Guavonia Guava Grove

Guavonia Guava Grove

Guavonia Grove at a Glance

Farmer: Jorge Zaldivar
Where they’re located: Redland
Website: Facebook PGTropicals  Instagram @PastelGuayaba 
What they grow: Guava
Where they sell: Wholesale–local restaurants: Madruga Bakery, Mamey Miami, Azucar Ice Cream Co., Exquisito Chocolates, La Fresa Francesa, Ariete, Chug's Diner, Pastelito Papi, PIKADIYO
CSA: No

A tropical fruit farmer of guava (Psidium guajava) and tropical fruits in Homestead's Redland, Zaldivar digs deep into Miami's history while keeping his Cuban culture and roots in sight to make connections between fruits, history, recipes and stories. Currently serves as a Director with the North American Fruit Explorers (NAFEX), Slow Food's Ark of Taste Regional Committee Member, and Director of the South Florida Palm Society (SFPS), he is drafting the manuscripts of two cookbooks and the biography of South Florida Cookery pioneer and botanist Alex D. Hawkes from Coconut Grove.

ABOUT HIS FARM:  PG Tropicals partners with Guavonia Guava Grove in the Redland and cultivates various heirloom guava cultivars. "Since guava has been such a rich avenue into Miami's history for me, Guavonia Guava Grove’s foundation is a strong understanding of the Miami pioneers who lived and farmed here. By preserving guava fruits, we preserve Miami's history through seeds and our tropical fruit products. Redland terroir is years of tradition that brings Miami together every time we enjoy mamey, guava, mango, avocado, papaya and sapodilla. There are so many more reasons to love the agricultural areas south of Miami. The United States depends on Florida for a variety of crops grown during the winter season. Many tropical fruits are sourced from Redland and Homestead. There is only one Redland, and we are lucky to have it."

WHY HE'S SUCH AN ADVOCATE FOR LOCAL GUAVA: Pastelitos and guava creations in Miami are now made with imported guava products from the Dominican Republic, Brazil, Jamaica or Colombia. "It was once a leading Florida fruit, evidenced by pioneer pantries lined with jars of guava jelly and marmalade – there wasn’t a house in Hialeah or Shenandoah that didn’t have a jar of Miami’s world-renowned guava jelly. It's easy to lose track of what locally grown fruits and vegetables are easily available for us to enjoy here in Miami. It may seem like a chore to know what is in season and where to source it, but the more you participate in this model, the more you notice that flavor is hardly ever compromised, nor your budget."