Cas Guava, Costa Rican Guava (Psidium friedrichsthalianum)
Tangy Tropical Delight from Costa Rica
Common Names: Cas Guava, Costa Rican Guava, Sour Guava, Cas
Family: Myrtaceae
Origin: Central America, particularly Costa Rica
Cas Guava (Psidium friedrichsthalianum), also known as Costa Rican Guava, is a small tropical fruit tree known for its unique and intensely tangy fruit. Native to Central America, particularly Costa Rica, Cas Guava is a popular fruit in tropical regions, often used to make refreshing beverages, juices, and jams due to its sour, citrusy flavor. This small, hardy tree is highly valued for its ability to grow in diverse conditions and its heavy fruit production. The fruits are smaller than common guavas and are highly aromatic, making them a standout in both home gardens and orchards.
Distinctive Features, Uses, and Nutritional Value
Fruits: Cas Guava produces small, round, greenish-yellow fruits with a strong, tangy flavor. The flesh is typically white or light yellow and filled with numerous small seeds. The fruits are rich in vitamin C and have a sour, citrusy flavor that makes them ideal for beverages, smoothies, jams, and sauces.
Foliage: The tree has glossy, dark green leaves that are aromatic when crushed, giving off a pleasant guava scent. The dense foliage makes it an attractive addition to tropical gardens.
Growth Habit: Cas Guava is a small, bushy tree that can grow up to 10-15 feet tall. It is drought-tolerant once established and can produce fruit prolifically, often within 2-3 years of planting.
Culinary and Medicinal Uses
Cas Guava is most commonly used to make refreshing drinks known as “Cas fresco” in Costa Rica, where the fruit is blended with water and sugar to create a tart, tangy juice. The fruit is also used to make jams, jellies, and sauces. Due to its sour taste, it is rarely eaten fresh on its own.
Medicinally, Cas Guava is rich in vitamin C and antioxidants, supporting immune health and protecting against oxidative stress. In traditional medicine, it is used to treat digestive issues, such as diarrhea and upset stomachs.