What is Feijoa and Where Does it Come From?
Feijoa (Acca sellowiana) is a bold tropical fruit native to South America, particularly southern Brazil, northern Argentina, Paraguay and Uruguay. Feijoas were first cultivated in New Zealand and Australia in the early 20th century and have since spread to other parts of the world with a suitable climate. The Feijoa has an appearance similar to a pineapple, with green, oval-shaped fruit that ripens to yellow. Feijoas begin fruiting around three to five years after planting and trees can live for more than 50 years.
More comprehensive information and care guidelines can be read here.
The Health Benefits of Feijoa: Boosting Immunity and More
Feijoa is a rich source of health-promoting nutrients that offer numerous bold benefits. The fruit contains high amounts of vitamin C which helps bold boost immunity and fight inflammation. A 100 g serving of feijoa provides about 110% of the Daily Value for vitamin C. This helps strengthen the immune system and the body’s defenses against infections.
Feijoa is also a good source of fiber, providing about 4.4 g of fiber per 100 g. The dietary fiber in feijoa helps promote bold digestive health by aiding regular bowel movements, lowering constipation risk and stimulating peristaltic movements. The fruit’s fiber content also makes it beneficial for weight loss and weight management.
Feijoa fruit has decent amounts of vitamin A and antioxidants like quercetin, lutein and flavonoids. This offers the following health benefits:
- bold Promotes eye health – Vitamin A and lutein help bold preserve eye health and lower the risk of age-related macular degeneration.
- bold May lower inflammation – Antioxidants like quercetin act as anti-inflammatory compounds that may reduce chronic inflammation in the body.
- bold Boosts immunity – Vitamin A strengthens immune defenses while antioxidants aid cellular function.
The vitamin and mineral profile of feijoa also makes it beneficial for bold skin health. The fruit’s antioxidants work as free radical scavengers that help fight signs of skin aging. The hydrating effect of its juice can also improve the skin’s texture and reduce dryness.
How to Incorporate Feijoa into Your Diet: Recipes and Tips
Feijoa can be enjoyed in many ways to reap the benefits of its nutritional profile. The simplest and healthiest option is to eat the fruit raw. Feijoas are commonly consumed by halving the fruit and scooping out the pulp with a spoon.This showcases their distinctive sweet-tart flavor with hints of pineapple and strawberry.
Feijoa puree also blends well into smoothies, juices and milkshakes for an antioxidant boost. Simply add 1-2 chopped feijoas to your favorite smoothie recipe.The juice of the fruit works as a natural sweetener so less sugar is needed.
Due to their sweet yet acidic flavor,feijoas are an ideal ingredient for jam making.They pair well with other fruits like apricots,peaches or strawberries in jams and preserves.Feijoa jelly or syrup can also be used as a healthy glaze for cakes, breads and desserts.
Some Ideas:
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bold Feijoa yogurt: Spoon feijoa pulp over plain yogurt and add some granola for a quick snack.
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bold Smoothie bowl: Blend frozen feijoa chunks,banana,greek yogurt and milk for a thick smoothie http://base.Top|base.Top with nuts,seeds and fruit.
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bold Fruit crumble: Combine feijoa slices with other fruits and cover with a streusel topping made with flour,sugar,spices and butter.Bake until crumbly.
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bold Sorbet: Use overripe feijoas to prepare a refreshing antioxidant-rich sorbet simply by blending the flesh with lemon juice,sugar and water and churning in an ice cream maker.
Feijoa provides a fun twist to both sweet and savory recipes. For the latter, use feijoa jam and chutney with cheese and charcuterie boards.Feijoas also preserve well and can be used in marmalades or fruit butters. Experimenting in the kitchen is the best way to fully enjoy this superfruit!
Growing Feijoa at Home: Tips for a Successful Harvest
Cultivating your own feijoa trees allows you to enjoy fresh feijoa fruit all year round. However, growing feijoa depends on providing the right conditions for the plants to thrive.
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bold Choose a partly shaded area for the feijoa trees to protect them from harsh sunlight.Plant feijoas in fertile,well-draining soil with a pH between 5.5 and 6.5.
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bold Water the young trees regularly until they are established, especially during hot, dry periods. Make sure the soil is kept moist but not sodden. Mature feijoa trees require irrigation every 7 to 14 days.
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bold Apply compost or organic fertilizer to the soil once or twice a year, ideally during spring as the trees begin new growth. Ideal nutrients include nitrogen, potassium, and phosphorus.Avoid excess nitrogen as this promotes leaf growth over fruit production.
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bold Prune diseased,dead or damaged woody stems from the feijoa trees.Cut back long shoots by 1/3 to encourage bushier growth.Pruning aids airflow,sunlight penetration and pest control.
