Save Discover the essence of the tropics with these Guava Preserves. This luscious, thick guava jam is perfect for spreading on toast, serving with cheese, or adding to desserts. Sweet, tropical, and aromatic, it offers a delightful texture that captures the freshness of ripe guavas in every spoonful.
Save This recipe yields about 3 cups (750 ml) of preserves with a total time of 1 hour and 20 minutes. Classified as a medium-difficulty condiment, it brings the international flair of tropical cuisine directly to your kitchen table.
Ingredients
- Fruit: 1.5 kg ripe guavas (about 10–12 medium guavas)
- Sweetener: 700 g granulated sugar (about 3.5 cups)
- Acidity: 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- Water: 1 cup (240 ml) water
Instructions
- Step 1
- Wash the guavas thoroughly, then cut them into quarters. Remove seeds using a spoon, reserving as much flesh as possible.
- Step 2
- Place guava flesh and water in a large saucepan. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 15–20 minutes until the fruit is soft.
- Step 3
- Mash the softened guavas with a potato masher or blend briefly for a smoother texture.
- Step 4
- Press the mixture through a fine sieve or food mill to remove any remaining seeds and obtain a smooth pulp.
- Step 5
- Return the pulp to the saucepan. Add sugar and lemon juice. Stir well to combine.
- Step 6
- Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat, stirring constantly to prevent sticking.
- Step 7
- Reduce heat to medium and simmer, stirring frequently, until the mixture thickens to a jam-like consistency (about 35–45 minutes). To test: place a small amount on a chilled plate—if it wrinkles when pushed, its ready.
- Step 8
- Skim off any foam as needed.
- Step 9
- Pour the hot preserves into sterilized jars, leaving 0.5 cm (¼ inch) headspace. Seal immediately. Let cool and store in the refrigerator for up to 3 months, or process in a boiling water bath for longer storage.
Zusatztipps für die Zubereitung
To achieve the best results, use a large saucepan to prevent the mixture from boiling over. Essential tools include a sieve or food mill to ensure a smooth pulp and sterilized glass jars with lids for safe storage. A potato masher or blender will help you reach your desired fruit consistency.
Varianten und Anpassungen
For those who prefer a chunkier preserve, simply reserve some guava pieces and fold them back into the mixture after sieving. You can also adjust the sugar to your personal taste or substitute a portion of it with honey for a different depth of sweetness.
Serviervorschläge
These preserves are excellent when paired with sharp cheeses, spread onto toasted sourdough, or used as a tropical pastry filling. For a sophisticated experience, try serving this jam with a dry Riesling or alongside a mild, creamy cheese.
Save Each 2-tablespoon serving provides approximately 65 calories and 17 grams of carbohydrates, with 0 grams of fat or protein. Enjoy this homemade tropical treat within 3 months when stored in the refrigerator.
Common Questions
- → How do I know when the guava preserves are ready?
The preserves are ready when they reach a jam-like consistency after 35-45 minutes of simmering. To test, place a small amount on a chilled plate—if it wrinkles when you push it with your finger, it's done. The mixture should coat the back of a spoon and slide off slowly.
- → Can I make these preserves with frozen guavas?
Yes, frozen guavas work well for preserves. Thaw them completely before starting, and be aware that frozen fruit may release more water during cooking, potentially requiring slightly longer simmering time to reach the desired thickness.
- → How long will these guava preserves last?
When stored in sterilized jars in the refrigerator, these preserves will stay fresh for up to 3 months. For longer shelf life, process the jars in a boiling water bath for 10 minutes, which allows storage at room temperature for up to a year.
- → What's the best way to serve guava preserves?
Guava preserves shine when paired with sharp cheeses like cheddar or aged gouda on a cheese board. Spread generously on toast, croissants, or fresh bread. They also make excellent filling for pastries, thumbprint cookies, or as a topping for vanilla ice cream.
- → Can I reduce the amount of sugar in this recipe?
You can reduce the sugar slightly, but keep in mind that sugar helps with preservation and achieving the proper set. If reducing sugar significantly, consider adding commercial pectin to ensure proper thickening. The preserves may have a shorter shelf life with less sugar.
- → Do I need to remove all the seeds from the guavas?
Yes, removing seeds is essential for smooth preserves. Guava seeds are hard and would create an unpleasant texture. The sieve or food mill step ensures any remaining seeds or larger pieces of flesh are removed, leaving only silky smooth pulp.