Few fruits capture the taste of the tropics quite like ripe guava. Its sweet, floral aroma and vibrant flavor make it one of the best fruits for homemade jam. This recipe creates a smooth, rich guava jam with just a hint of vanilla to enhance the fruit while allowing the fresh guava flavor to shine.
Whether spread on warm toast, paired with cream cheese, or served over desserts, this homemade guava jam is a delicious way to preserve your tropical harvest.
Ingredients
- 8 cups guava puree
- 7 cups granulated sugar
- 1 box (1.75 oz) Sure-Jell Original Premium Fruit Pectin
- 1 teaspoon Key lime juice (or ¼ teaspoon if you prefer only the slightest touch)
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- Tiny pinch of salt
- Pinch of butter (optional, to reduce foam)
Instructions
- Wash and sterilize your 4-ounce jars, lids, and bands.
- Pour the guava puree into a large heavy-bottomed pot.
- Whisk in the Sure-Jell pectin until completely dissolved.
- Add the Key lime juice, salt, and butter.
- Bring the mixture to a full rolling boil over medium-high heat, stirring frequently.
- Add all 7 cups of sugar and stir until completely dissolved.
- Return the mixture to a hard rolling boil that cannot be stirred down.
- Boil for exactly 1 minute, stirring continuously.
- Remove the pot from the heat and stir in the vanilla extract.
- Skim off any foam if necessary.
- Fill hot 4-ounce jars, leaving ¼ inch headspace.
- Wipe the rims clean, apply lids and bands finger-tight, and process in a boiling water bath for 10 minutes.
- Remove the jars and allow them to cool undisturbed for 12 to 24 hours.
Yield
This recipe yields approximately 20 to 24 four-ounce jars, depending on the thickness of the puree and the final consistency of the jam.
Tips for Success
- Fully ripe guavas produce the sweetest, most aromatic jam.
- Stir frequently while cooking to prevent scorching.
- Add the vanilla after removing the pot from the heat to preserve its aroma.
- The butter is optional but helps reduce foam during cooking.
- If using a smooth puree, your jam will have a silky texture. If your puree contains a little pulp, you’ll have a heartier, more rustic spread.
Serving Ideas
This tropical guava jam is wonderful:
- Spread on toast, biscuits, and English muffins
- Swirled into yogurt or oatmeal
- Served over cheesecake or vanilla ice cream
- Paired with cream cheese and crackers
- Glazed over pastries
- Added to thumbprint cookies or cake fillings
Homemade guava jam is a wonderful way to preserve the flavors of the tropics and enjoy fresh guava long after the harvest season has ended.
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