Guava Preserves (Printable)

Luscious thick guava spread perfect for toast, cheese, or desserts with sweet tropical flavor.

# What You’ll Need:

→ Fruit

01 - 3.3 lbs ripe guavas (about 10–12 medium guavas)

→ Sweetener

02 - 3.5 cups granulated sugar

→ Acidity

03 - 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice

→ Water

04 - 1 cup water

# How To Make:

01 - Wash the guavas thoroughly, then cut them into quarters. Remove seeds using a spoon, reserving as much flesh as possible.
02 - 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.
03 - Mash the softened guavas with a potato masher or blend briefly for a smoother texture.
04 - Press the mixture through a fine sieve or food mill to remove any remaining seeds and obtain a smooth pulp.
05 - Return the pulp to the saucepan. Add sugar and lemon juice. Stir well to combine.
06 - Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat, stirring constantly to prevent sticking.
07 - 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, it's ready.
08 - Skim off any foam as needed.
09 - Pour the hot preserves into sterilized jars, leaving 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.

# Top Tips:

01 -
  • The texture transforms from loose pulp to something luxuriously spreadable, almost like velvet on warm bread
  • That signature guava fragrance intensifies through cooking, making your whole house smell like a tropical getaway
  • It strikes the perfect balance between sweet and bright, thanks to just enough lemon to keep things lively
02 -
  • The chilled plate test is your best friend, I have learned the hard way that guessing leads to preserves that are either too runny or overcooked into candy
  • Skimming the foam throughout the cooking process, not just at the end, gives you a clearer, more beautiful final product
03 -
  • A potato masher gives you more control over texture than a blender, which can easily overwork the fruit
  • For deeper flavor, let the sugar and fruit pulp sit together for 30 minutes before cooking, this draws out more of the guavas natural juices
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