Guava Banana Smoothie

The first time I discovered guava in smoothie form, I was skeptical about how the floral notes would pair with banana. One experimental blender session later, and I was completely hooked on this accidental combination that tastes like sunshine in a glass. Now whenever guavas appear at the market, I know exactly what's happening for breakfast the next morning.

My roommate walked in while I was blending this up and immediately demanded the recipe. She'd never thought to put guava in a smoothie before, and now she texts me every time she makes it to tell me I've ruined her for regular fruit smoothies forever. Theres something about that creamy guava sweetness that makes people stop and ask what exactly they're drinking.

Ingredients

• 1 cup ripe guava flesh, peeled and seeded: I've learned that the guava needs to be practically soft to the touch for the sweetest flavor and smoothest texture
• 1 large ripe banana, peeled and sliced: Frozen banana works beautifully here if you want an even creamier, thicker consistency
• 1 cup cold milk: I've tried everything from whole milk to oat milk and they all work, just adjust sweetness accordingly
• 1/4 cup plain yogurt: This is totally optional but I love how it makes the texture almost milkshake-like
• 1 to 2 teaspoons honey or maple syrup: Start with less since ripe guavas can be surprisingly sweet on their own
• 1/2 cup ice cubes: Skip these if you used frozen banana for that extra frosty thickness

Instructions

Prep your guavas:

Cut them in half and scoop out the seeds with a spoon, then peel the skin and chop the flesh into smaller blender-friendly pieces

Blend it all together:

Throw in your guava, banana, milk, yogurt if using, sweetener, and ice, then blend on high until completely smooth and creamy

Taste and adjust:

Give it a quick test and add more honey or a splash more milk if it needs tweaking before pouring

Serve immediately:

Pour into two glasses and enjoy while it's still frosty and perfectly blended

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This smoothie became my go-to recovery drink after my morning runs when nothing else sounded appealing but I knew I needed something substantial. Theres something about how the creaminess coats your stomach while the fruit brightens everything up that makes it feel restorative rather than just refreshing.

Making It Dairy-Free

I've served this to dairy-free friends using oat milk and coconut yogurt, and honestly I sometimes prefer that version myself. The coconut especially plays beautifully with the tropical guava notes, creating this vacation-in-a-glass situation that nobody guesses is actually pretty good for them.

Timing Your Blend

One thing I discovered through many slightly grainy attempts is that guava needs more blending time than you'd expect. Let it go for an extra 30 seconds beyond what looks smooth enough, especially if you're using fresh fruit instead of frozen.

Serving Suggestions

A wedge of lime on the rim of the glass cuts through the sweetness and makes the whole thing feel more sophisticated. I also love topping it with a few extra pieces of fresh guava or banana for that smoothie-shop presentation without any actual effort.

• Try adding a pinch of cayenne for an unexpected spicy kick
• Blend in a handful of spinach if you want to sneak in greens
• Pour any leftovers into popsicle molds for later

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Hope this becomes your new favorite way to use up those beautiful guavas whenever they appear in your kitchen.

Questions & Answers

→ Can I make this dairy-free?

Yes, simply substitute dairy milk with almond, oat, or soy milk. Skip the yogurt or use a plant-based yogurt alternative to maintain creaminess without dairy.

→ How do I know when guavas are ripe?

Ripe guavas yield slightly to gentle pressure and have a fragrant, sweet aroma. The skin may turn from bright green to slightly yellow, and they should feel heavy for their size.

→ Can I prepare this ahead of time?

For best texture and freshness, blend and serve immediately. If storing, keep in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours and give it a quick stir before serving.

→ What other fruits work well in this blend?

Mango, pineapple, or papaya complement the tropical flavors beautifully. Berries add antioxidant benefits while maintaining the refreshing profile.

→ How can I make this more nutritious?

Add a handful of spinach for extra greens, protein powder for sustained energy, or chia seeds for omega-3s and fiber. The banana helps mask the spinach flavor while maintaining vibrant taste.

→ Is ice necessary?

Ice creates a frosty, refreshing texture and helps chill the blend. If using frozen fruits instead of fresh, you can reduce or omit the ice while maintaining the cold temperature.