Guava Powder: Nutrient-Dense Tropical Fruit Powder

Guava (Psidium guajava L.) is a tropical fruit known for its nutrient composition. Guava powder is produced from fresh guava using freeze-drying or other processing methods, preserving components from the pulp, peel, and seeds. It offers a plant-based option for dietary supplementation.

Nutritional Profile

Guava contains various phytochemicals, including polyphenols (ellagic acid, chlorogenic acid), flavonoids (quercetin, kaempferol), and vitamin C. Analytical data indicate that fresh guava contains approximately 100–200 mg of vitamin C per 100 grams. Freeze-dried guava powder has been shown to contain crude fiber in the range of 43–46%, vitamin C at approximately 2.3–2.5 mg/g, phenolic compounds at approximately 57–62 mg GAE/g, and minerals including potassium (approx. 323–362 mg/100g) and magnesium (approx. 26–29 mg/100g).

Dietary Fiber and Digestive Function

Guava powder provides dietary fiber and pectin. Fresh guava contains approximately 5.9 g of dietary fiber per 100 grams. When consumed with adequate fluid intake, dietary fiber contributes to normal bowel function.

Processing and Applications

Freeze-dried guava powder helps preserve certain color, flavor, and heat-sensitive components of fresh fruit. Research has also explored guava powder as a carrier for probiotics such as Lactobacillus plantarum, maintaining viable cell counts under specific storage conditions.

Intended Use

Guava powder is suitable for individuals interested in increasing their intake of dietary fiber and plant-derived nutrients, as well as those seeking natural plant powders for daily supplementation. It is advisable to choose products with a clean ingredient list and no unnecessary additives.