Make your own Guava Jam at home using all-natural ingredients! It is deliciously sweet, healthy, and super easy to make using just 5 simple ingredients. Spread it on toast or pancakes and enjoy the taste of tropical bliss in every bite!
Ever since I made my Coconut Jam, Yema Spread, and Caramel sauce, I have been on the lookout for more homemade spreads. Why? Because they are less expensive and are so much healthier compared to store-bought ones! Plus, I can make them exactly how I want.
My lovely neighbor gave us a lot of guavas and I decided to make a jam out of some before they all become too ripe to enjoy. Normally, for jams to get that jelly-like consistency, you'd need pectin. Pectin is a gelling agent, usually in powder form, that is extracted from some fruits like apples. But with this recipe, there's no need for it. Why? Because guava already has it so it is perfect for making jams.
About Guava
Locally known as 'bayabas' in the Philippines, guava is a tropical fruit that is generally green or yellow in color. But some ripen into a pretty pink or red hue. They have a similar shape to a pear but are normally smaller in size.
Ripe guavas have a unique sweet and floral taste, and their insides are tender and juicy with a grainy texture. If your guava tastes sour and is hard to chew, then it's better to leave it on the countertop for a few more days to give it time to mature. Not only are they delicious, guavas are also very healthy. It has higher vitamin C than apple and is loaded with protein and fiber, but with lower sugar content.
Ingredient Alternatives and Cooking Tips
- Don't have lemon readily available in your pantry? You can use calamansi or lime. It might be a bit more tart, so you might want to add more sugar to compensate.
- I love how brown sugar adds a deep caramelly taste due to the molasses. However, you can use white sugar if you do not have one.
- When making the jam, stir the mixture regularly to make sure that the bottom does not burn and leave an unappetizing taste. Also, make sure not to overcook it as it will turn bitter. Remove from heat once the mixture has sufficiently thickened but is still spreadable. You will also notice that it will have a glossy sheen to it when ready.
- Sterilize your jar to keep your jam fresh longer! To sterilize glass jars for storing, place the jars and lids in a pot with water enough to cover them. Boil for about 10 minutes. Remove from pot and allow to air dry.
- Fill the jar almost to the brim and seal while still hot. This will prevent bacteria build-up so your jam can last longer!
- If you're looking to add more flavor to your Guava Jam, then you can add a little cinnamon. Add a cinnamon stick when cooking the guavas, or use some ground cinnamon. Just half a teaspoon would do.
What to do with your homemade Guava Jam?
- Make a toast, add cream cheese, then spread generously with guava jam! Pair it with a cup of coffee, and you're in for a delicious breakfast or afternoon snack.
- Another way to enjoy your Guava Jam in the morning is by getting a scoop and placing it on top of your pancakes or waffles.
- If you're an ice cream and yogurt lover, you can get a scoop or two of your Guava Jam and drizzle it all over for yummy results.
- Not only can you use this as a spread but as a filling for your baked goodies as well! A guava-flavored cupcake also sounds amazing!
- Next time you are making a charcuterie board or grazing table, add a small bowl of this Guava Jam as a dip! It goes well with crackers, biscuits, cheese, and pretzels.
- Place them in pretty jars, and give them away! Making jams is pretty easy when you get the hang of it, and you can make a lot in a single batch! So they are great as thoughtful gifts during the holidays.
How to Store
Transfer the guava jam into the sterilized jars while still hot for easy pouring. Tightly close the lid and allow it to completely cool at room temperature. Once cool, keep it in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 weeks.
Make sure to always use a clean spoon or scoop when getting portions to prevent the introduction of bacteria or early spoilage.
Recipe Video
Printable Recipe
Guava Jam Recipe
Ingredients
- 500 grams ripe guava washed
- 4 cups water
- 1 cup light brown sugar
- 1 whole lemon juiced
- Pinch of salt
Instructions
- 500 grams ripe guavaCut the top and bottom part of the guavas and then cut each into quarters.
- 4 cups water, 1 whole lemonPlace them in a pot and add water and lemon juice. Bring to a boil over medium heat and cook for 15 minutes or until quite soft and easy to mash.
- Using an immersion or regular blender, pulse into a puree. You can also use potato masher or slotted spoon to mash it.
- 1 cup light brown sugar, Pinch of saltRun the mixture into a sieve to separate the seeds. Return the puree to the pot and add sugar and salt.
- Cook over medium-low heat stirring every now and then until it thickens, about 20-30 minutes.
- Transfer to clean glass jars while still hot and seal with the lid. Leave them on the kitchen counter to cool down completely.
- Once it has cooled down, you can use it immediately or refrigerate and it will last for weeks.
Chris says
Delicious flavor, followed the recipe exactly (twice) but my jam never thickens. It’s remains soupy.
Bebs says
It might be the kind of guava you used, maybe it has not enough pectin in it, remember not to peel them as normally the skin has the most pectin. You can add an apple too to help.
Rose T. says
I'm excited to try your recipe on the Guava Jam. Do you peel the skin of the guava before you mash them or just cut the top and bottom and throw everything in the pot?
Bebs says
No need to peel, just wash them thoroughly.
Roxanne Labores Masaspet says
I was looking for help on how to make guava jam and I find your recipe wonderfully done. Thank you for sharing. I'm about to make my guava jam. God bless.
Bebs says
Hope you like it, Roxanne!