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Description
Pineapple Guava is a small, evergreen tree or shrub, native to northern South America. It is a member of the Myrtle family (Myrtaceae) like its cousins, Common Guava and Brazilian Guava, and is planted extensively as a garden and container ornamental for its spreading shape and edible flowers and fruit.
Fragrant, showy red and white flowers cover the tree in the spring and summer. According to Jared, co-founder of Sow Exotic, "They have the ultimate best-tasting flowers of any edible flower in the world!” Pineapple Guava flowers can be eaten fresh off the tree, used as a garnish for desserts, or in salads, fruit, or grain bowls. They attract insect pollinators and are even eaten by small animals because of their sweet taste.
Edible, green fruits develop in the fall that are about the size of kiwis and taste like a cross between a pineapple and guava, with a hint of mint. They can be eaten out of hand, made into jams and jellies, used to flavor baked goods, or can be frozen into ice cream or sorbets.
Pineapple Guava is easy to grow. It needs full to partial sun and loamy, well-draining soil. Even though they’re usually self-fertile, it’s recommended to plant at least two trees in order to ensure pollination and fruit production. Pineapple Guava is hardy in USDA zones 7 to 10.
