A Strange But Essential Fruity Travel Tip Before Your Vacation To The Bahamas

When you picture an island vacation in the Bahamas, you might imagine yourself lounging on the beach holding a coconut topped with a cocktail umbrella. However, there's another fruit the Bahamas might be better known for: guava. Guava trees are native to the Caribbean, and two different varieties grow in the Bahamas. The fruit is found in many local dishes, but you shouldn't wait until your trip to sample the juicy ingredient.

Though not common, some people suffer from a guava allergy. However, unless you routinely come in contact with the fruit, you might not be aware of your intolerance until it's too late. Those who are allergic to guava may experience swelling of the throat, digestive issues, hives, and trouble breathing after ingesting the food. These symptoms may be more prevalent in people who are also allergic to latex.

Additionally, guava contains high levels of salicylates, compounds that can trigger allergy and asthma symptoms in some people. If you're not used to eating guava, waiting until your trip to try it is a mistake to avoid on your vacation to the Caribbean — unless you don't mind swapping sightseeing for time in the ER. Check out the tropical fruit section of your supermarket or visit an international grocery store to (carefully) test out guava at home.

Guava can be eaten by itself, and you'll likely find it whole at markets in the Bahamas. Look for a round fruit with green or yellow skin and a pink or white pulpy inside. It's worth trying on its own, as long as you've ruled out an allergy or sensitivity to the food. Otherwise, you'll know what to steer clear of.

You should also look for dishes and recipes that contain guava. For example, guava jam is a local staple that's often served on bread or drizzled over desserts. Many Bahamians make the jam themselves at home, though you can also buy it from stores and gift shops or find it on the menu at some authentic restaurants. Another item to look for when dining out is guava duff, a type of doughy dessert packed with guava fruit with a hint of spice and rum or brandy. It's a specialty of the Bahamas and a must-try if you're not intolerant to guava.

Note that the fruit can also appear in some unexpected places. It might be added to drinks and desserts as a sweetener, even if it's not explicitly included in the name of the dish. Some Bahamians also boil various parts of the guava plant for medicinal purposes. However, you're only likely to encounter these remedies if you're staying with a local, rather than at a hotel or all-inclusive resort in the Caribbean. Nevertheless, if you find you may be allergic to guava, it's always a good idea to ask about the ingredients in your mystery tea or dinner spread before diving in.