Guava Cheese

Name: Guava Cheese
Yield: 11
Cuisine: Saint Vincent and the Grenadines
Ingredients: Ripe guavas, washed and roughly chopped — 1 kg (2.2 lb); Sugar — 300 g (1 1/2 cups); Fresh lime juice — 1 tbsp; Extra sugar, for coating

The Quirky Foodster Team

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Servings

Ingredients

Ripe guavas, washed and roughly chopped — 1 kg (2.2 lb)
Sugar — 300 g (1 1/2 cups)
Fresh lime juice — 1 tbsp
Extra sugar, for coating

Method

Simmer the chopped guavas in a small amount of water until very soft, about 15 minutes.
Push the cooked guava through a sieve to remove seeds and skins, collecting the smooth pulp.
Return the pulp to the saucepan with sugar and lime juice.
Cook over low heat, stirring constantly, for 25-30 minutes until very thick and pulling away from the sides of the pan.
Pour into a shallow dish lined with wax paper and spread evenly.
Let cool and firm up for several hours, then cut into squares and coat in extra sugar.

Introduction: A firm, sweet paste made from cooked guava pulp and sugar, sliced into chewy squares.

Cultural Background: Despite its name, guava cheese contains no dairy — the term refers to its firm, cheese-like texture. Made from local guavas, it is a favourite sweet found in Vincentian markets and homes.

Tips: Stir constantly during the final cooking stage to prevent scorching, as the thickened pulp burns easily. Allow ample time to firm up before cutting for clean squares.

Variations: Add a pinch of ground ginger for a spiced version; some cooks add a few drops of red food colouring for a deeper pink hue.

Storage: Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 weeks.

Reheating: This is a no-cook-to-serve candy and is not reheated.

Nutrition: Approx. 90 kcal, 0 g protein, 23 g carbohydrate, 0 g fat per square.

FAQs:

Q: Why is it called ‘cheese’ if there’s no dairy?

A: The name refers to its firm, sliceable texture, similar to a block of cheese, not the ingredients.

Q: Can this be made with canned guava?

A: Fresh guava gives the best flavour and set, but canned guava paste can be reduced further if fresh is unavailable.