Guava jelly

Guava jelly, also known as guava paste, is a cherished Colombian delicacy made from guava pulp and panela. Colombia is a notable guava producer, with the town of Vélez in the Santander Department being a major center for its production. This has bestowed the local guava jelly with the moniker "bocadillo Veleño." In neighboring Venezuela, a similar treat called "conserva" is prepared with guava, coconut, banana, and other flavors.

Bocadillo is versatile and can be enjoyed in a variety of ways: paired with cheese, spread on bread, or simply savored on its own. It typically comes in small rectangular blocks with a firm consistency and a deep red color, akin to the Spanish dessert dulce de membrillo. Another close relative is the Brazilian goiabada, also made from guava.

The process of making bocadillo involves several steps: washing and peeling the guavas, mashing them into a pulp, straining to remove seeds, and then boiling the pulp with panela or sugar until it thickens. Once the mixture is ready, it is cooled and molded into blocks, which firm up as they cool. Traditionally, bocadillo de guayaba is wrapped in bijao leaves to preserve it and enhance its flavor.

In 2006, bocadillo Veleño was even nominated as a cultural symbol of Colombia in a contest organized by the magazine Semana.