Guava jelly is not a common ingredient but it’s a form of sweet conservation. The guava jelly is popular for its floral and tropical aroma as well as its smooth texture. The jelly actually has a paste-like texture, which can be stuffed into the pastries and spread on the toast. In addition, many people serve it as a block. However, if you are unable to get your hands on guava jelly, we have some substitutes that you can try out!
Substitutes For Guava Jelly
- Quince Paste
Officially known as membrillo, quince paste is one of the most beneficial and easy-to-use replacements. It has a similar texture and sweet flavor. In particular, it has a sliceable texture, which is why it can be used in any recipe that needs guava jelly. The best thing about quince paste is that it’s easily available in grocery stores. In fact, it goes well in the Caribbean and Latin American recipes. On the other hand, if you are unable to find quince paste in the grocery stores, you can purchase it online or try the European specialty stores.
- Fresh Guavas
In case you have access to fresh guavas, there cannot be a better alternative. For instance, you can cut the fresh guavas into small pieces and add them to the cheeseboard. On the other hand, if you are making baked recipes, such as pies, you can use fresh guava without worrying about textural loss. However, the jelly is sweeter as compared to fresh guavas, which is why it’s recommended that you increase the sugar content in the recipe. As far as the flavor is concerned, fresh guavas add a clean and fruity flavor to the recipes.
- Fig Paste
The fig paste is perfect for mimicking the flavor and texture of guava jelly. However, you need to remember that fig paste has small seeds in it, which can impact the smoothness of the texture. In simpler words, adding fig paste will result in a grainier texture. In addition to fig paste, many people try to use fig jam but it’s not recommended as the texture is runny and thin – it can negatively impact your recipe’s texture.
- Fruit Preserve
Fruit preserves are one of the most promising options when you want to replace guava jelly. This is because they have a soft and smooth consistency, just like guava jelly. There are various fruit preserves available in the market, including apricot, pineapple, and strawberry, so you can choose whichever preserve you want, depending on the desired flavor (you might be able to find guava fruit preserve online, which is a much better alternative).
The fruit preserves can be used as pastry filling and you can spread it on the toasts. However, the preserve has a thin texture, which is why you cannot use it on a cheeseboard.
- Apple Paste
Apple paste’s texture is extremely similar to quince paste, which is why it can be used as a replacement for guava jelly. There are various commercial brands that are offering apple paste but they have citric acid as a preservative. The apple paste can be used on the cheeseboards and you can use them for stuffing the desserts like pastries and pies.
The best thing about apple paste is that you can add it to the sauce for chicken, pork, duck, and other gamey meats. In addition to this, the apple paste goes well with Gorgonzola, Roquefort, and Gruyere. However, you need to remember that they aren’t easy to find in the grocery stores but it’s readily available online. Lastly, do read the ingredients of apple paste as additional flavorings and spices can alter the flavor.
- Make Your Own Guava Jelly
If you don’t mind some hassle and fresh guavas are available, you can make your own guava jelly. For this purpose, you need to de-seed the guava and soak them in a bowl full of water. After soaking them for an hour or two, add them to the saucepan with water and let them boil (don’t forget to simmer and stir to ensure the guavas become soft). When the guavas become soft, use a food mill to make pulp and add gelatin to create the jelly. Mix the gelatin and let the mixture cool down to make sure it achieves a jelly-like texture.