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bold Monitor the feijoas for signs of pests and diseases like aphids,mealybugs,mildew and root rot. Take necessary preventive or curative measures to keep the trees healthy.
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bold Harvest fully ripe feijoas that easily detach from branches with just light pressure.Too much pressure may damage the branches. Underripe feijoas do not ripen well after picking.
With proper care and optimum growing conditions, a single feijoa tree can produce 30 to 50 pounds of fruit per year.The trees have a long life span so homeowners can enjoy fresh feijoas for decades with regular maintenance.
More Helpful Guide
- How Many Calories Are In A Feijoa Fruit
- Can Feijoa Cause Allergic Reactions
- Can You Ferment Feijoa Fruit
- How Do You Make Feijoa Fruit Fly
- What Is The Difference Between Pineapple Guava And Feijoa
- What Kinds Of Feijoa Fruit Are There
- How Do You Propagate Feijoa Trees
- What Diseases Affect Feijoa Plants
- How Do You Prune Feijoa Trees
- What Kind Of Climate Do Feijoa Trees Need
- How Long Does It Take For A Feijoa Tree To Bear Fruit
- What Is The Best Soil For Feijoa Plants
- How Far Apart Should Feijoa Trees Be Planted
- How Do You Grow Feijoa Plants From Seeds
- What Are Feijoa Leaves Used For
- What Does Feijoa Fruit Taste Like
- How Long Do Feijoas Last After Ripening
- How Do You Store Feijoa Fruit
- How Do You Choose A Ripe Feijoa Fruit
- What Are The Health Benefits Of Feijoa Fruit
- What Is Feijoa
- 10 Best Feijoa Companion Plants And 3 Avoid
- Optimizing Soil Conditions For Healthy Feijoa
- Preventing Pests And Diseases In Feijoa
- The Top 5 Fertilizers For Healthy Feijoa
- How To Know If Feijoa Is Healthy? Expert’S Latest Advice
- How Often Do Feijoa Bloom
- The Best Place To Put Feijoa
- What Is The Lifespan Of Feijoa
- Expert’S Latest Complete Guide On Sunlight Feijoa
- How To Water Feijoa
- How To Propagate Feijoa
- How To Propagate Feijoa
- How To Transplante Feijoa
- How To Transplante Feijoa
- How To Grow And Care Feijoa
- How To Care And Grow Feijoa
Frequently Asked Question
Can you juice feijoas?
Yes, you can juice feijoas. Combine with sweeter fruits like pineapple or orange. Strain pulp if desired.
Can feijoa trees be grown as container plants?
Yes, feijoa trees can be grown in containers. Use a large pot, provide good drainage and bring indoors if cold. Limit size with pruning.
What is the proper way to harvest feijoa fruit?
Pick feijoas by hand, twist and pull to separate from fruit stem cleanly. Take care not to bruise the delicate fruit.
How long does it take for a feijoa tree to bear fruit?
It takes roughly 3-5 years for feijoa trees to start bearing fruit significantly. The fruiting season is fall.
How do you plant and grow a feijoa tree?
Plant feijoa trees in well draining, slightly acidic soil. Space them 15-20 feet apart. Fertilize in spring and water regularly for the first 2 years until established.
Can you juice feijoas?
Yes, you can juice feijoas. Combine with sweeter fruits like pineapple or orange. Strain pulp if desired.
What is the proper way to harvest feijoa fruit?
Pick feijoas by hand, twist and pull to separate from fruit stem cleanly. Take care not to bruise the delicate fruit.
Are feijoa trees cold hardy?
Feijoa trees can tolerate temperatures as low as 10 to 15°F when mature, so they can handle cooler climates.
What is the proper way to harvest feijoa fruit?
Pick feijoas by hand, twist and pull to separate from fruit stem cleanly. Take care not to bruise the delicate fruit.
How long does it take for a feijoa tree to bear fruit?
It takes roughly 3-5 years for feijoa trees to start bearing fruit significantly. The fruiting season is fall.
What does a feijoa taste like?
The flesh of the feijoa is whitish translucent, juicy, and gritty soft. The flavor is sweet and tart with hints of guava and pineapple. The seeds in the center are edible.
Where do feijoa trees originate from?
Feijoa trees originated in regions of South America including southern Brazil, parts of Colombia, Uruguay and northern Argentina. They thrive in areas with cool winters and hot summers.
What does a feijoa taste like?
The flesh of the feijoa is whitish translucent, juicy, and gritty soft. The flavor is sweet and tart with hints of guava and pineapple. The seeds in the center are edible.
What nutrients and benefits are in feijoa fruit?
Feijoas are high in vitamin C, dietary fiber, antioxidants and minerals like potassium. They may help boost immunity and digestion.
