Guava, Amrood, Pera
Guava or Pera trees are trees that grow well in bushes and backyards without much care. Guava is grown in most parts of the world. It's a high quality fruit, both in terms of taste and health benefits.
Guava trees usually bear their first fruit within 2 to 3 years of planting. The fruit is ready to harvest when it turns yellow or pink and is slightly soft to the touch. Guavas can be eaten fresh or made into jams and marmalade.
- Origin: Central America, Mexico
- Common names: Guava, Perakka, Amrood
- Scientific name: Psidium guajava
- Botanical family: Myrtaceae
- Edibility rating: 10/10
- Health Benefits: 9/10
Growing Guava
Guavas are propagated by seedlings, grafting or grafting.
Guava trees are relatively easy to grow and care. They are easily grown in a variety of soils including sandy, clay and loam. However it's important to supplement the soil with organic matter to improve the fertility to get a continuous supply of quality fruits.
Guava grown in homesteads are rarely treated with chemical fertilizers. They prefer full sun but can tolerate some shade.
Depending on the variety, guava trees should be planted 6 to 18 feet apart.
Guava trees planted on a homestead don't require regular irrigation. However, irrigation is necessary for optimal production in a commercial plantation. Guavas grown in containers need regular irrigation. The guava should be watered deeply so that the water can reach the roots.
To keep your guava tree healthy, prune it regularly to remove dead and diseased wood.
Guava trees are also heavy growers and need to be fertilised regularly with a balanced fertiliser consisting of micro and macronutrients.
Guava trees are easy to grow and require little care, making them a high-quality fruit in terms of both taste and health benefits.
Health benefits of the guava
The benefits of guava cannot be overstated. From digestive problems to diabetes and cholesterol, guava can even prevent cancer.
It is said that if you eat an apple a day, you can live without seeing a doctor. This is even more true with guava. Even the leaves and stalks of guava have medicinal value.
Consuming even one guava a day can tremendously improve heart health. This is due to its high levels of Vitamin C and potassium, that helps lower blood pressure and prevent the accumulation of fat in the blood.
Vitamin C, which is abundant in guava, boosts the immune system and can alleviate common ailments such as fever, cough, and cold. Guava can be consumed as a salad or juice and has been known to treat prostate, breast, skin, and oral cancer.
Vitamin A, is essential for maintaining eyesight, and Guava is an excellent source. It can be consumed in large quantities to prevent night blindness. Guava juice can also be taken regularly to cure age-related vision loss, enhance intellectual agility, improve skin beauty, and control the thyroid.
Additionally, guava leaves have medicinal value. They are essential ingredients in herbal tooth pastes and are used to relieve toothaches, gum disease, and bad breath.
Just chewing guava leaves can make the mouth fresh. They are also be used to make an inexpensive mouthwash at home and can stave off dental disease if used regularly.
Drinking water mixed with dried guava leaves can also help control blood sugar levels and lower cholesterol.
