Guava (Psidium guajava) is the tropical fruit of a small tree native to Mexico, Central America, and northern South America, which is now cultivated worldwide.
The name "guava" is also given to some other species in the genus Psidium such as strawberry guava, and to the feijoa, or "pineapple guava," which is not a true guava.
Guava fruit ranges from tart to quite sweet depending on the cultivar, with a distinctive floral aroma. It is used throughout Latin America to make agua fresca, punch, fruit bars, and desserts. Pulque de guayaba, an alcoholic beverage, is made by fermenting the fruit.
It is used extensively in candies and preserves, such as the thick guava paste called goiabada in Brazil and bocadillo in Colombia and Venezuela.
Red guavas are sometimes salted and used in sauces or as a substitute for tomatoes.
In Brazil, a drink called chá-de-goiabeira is with an infusion of guava fruits and leaves.