The strawberry guava-picking is viewed more as a recreational activity instead of a food needs; it's almost a ritual for some people.  The forested area of Plaine Champagne holds lots of surprises to strollers who came to pick strawberry guava.     

The mornings in March are mild in Plaine Champagne, a region nestled in the south of Mauritius.  Steady drizzle sprinkles the ground covered with lush vegetation.  As we are in a high-lying area, the temperature is mild.  But the tarred roads which are embedded in the heart of this seemingly peaceful spot appear to be busy. 
Private buses, vans or small cars bring their joyous passengers on an excursion in these "secluded" spots, far away from the cities.  These people are not only in quest of new exotic surrounding but also to pick strawberry guava, fruits which abound in this verdant nature. 
The picking season runs from March to May.  During this period, including on bank holidays or weekend, it is not unusual to come across people who are busy searching through the shrubbery by these rural roadsides.  One goes for strawberry guava-picking either in family, groups or friends.  But from time to time, a loving couple brings a romantic touch to this activity.           

Pickle or jam

A group of people stroll along the woods.  It appears that here the fruits are either slow to ripen or the harvesters came too early.  The strawberry guavas are indeed there, but they are still green.  However there are some people who still pick them to pickle the guavas.  Others consoled themselves in picking tiny blue clusters, similar to blueberries, with a sweet taste.      
Mind out, some of the multitude of fruits offered by Mother Nature is poisonous.  But the accustomed ones identify which ones are edible.  Others persevere in looking for ripe strawberry guavas. 
A little further in another spot, the plants doubtlessly grow differently.  Here, the fruits are a bright red, indicating that they are ripe.  They look like big marbles hanging in small clusters on the stems. 
Some of the people who came before have already shaved off the fruits that are easier to pick.  But the cleverest ones manage to pick the guavas perched on the upper branches with poles or with other genius means.  Besides, true lines reward those who have the guts to come out from the tracks to venture out in the dense shrubs.  The outing ends with a picnic where eventually the dessert is...the strawberry guava.  But lots of people prefer to do the compote or jam.