Guava Cheese – Is it really Cheese?

The foods in all countries around the world have been influenced by the culture of their people. Likewise, in Guyana, our foods comprise of the influences of not one but six different ethnic groups. Our sweets and desserts are a combination of pastries jams, candies, peers, fudge, sirnee etc. One of Guyana’s oldest confection known is the Guava Cheese. This dessert is a popular treat in countries in the Caribbean Trinidad, Barbados, Guyana and even in Spain. Guava Cheese is known as perad in Goa, Southwest India and pasta de guayaba, or guayabate, in the United States of America. Guava Cheese is especially popular during the Christmas holidays and its tangy, distinct lemony tinge is beloved by kids and adults alike.

Guava Cheese – Photo by Girendra Persaud

What is Guava Cheese?

Before you ask, no it is not actually cheese. Guava Cheese is a chewy, fudge-like confectionary made primarily of guavas and sugar. It is a fruity piece of sweet with a shelflife as long as one year. This is because it shares many qualities with that of jam, the only difference is that Guava Cheese is left to harden then cut into pieces. In the Caribbean, it is typically cut into squares whereas in India it is cut into neat little diamonds. While Guava Cheese can be eaten as it is, there are many pastries and pie that can be made using this sweet, delicious jam. Guava Cheese can even be spread on toast.

Avocado, Ginger and Guava Cheese – Photo By ProtoplasmaKid – Own work, CC BY-SA 4.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=48263482

Nutritional Value of Guava Cheese

Amount of Calories per serving: 455  (Calories from Fat 8)

• Total Fat: 0.9 g (1.4%)
• Saturated Fat: 0.2 g (1%)
• Cholesterol: 0 mg
• Sodium: 2 mg0.(1%)
• Total Carbohydrates: 114.3 g (38.1%)
• Dietary Fiber: 5.4 g (21.6%)
• Sugars: 108.8 g
• Protein: 2.5 g (5%)
• Vitamin: A 12.5%
• Vitamin C 380%
• Calcium: 1.9% Iron

Interesting Tip

• This fruit-based jelly can be be made with other fruits including pear and ginger.

How to make Guava Cheese

Ingredients

• 2 lb. guavas
• 26 oz.  cane sugar
• 1-1/2 tbsp. fresh-squeezed lime Juice
• 1 tbsp.ghee or butter

Steps

1. Wash and peel guavas, removing any dark spots.
2. Chop into chunks and put to boil until softened.
3. Blend in a food processor or blender and process into a puree
4. Strain puree to remove seeds.
5. Heat a skillet and add the puree into the skillet over medium-high flame.
6. Stir so the mixture does not burn.
7. Add sugar and continue stirring. The puree will slowly change in colour and will begin to thicken.
8. Stir in the ghee and the lime juice, stir.
9. When the puree becomes a sticky, mass (like jam), it’s done. It will congeal into one mass
10. Remove the skillet from the stove.
11. Leave the Guava Cheese to cool and set up for at least two hours before cutting into slices or squares.
12. Serve and enjoy!

Interesting Tip

• Ghee adds a beautiful sheen to your guava cheese.
• The lime will help the cheese to set.
• Guava Cheese can be eaten alone, or with cheese.
• It can also be used as a filling for pastries and pies.

Watch this – Trini Guava Cheese Recipe ( VEGAN ) – Episode 941 | Trini Cooking with Natasha

https://youtu.be/Dc8wtj9yZj8

About Guava Cheese

Guava cheese is a great addition to toast, or a delectable appetizer when paired with cheese. However, this sweet treat is traditionally eaten alone. Guava Cheese may be harder to find at supermarkets and local groceries than regular guava jam but is worth the search. Yet, nothing beats the homemade Guava Cheese. If you happen to have a ton of guavas and fruit juice isn’t your thing, then making some good old Guava Cheese is a perfect alternative!

Article Reference

• https://www.uncommoncaribbean.com/nevis/taste-of-the-caribbean-make-your-own-home-made-guava-cheese/
• https://ethnicfoodsrus.com/11213-2/
• https://www.tarladalal.com/calories-for-Guava-Cheese-42315
• https://www.deccanherald.com/content/27236/theres-no-cheese-guava-cheese.html
• http://www.nutritionrank.com/calories-%5Bfield_company_name-raw%5D-guava-cheese-1137343