Red Diamond guava fruit plants

The term “Red Diamond fruit” most commonly refers to a specific and highly sought-after guava variety (Psidium guajava). It’s particularly popular in Taiwan, where it originated, and is gaining recognition in other parts of the world.

Here’s a detailed description of the Red Diamond Guava:

• Appearance:

  • Size and Shape: Red Diamond guavas are known for their relatively large size, often weighing between 400-1000 grams per fruit. They are typically round, oblate, or slightly pear-shaped.
  • Skin (Pericarp): The outer skin ripens from green to lighter shades of yellow-green. It’s taut, textured, and often glossy. Some varieties are noted for having a bumpier consistency, which is often considered a sign of a sweeter and higher-quality fruit in Taiwan.
  • Internal Flesh: This is where the “Red Diamond” name truly shines. When cut open, the flesh displays beautiful variegated shades of red and pink, often darkest in the center and lightening towards the skin. There can also be a characteristic pale ring just beneath the skin.
  • Seeds: A significant feature of many Red Diamond guava varieties is that they are almost seedless, containing only a few (5-10) small, light brown to yellow seeds. These seeds are edible but not typically chewed.

• Taste and Texture:

  • Taste: The flavor is a winning combination of sweet, floral, and subtly tangy notes. It’s known for being very sweet, with Brix levels (sugar content) typically ranging from 8 to 12 degrees. The aroma is also fragrant, fresh, and slightly musky.
  • Texture: The flesh is firm, dense, thick, aqueous, and notably crisp and crunchy, even when fully ripe. This firm texture sets it apart from some other softer guava varieties.

• Origin and Cultivation:

  • Red Diamond guavas are a Taiwanese variety, developed through selective breeding of other red-fleshed guavas in the late 20th century.
  • While guavas themselves originated in the Americas and were introduced to Taiwan centuries ago, the “Red Diamond” is a modern Taiwanese cultivar.
  • It’s considered a premium fruit due to its challenging cultivation requirements and large size.

• Seasonality:

  • Red Diamond guavas are available year-round in Taiwan, with a peak season generally in the winter months (October to February) for the best flavor. Larger fruits tend to be harvested from June to September.

• Culinary Uses:

  • Fresh Eating: Primarily enjoyed fresh, often sliced and eaten on its own, sometimes with a sprinkle of plum powder or salt to enhance the flavor.
  • Juices and Smoothies: Its juicy flesh makes it excellent for fresh juices and smoothies.
  • Salads: Can be added to fruit salads for its color and crisp texture.

• Nutritional Value:

  • Like other guavas, Red Diamond guava is rich in Vitamin C, dietary fiber, and various antioxidants like lycopene and carotenoids, which contribute to its vibrant color and health benefits. It’s considered a highly nutritious fruit.

While there might be other fruits or plums occasionally marketed with “Red Diamond” in their name, the prominent and well-known “Red Diamond fruit” in the exotic fruit market is definitively the Taiwanese guava variety described above