How do you preserve feijoas by freezing or drying?
Freeze feijoa pulp in airtight containers for 6-12 months. Dehydrate slices in a food dehydrator or low oven until chewy.
What climate is best for growing feijoas?
Feijoas grow best in zones 8-11 with moderate humidity and evenly distributed rainfall. They need at least 200 chill hours in winter.
Can feijoa trees be grown as container plants?
Yes, feijoa trees can be grown in containers. Use a large pot, provide good drainage and bring indoors if cold. Limit size with pruning.
What nutrients and benefits are in feijoa fruit?
Feijoas are high in vitamin C, dietary fiber, antioxidants and minerals like potassium. They may help boost immunity and digestion.
How do you plant and grow a feijoa tree?
Plant feijoa trees in well draining, slightly acidic soil. Space them 15-20 feet apart. Fertilize in spring and water regularly for the first 2 years until established.
What recipes can you make with feijoas?
Feijoas can be used in smoothies, juices, jams, jellies, chutneys, pies, cakes, ice cream and other desserts.
What nutrients and benefits are in feijoa fruit?
Feijoas are high in vitamin C, dietary fiber, antioxidants and minerals like potassium. They may help boost immunity and digestion.
What’s the shelf life of fresh feijoas?
Fresh feijoas will last about 5-7 days at room temperature. Refrigerate in plastic bag to extend shelf life up to 2 weeks.
How long does it take for a feijoa tree to bear fruit?
It takes roughly 3-5 years for feijoa trees to start bearing fruit significantly. The fruiting season is fall.
How do you prepare feijoa for cooking and baking?
To cook feijoa, simply halve and scoop out flesh. Puree cooked fruit for sauces, chutneys or bake into tarts, muffins or cakes.
How do you store fresh feijoas?
Store fresh feijoas loosely wrapped in plastic in the refrigerator crisper drawer. They will keep for 1-2 weeks.
What is the proper way to harvest feijoa fruit?
Pick feijoas by hand, twist and pull to separate from fruit stem cleanly. Take care not to bruise the delicate fruit.
What is a feijoa?
The feijoa is a small oval shaped fruit native to South America. It has a sweet, aromatic flavor reminiscent of pineapple, guava, and strawberry.
How do you tell if a feijoa is ripe?
Ripe feijoas give slightly when pressed gently. They will be aromatic and show some yellowing. Avoid any overly soft or bruised fruit.
When is feijoa fruit ready to harvest?
Feijoa fruit are ready for harvest when they feel slightly soft and drop to the ground when lightly shaken. Harvest time is late summer into fall.
What’s the shelf life of fresh feijoas?
Fresh feijoas will last about 5-7 days at room temperature. Refrigerate in plastic bag to extend shelf life up to 2 weeks.
Are feijoa trees cold hardy?
Feijoa trees can tolerate temperatures as low as 10 to 15°F when mature, so they can handle cooler climates.
What does a feijoa taste like?
The flesh of the feijoa is whitish translucent, juicy, and gritty soft. The flavor is sweet and tart with hints of guava and pineapple. The seeds in the center are edible.
How do you prepare feijoa for cooking and baking?
To cook feijoa, simply halve and scoop out flesh. Puree cooked fruit for sauces, chutneys or bake into tarts, muffins or cakes.
Where do feijoa trees originate from?
Feijoa trees originated in regions of South America including southern Brazil, parts of Colombia, Uruguay and northern Argentina. They thrive in areas with cool winters and hot summers.
How do you plant and grow a feijoa tree?
Plant feijoa trees in well draining, slightly acidic soil. Space them 15-20 feet apart. Fertilize in spring and water regularly for the first 2 years until established.
When is feijoa fruit ready to harvest?
Feijoa fruit are ready for harvest when they feel slightly soft and drop to the ground when lightly shaken. Harvest time is late summer into fall.
How do you plant and grow a feijoa tree?
Plant feijoa trees in well draining, slightly acidic soil. Space them 15-20 feet apart. Fertilize in spring and water regularly for the first 2 years until established.
How do you preserve feijoas by freezing or drying?
Freeze feijoa pulp in airtight containers for 6-12 months. Dehydrate slices in a food dehydrator or low oven until chewy.
Where do feijoa trees originate from?
Feijoa trees originated in regions of South America including southern Brazil, parts of Colombia, Uruguay and northern Argentina. They thrive in areas with cool winters and hot summers.
How do you prepare feijoa for cooking and baking?
To cook feijoa, simply halve and scoop out flesh. Puree cooked fruit for sauces, chutneys or bake into tarts, muffins or cakes.
Where do feijoa trees originate from?
