2023 What Kinds Of Feijoa Fruit Are There: Expert Tell You

What is Feijoa Fruit?

Feijoa (Acca sellowiana), commonly known as pineapple guava, is a tropical fruit native to South America. The feijoa features fragrant edible flesh surrounding large black seeds. They are oval to round in shape, ranging from 2 to 8 centimeters in diameter. The fruit skin changes color from green when unripe to yellow or red when ripe. The flesh has a unique sweet-acidic flavor and aromatic scent resembling a combination of pineapple and strawberry.
More comprehensive information and care guidelines can be read here.

feijoa, feijoa fruit, pineapples on brown surface — *Photo by* *Brooke Lark* / *Unsplash*

Feijoa Sellowiana: The Most Common Variety

Feijoa sellowiana is the most widely cultivated and commonly available variety of feijoa fruit. It accounts for 95% of the world’s commercial feijoa production due to its consistent cropping, fruit size and shelf life.

The fruits are round to oval in shape, measuring typically between 3 to 8 centimeters in diameter. The skin color ranges from green when immature to yellow or red when ripe. Flesh color is creamy white with numerous small, hard black seeds. The flesh has a unique flavor reminiscent of pineapple, strawberry and grapefruit.

When ripe, feijoa sellowiana fruits have soft texture and the aroma intensifies. They develop a sweet fragrance that distinguishes them from other feijoa varieties. The flavor is mildly sweet to tart with soft texture.

Some key facts about feijoa sellowiana:

Accounts for over 90% of commercial plantings worldwide
Fruit size ranges from 3 to 8 cm in diameter
Yield varies from 15 to 30 kg per tree
Best stored at 5 to 8 °C and last up to 3 weeks
Ideal for fresh eating, juicing and preserving.

The long fruiting season from fall to early spring makes feijoa sellowiana a reliable, popular choice among commercial growers and home gardeners.

feijoa, feijoa fruit, bowl of blueberries — *Photo by* *Mae Mu* / *Unsplash*

Feijoa Acca: A Tropical Delight

Feijoa acca, commonly known as pineapple guava, is a subspecies of feijoa fruit native to Peru and Brazil. The fruits are larger compared to the common feijoa sellowiana variety, ranging up to 15 centimeters wide.

When unripe, feijoa acca fruits are dark green to purple in color and turn yellow or red when ripe. The flesh is sweeter and juicier compared to other feijoa varieties. The unique flavor resembles a combination of pineapple, mango and guava.

Some key facts about feijoa acca:

Fruits are larger, up to 15 cm wide
Skin color ranges from dark green to purple when unripe
Flesh color is yellow-orange and juice-filled pulp
Flavor is described as tropical, sweet and refreshing
Contains high levels of vitamin C and antioxidants

Feijoa acca trees tend to be taller and more erect compared to feijoa sellowiana. The foliage is also darker green and denser. The fruiting season spans from winter to early spring in the Southern Hemisphere.

The sweeter, juicier fruit pulp and intense tropical flavor profile make feijoa acca a popular choice for fresh eating, cocktails and desserts. It is prized for its:

Distinctive fruity aroma
Crisp yet tender texture
Balanced sweet-tart flavor

However, due to its larger size and tendency to bruise easily, feijoa acca fruits are not as widely commercially cultivated as feijoa sellowiana. They are usually found at farmers markets and specialty fruit stores.

feijoa, feijoa sellowiana, green round fruits lot — *Photo by* *Elena G* / *Unsplash*

Feijoa Unique: Unveiling the Rarest Feijoa Varieties

While feijoa sellowiana and acca are the most common and widely available varieties, there are a number of lesser known feijoa cultivars with unique characteristics. This section explores some of the rarest feijoa varieties:

Feijoa Pineapple – This variety produces medium-sized fruits with a distinct pineapple flavor.The flesh is yellow-orange and theseeds arelocated near the surface.The fruit skin color varies from green to red when ripe.

Salibrosa Feijoa – This feijoa variety produces very large fruits, up to 20 cm in diameter. The skin color is green tinged with purple and the flesh is salmon-pink colored. The flavor resembles guava with notes of musk.

Carmine Smyrna Feijoa – The fruits are small, around 3-5 cm wide, with carmine red skin. The flesh is white, very soft and juicy with excellent aromatic flavor.This varietyis valued for its early ripening habit and decorative fruit color.

Feijoa Anana – This cultivar producesdistinctive barrel-shaped fruits with intense pineapple flavor.The skin color varies from yellow to orange when ripe.Fruit size ranges from 5 to 12 cm long. The flesh texture is soft and juicywith numerous small seeds.

While other lesscommon varieties exist, these 4 represent some of the most intriguing feijoa cultivars with distinct fruit shapes, colors, sizes and flavors. However, due to their rarity, limited information exists about their origins,growth habits and yield potential. Most are only available through specialty nurseries and garden centers.

Ongoing breeding and selection programscontinue to identify and developnew feijoa cultivars, including interspecifichybrids that combine characteristics from different feijoa species. These new varieties aim to produce fruits with enhancedfeatures like larger size, improved flavor, storability and shelf life.

feijoa, feijoa sellowiana, a close up of a flower on a tree branch — *Photo by* *Kostiantyn Vierkieiev* / *Unsplash*

More Helpful Guide

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.