Guava With Black Salt
A simple, refreshing Indian-style snack where crisp raw guava slices are seasoned with a punchy mix of black salt, roasted cumin, and a hint of chili. The black salt brings a unique savory tang that perfectly balances the fruit's natural sweetness, making it an irresistible quick bite.
For 4 servings
- prep · ~3 min
Slice the guavas.
Wash the guavas thoroughly. Cut them into quarters, remove the seeds, and then slice them into thin wedges or cubes. Transfer to a mixing bowl.
- mix · ~1 min
Season the guava.
Sprinkle the black salt, roasted cumin powder, and red chili powder over the guava pieces. Squeeze the fresh lemon juice on top. Gently toss everything together until the fruit is evenly coated.
- garnish
Garnish with mint and serve immediately.
Transfer to a serving plate and sprinkle the chopped fresh mint on top. This snack is best enjoyed fresh to keep the guava crisp.
What to keep in mind.
6 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1Use firm, slightly under-ripe guavas so they stay crunchy after tossing with seasonings.
- 2Toast whole cumin seeds on a dry pan, then grind for the most aromatic roasted cumin powder.
- 3Adjust black salt carefully — it's pungent; start with ¼ tsp and add more to taste.
- 4Toss the guava gently with the spices to avoid breaking the flesh or making it mushy.
- 5For extra tang, replace lemon juice with a splash of dried mango powder (amchur).
- 6Serve immediately after seasoning, or the guava will release juice and turn watery.
Adapt it for your goals.
Spicy chaat
Add a pinch of chaat masala, a drizzle of tamarind chutney, and a handful of pomegranate arils for a more complex, sweet-sour chaat-style snack.
low sodiumLow-sodium
Replace black salt with a mix of regular salt and a pinch of asafoetida (hing) for a similar savory tang without the high sodium content.
herb forwardHerb-forward
Skip the chili and add extra fresh mint and a pinch of dried fenugreek leaves (kasuri methi) for a cooling, aromatic variation.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Rich in Vitamin C
Guavas are one of the richest fruit sources of vitamin C, supporting immune function and skin health.
Digestive Aid
Black salt and cumin are traditionally used in Indian cuisine to stimulate digestion and relieve bloating.
Low-Calorie Snack
This dish is naturally low in calories and fat, making it a guilt-free refreshment between meals.
Antioxidant Boost
Mint and guava both contain antioxidants that help combat oxidative stress and inflammation.
Frequently asked questions
Yes, very firm and slightly under-ripe guava works well because it stays crunchy and doesn't get mushy when tossed with the seasonings.