Feijoa trees originated in regions of South America including southern Brazil, parts of Colombia, Uruguay and northern Argentina. They thrive in areas with cool winters and hot summers.
What climate is best for growing feijoas?
Feijoas grow best in zones 8-11 with moderate humidity and evenly distributed rainfall. They need at least 200 chill hours in winter.
What is the proper way to harvest feijoa fruit?
Pick feijoas by hand, twist and pull to separate from fruit stem cleanly. Take care not to bruise the delicate fruit.
What’s the shelf life of fresh feijoas?
Fresh feijoas will last about 5-7 days at room temperature. Refrigerate in plastic bag to extend shelf life up to 2 weeks.
What is a feijoa?
The feijoa is a small oval shaped fruit native to South America. It has a sweet, aromatic flavor reminiscent of pineapple, guava, and strawberry.
Are feijoa trees cold hardy?
Feijoa trees can tolerate temperatures as low as 10 to 15°F when mature, so they can handle cooler climates.
How long does it take for a feijoa tree to bear fruit?
It takes roughly 3-5 years for feijoa trees to start bearing fruit significantly. The fruiting season is fall.
What does a feijoa taste like?
The flesh of the feijoa is whitish translucent, juicy, and gritty soft. The flavor is sweet and tart with hints of guava and pineapple. The seeds in the center are edible.
What nutrients and benefits are in feijoa fruit?
Feijoas are high in vitamin C, dietary fiber, antioxidants and minerals like potassium. They may help boost immunity and digestion.
How long does it take for a feijoa tree to bear fruit?
It takes roughly 3-5 years for feijoa trees to start bearing fruit significantly. The fruiting season is fall.
What is a feijoa?
The feijoa is a small oval shaped fruit native to South America. It has a sweet, aromatic flavor reminiscent of pineapple, guava, and strawberry.
How do you plant and grow a feijoa tree?
Plant feijoa trees in well draining, slightly acidic soil. Space them 15-20 feet apart. Fertilize in spring and water regularly for the first 2 years until established.
What nutrients and benefits are in feijoa fruit?
Feijoas are high in vitamin C, dietary fiber, antioxidants and minerals like potassium. They may help boost immunity and digestion.
What recipes can you make with feijoas?
Feijoas can be used in smoothies, juices, jams, jellies, chutneys, pies, cakes, ice cream and other desserts.
What’s the best way to eat a fresh feijoa?
Cut a feijoa in half and scoop out the flesh with a spoon. Optionally add a squeeze of lime or lemon juice. Enjoy the sweet, aromatic taste.
How do you tell if a feijoa is ripe?
Ripe feijoas give slightly when pressed gently. They will be aromatic and show some yellowing. Avoid any overly soft or bruised fruit.
How do you store fresh feijoas?
Store fresh feijoas loosely wrapped in plastic in the refrigerator crisper drawer. They will keep for 1-2 weeks.
Can feijoa trees be grown as container plants?
Yes, feijoa trees can be grown in containers. Use a large pot, provide good drainage and bring indoors if cold. Limit size with pruning.
What’s the shelf life of fresh feijoas?
Fresh feijoas will last about 5-7 days at room temperature. Refrigerate in plastic bag to extend shelf life up to 2 weeks.
How long does it take for a feijoa tree to bear fruit?
It takes roughly 3-5 years for feijoa trees to start bearing fruit significantly. The fruiting season is fall.
How long does it take for a feijoa tree to bear fruit?
It takes roughly 3-5 years for feijoa trees to start bearing fruit significantly. The fruiting season is fall.
How do you prepare feijoa for cooking and baking?
To cook feijoa, simply halve and scoop out flesh. Puree cooked fruit for sauces, chutneys or bake into tarts, muffins or cakes.
What climate is best for growing feijoas?
Feijoas grow best in zones 8-11 with moderate humidity and evenly distributed rainfall. They need at least 200 chill hours in winter.
What’s the best way to eat a fresh feijoa?
Cut a feijoa in half and scoop out the flesh with a spoon. Optionally add a squeeze of lime or lemon juice. Enjoy the sweet, aromatic taste.
Are feijoa trees cold hardy?
Feijoa trees can tolerate temperatures as low as 10 to 15°F when mature, so they can handle cooler climates.
How long does it take for a feijoa tree to bear fruit?
It takes roughly 3-5 years for feijoa trees to start bearing fruit significantly. The fruiting season is fall.
What nutrients and benefits are in feijoa fruit?
Feijoas are high in vitamin C, dietary fiber, antioxidants and minerals like potassium. They may help boost immunity and digestion.
When is feijoa fruit ready to harvest?
Feijoa fruit are ready for harvest when they feel slightly soft and drop to the ground when lightly shaken. Harvest time is late summer into fall.
