Dulce de Feijoas: Pineapple Guava Paste
Dulce de Feijoas is a delightful fruit paste made from the highly aromatic tropical fruit known as feijoa (often called pineapple guava). Originally from Brazil but widely cultivated in Colombia, its unique, tart-and-sweet flavor makes for an exceptional dessert.
The secret to this 1-hour recipe is slowly simmering the peeled fruit with gradual additions of sugar, then mashing it down to a thick puree. Allowed to set, it forms a firm, sliceable paste that is perfect for pairing with cheese.
Dulce de Feijoas (Pineapple Guava Paste)
A fragrant and sweet tropical fruit paste! Peeled feijoas slow-cooked with sugar until reduced into a thick, sliceable preserve.
Ingredients
- 32 Feijoas Pineapple guavas
- 1 Liter Water
- 3/4 lb Sugar
Instructions
- Prep the fruit: The very first step is to wash the feijoas thoroughly under cold water, then carefully peel away their green skins.
- Initial boil: Place the peeled feijoas into a cooking pot along with the 1 liter of water and just 4 tablespoons of the sugar. Set the pot over low heat to begin cooking.
- Candy the fruit: As the mixture simmers, gradually add the remaining sugar little by little. Let it slow-cook (calar) over low heat to deeply sweeten the fruit.
- Mash and thicken: Once the fruit becomes completely tender, use a wooden spoon or a hand blender to slowly mash or process the feijoas into a puree. Continue cooking the mixture until it reduces and reaches a thick, firm consistency.
- Set and serve: Pour the hot, thick fruit puree into a mold or container. Let it rest and cool until it hardens slightly into a sliceable block. (Chef's Hack: You can also choose to serve and eat it immediately in its warm, soft puree form right after cooking!)
Notes
- Fruit Origins: The feijoa is a tropical fruit originally native to the highlands of southern Brazil. Over time, its cultivation has expanded to other South American countries with suitable climates, including Colombia, Argentina, Uruguay, and Chile.
- Serving Suggestions: Like many traditional thick fruit pastes in Latin America, this firm sweet is excellent when cut into portions and served alongside a slice of mild, fresh white cheese to balance its high sugar content.
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