar, add milk, freeze it and make an exquisite homemade ice cream.
Prepare a wild guava soft drink: For the recipe you need four peeled fruits, place them in a blender filled with water at slow or medium speed. That way you avoid crushing the seeds. Strain the watery pulp with a sieve and add sugar, honey or sweetener to taste.
Finally, Guava de Monte is a delicious and nutritious fruit with unique properties and benefits. It is widely grown in Costa Rica and other countries in the region, and with it you can prepare delicious juices, jams, desserts and jellies.
Fruit offers numerous health benefits thanks to its high levels of vitamins C and E, antioxidants and minerals. Its anti-inflammatory, antiseptic and astringent properties make it an excellent option for natural skin treatments.