- Rinse guavas thoroughly and chop into small pieces (peeling is optional).
- Blend guava pieces with 1 cup of chilled water until smooth, avoiding over-blending to prevent grinding the seeds.
- Strain the pulp through a mesh strainer into a bowl, pressing with a spoon to extract the juice.
- Mix the strained juice with the remaining 1 cup of water and sugar until the sugar is dissolved.
- Adjust sweetness or consistency as needed. Serve immediately over ice.
- Calories:120 kcal25%
- Energy:502 kJ22%
- Protein:2.5 g28%
- Carbohydrates:30 mg40%
- Sugar:24 mg8%
- Salt:15 g25%
- Fat:1.2 g20%
Last Updated on 2 months by Neha Deshmukh
Guava Juice Recipe – Easy Homemade Indian Summer Drink
Hey everyone! If you’re anything like me, you’re always on the lookout for a refreshing drink to beat the Indian summer heat. And honestly, nothing quite hits the spot like a glass of homemade guava juice. It’s a taste of childhood for me – my dadi (grandmother) used to make this for us on scorching afternoons, and it instantly transported us to a cooler place. This recipe is super simple, and I’m so excited to share it with you!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This guava juice isn’t just delicious; it’s incredibly easy to make. Seriously, it takes just 15 minutes from start to finish! It’s a fantastic way to use up ripe guavas, and it’s packed with Vitamin C – a little health boost with your refreshment. Plus, it’s naturally sweet and flavorful, making it a perfect drink for all ages.
Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to whip up this delightful guava juice:
- 4 medium-sized guavas
- 2 cups water (about 480ml)
- 3 tablespoons sugar (approximately 45 grams)
Ingredient Notes
Let’s talk ingredients for a sec! These little things can make a big difference.
- Guavas: The riper the guava, the sweeter the juice! You want them to give slightly when you gently press them.
- Water: Filtered water is always best for the purest flavor.
- Sugar: I use regular granulated sugar, but you can experiment with other sweeteners (more on that later!).
Guava Varieties (Highlight regional differences if any)
Did you know there are so many different types of guavas? In India, you’ll find a wonderful variety!
- Allahabad Surkha: This is a very common variety, known for its pink flesh and sweet-tart flavor.
- Lucknow 49: Another popular choice, it’s slightly larger and has a milder sweetness.
- Safeda (White Guava): As the name suggests, this one has white flesh and a slightly more floral aroma.
- Red Fleshed Guavas: These are becoming increasingly popular and offer a beautiful color and unique flavor.
The best guava for juice really depends on your preference! I personally love using Allahabad Surkha for its vibrant color and balanced taste.
Sugar Adjustments – Traditional vs. Modern Preferences
Traditionally, guava juice was often made with a little less sugar, letting the natural sweetness of the fruit shine. Nowadays, many people prefer a slightly sweeter drink. Feel free to adjust the 3 tablespoons to your liking – start with less and add more as needed!
Water Quality & Impact on Taste
Seriously, don’t underestimate the power of good water! Using filtered water really does make a difference in the final taste of the juice. Tap water can sometimes have a chlorine taste that can affect the overall flavor.
Step-By-Step Instructions
Alright, let’s get juicing!
- First, give those guavas a good rinse. You can peel them if you prefer a smoother juice, but I usually leave the skin on for extra fiber and nutrients (and honestly, it’s less work!). Chop them into smaller pieces.
- Now, pop the guava pieces into a blender along with 1 cup (240ml) of chilled water. Blend until everything is nice and smooth. Don’t over-blend, though – we don’t want to grind up the seeds!
- Next, grab a mesh strainer and place it over a bowl. Pour the blended guava mixture through the strainer, and use a spoon to press down and extract all that lovely juice. This step gets rid of the seeds and any remaining pulp.
- Pour the strained juice back into the blender. Add the remaining 1 cup (240ml) of water and the sugar. Blend again until the sugar is completely dissolved.
- Give it a taste! Adjust the sweetness or consistency as needed. If it’s too thick, add a little more water. If it’s not sweet enough, add a touch more sugar.
- Finally, pour over ice and enjoy immediately!
Expert Tips
Here are a few tricks I’ve learned over the years to make the perfect guava juice:
Achieving the Perfect Consistency
Want a thicker juice? Use slightly less water, or add a few ice cubes to the blender during the final step. For a thinner juice, simply add more water.
Preventing Seed Grinding
The key is not to over-blend! Blend just until the guava is smooth, then strain immediately.
Maximizing Juice Extraction
Don’t be shy with the spoon when you’re straining! Really press down on the pulp to extract every last drop of juice.
Variations
Let’s get creative!
- Vegan Option: This recipe is naturally vegan! Just double-check your sugar source if you’re super strict.
- Adjusting Sweetness Levels: Honey or maple syrup can be used instead of sugar. Start with 2 tablespoons and adjust to taste.
- Spice Level – Adding a Hint of Black Salt or Ginger: A tiny pinch of black salt (kala namak) adds a lovely savory note. Or, grate in a small piece of ginger for a zesty kick! My friend, Priya, swears by adding a dash of cardamom.
- Festival Adaptations – Summer Solstice/Heatwave Refreshment: During really hot weather, I like to freeze some guava juice into ice cubes and use those instead of regular ice. It keeps the drink colder for longer without diluting the flavor.
Serving Suggestions
Guava juice is fantastic on its own, but it also pairs well with:
- Spicy Indian snacks like samosas or pakoras.
- A light lunch or brunch.
- Simply enjoyed on a hot afternoon with a good book!
Storage Instructions
Guava juice is best enjoyed fresh, but you can store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. The color might change slightly, but it will still taste delicious.
FAQs
Let’s answer some common questions!
Is it necessary to peel the guavas before making the juice?
Nope! It’s totally up to you. Leaving the skin on adds extra fiber and nutrients, but peeling them will result in a smoother juice.
Can I use frozen guavas for this recipe?
Yes, you can! Just thaw them completely before blending.
How can I make this juice thicker?
Use less water, or add a few ice cubes during blending.
What is the best way to handle guava seeds?
Straining is the easiest way to remove the seeds.
Can I add other fruits to this guava juice?
Absolutely! Mango, pineapple, or orange would all be delicious additions.