Romancing the nostalgic flavours of guava cheese

You might have heard of or tasted, this sweet delicacy, packed with the goodness of guavas. But the aroma of guava cheese wafting from the kitchen might be a distant memory.
Thanks to the tedious process of preparation, the delectable guava cheese is missing from many homes during Christmas. Those who do manage to get their hands on this slice of traditional heaven are getting it outsourced.
Tracing its roots to the Portuguese colonies on India’s west coast, guava cheese is traditionally made during Christmas. But the current generation of cooks has scratched the dish out from the menu. “It’s the worst thing to make — it splutters and the stirring is tough. It takes hours on end to prepare and I have long ditched the dish,” explains baker Melanie Gabriel. Ditto with baker Bertha Joseph. “It’s a laborious task and takes hours. One has to keep stirring to get the right consistency and honestly, in the time spent making guava cheese, I can rustle up baked delights,” explains Bertha.
So what is it that puts off so many people from the preparation of guava cheese? “People end up burning their hands or break out in blisters and boils. This ruins the whole Christmas,” explains Malcolm Taylor, whose family prepares traditional Christmas sweets on-order. “Stirring aside, one has to ensure that every seed is removed from the pulp, before you even begin the stirring procedure. Imagine removing seeds from a pot full of boiled guavas! It’s just a crazy prospect in today’s day and time,” admits Bertha.
Another reason guava cheese is being ditched from the Christmas hamper is because of the changing palate. “Kids today don’t like guava cheese. In fact, they don’t like confections with fruity flavour, so what’s the point of going through all that trouble and making it, then?” asks Melanie.
While homemade guava cheese may be a rarity, there is still a demand for it among those who associate it with the good ol’ days of Christmas, says Malcolm. “There are many who get nostalgic about guava cheese and place their orders. And not just the Catholics, but people from different communities too order this confection during this season,” he says. Going by the orders placed with Malcolm alone, it looks like Hyderabad is still romancing guava cheese! “Rose cookies and kulkuls are passe. These days people want more of guava cheese. This year we have prepared more than 200 kgs,” he admits.
So, are you getting a bite of the good ol’ guava cheese this year?