The unique cultivation of guava on Leros island

The fruit known as 'gavafa', a distinct Greek variety of the exotic guava, is cultivated almost exclusively on the island of Leros in the Dodecanese. Originally native to Mexico and Central and South America, the plant was introduced to Greece in the 1950s by residents of Leros returning from Egypt. Upon planting these trees, the unique soil and climatic conditions of the Dodecanese led to the development of a local variety with distinct organoleptic properties.

Currently, it is estimated that between 3,000 and 4,000 guava trees are grown on Leros. Two primary varieties exist on the island: the white 'buttery' guava, which matures earlier, and the red variety. The fruit is characterized by an intense aroma reminiscent of passion fruit, pineapple, and banana, while its flavor profile is described as complex, featuring a buttery texture, slight sweetness, and a distinct acidic aftertaste.