Psidium friedrichsthalianum is a tropical fruit tree commonly known as Costa Rican guava or cas guava.
🌿 Basic Overview
- Family: Myrtaceae (same as common guava)
- Native to: Central America (especially Costa Rica and Panama)
- Tree size: Small to medium (about 3–10 meters tall)
🍈 Fruit Characteristics
- Round, slightly flattened fruit
- Yellow skin when ripe
- Flesh is very acidic (sour) compared to regular guava
- Strong, aromatic fragrance
🍹 Uses
- Rarely eaten raw because of its sourness
- Popular in:
- Juices (especially in Costa Rica—“fresco de cas”)
- Jams and jellies
- Desserts and syrups
🌱 Cultivation Notes
- Prefers tropical to subtropical climates
- Grows well in well-drained soils
- Needs full sun and moderate rainfall
🥝 Nutritional Value
- Rich in vitamin C
- Contains antioxidants and dietary fiber
🌍 Interesting Fact
In Costa Rica, cas juice is a traditional and refreshing drink, often sweetened heavily to balance its natural tartness.
If you want, I can compare it with common guava (Psidium guajava) or tell you if it can grow in your area.
