Barbados Guava Cheese, also referred to as Guava Paste or Goiabada, is a sweet and firm paste derived from guava fruit, sugar, and lime juice. Originating from Barbados, this delicacy is widely used as a topping or filling in desserts such as cakes and pastries, favored in Caribbean and Latin American cuisines for its tropical flavor and culinary versatility.

Ingredients:

1- 4 cups of fresh guava pulp

2- 2 cups of granulated sugar

3- Juice of 1 lime

4- Water (as needed)

Method:

1- Wash and peel the guavas, then cut them into small pieces.

2- Place the guava pieces in a large saucepan with enough water to cover them, and cook over medium heat for about 20-30 minutes or until the guavas are soft.

3- Remove the guava pulp from the saucepan and pass it through a sieve to remove any seeds or fibers.

4- Return the guava pulp to the saucepan and add the sugar and lime juice.

5- Cook the mixture over low heat, stirring constantly, until the sugar dissolves and the mixture thickens.

6- Continue to cook the mixture over low heat, stirring occasionally, for about 2 hours or until it becomes thick and forms a paste.

7- Pour the mixture into a greased baking dish or a silicone mold, and let it cool to room temperature.

8- Once it has cooled, remove the guava cheese from the dish or mold and cut it into small squares or bars.

9- Serve and enjoy!

Note:

1- Be sure to stir the mixture constantly to prevent it from sticking to the bottom of the pan and burning.

2- The cooking time may vary depending on the ripeness of the guavas and the desired thickness of the guava cheese.

3- You can add spices such as cinnamon, vanilla, or cloves to give the guava cheese a different flavor.

Nutrition Value:

1- 4 cups of fresh guava pulp:

  - Calories: Guava pulp is relatively low in calories, providing about 112 calories per cup.

  - Carbohydrates: High in carbohydrates, primarily from natural sugars, with about 24 grams per cup.

  - Protein: Contains minimal protein, around 2.6 grams per cup.

  - Fat: Very low in fat, almost negligible, with less than 1 gram per cup.

  - Sodium: Low in sodium, containing about 3 milligrams per cup.

  - Cholesterol: Guava pulp is cholesterol-free.

  - Vitamins: Rich in vitamin C, providing over 200 milligrams per cup, also contains vitamins A, E, and K in smaller amounts.

  - Minerals: Contains potassium, magnesium, and calcium in moderate amounts.

  - Nutritional Benefits: High in dietary fiber, antioxidants, and vitamins, which support immune function, digestion, and skin health.

  - Health Risks: Generally safe, but high consumption may lead to digestive discomfort due to fiber content.

2- 2 cups of granulated sugar:

  - Calories: High in calories, providing about 774 calories per cup.

  - Carbohydrates: Pure sugar, consisting almost entirely of carbohydrates (about 200 grams per cup).

  - Protein: No protein content.

  - Fat: No fat content.

  - Sodium: No sodium content.

  - Cholesterol: Sugar is cholesterol-free.

  - Vitamins: No significant vitamins.

  - Minerals: No significant minerals.

  - Nutritional Benefits: Provides quick energy but lacks nutritional benefits beyond calories.

  - Health Risks: Excessive consumption linked to obesity, diabetes, dental cavities, and metabolic disorders.

3- Juice of 1 lime:

  - Calories: Low in calories, providing about 20 calories.

  - Carbohydrates: Low in carbohydrates, mainly from sugars.

  - Protein: Minimal protein content.

  - Fat: Negligible fat content.

  - Sodium: Low sodium content.

  - Cholesterol: Lime juice is cholesterol-free.

  - Vitamins: High in vitamin C, providing about 20 milligrams per lime.

  - Minerals: Contains potassium and some calcium.

  - Nutritional Benefits: Vitamin C supports immune function, skin health, and wound healing.

  - Health Risks: Generally safe, but excessive consumption may cause dental erosion due to acidity.

4- Water (as needed):

  - Calories: No calories.

  - Carbohydrates: No carbohydrates.

  - Protein: No protein.

  - Fat: No fat.

  - Sodium: No sodium.

  - Cholesterol: No cholesterol.

  - Vitamins: No vitamins.

  - Minerals: No minerals.

  - Nutritional Benefits: Essential for hydration and bodily functions.

  - Health Risks: No risks associated, except in extreme cases of overhydration.