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Feijoa Facts

Feijoa Facts
Feijoa, also known as pineapple guava is an evergreen plant that belongs to the myrtle family. It originates from South America. Feijoa can be found in subtropical and tropical areas that have cold winters (50 days of freezing temperatures are essential for the successful development of flowers). It grows on slightly acidic, well-drained soil, in the partial shade. Feijoa was collected from the wild during the 19th century and introduced to the rest of the world during the 20th century. Feijoa is cultivated as a source of food and in ornamental purposes. New Zealand is one of the greatest manufacturer of feijoa in the world.
Interesting Feijoa Facts:
Feijoa can grow in the form of tree or shrub that can reach 8 to 15 feet in height and 15 feet in width.
Stem of feijoa tree is covered with pale grey bark. Young branches can be recognized by swollen nodes and tiny hairs.
Feijoa has thick, oval leaves that are dark green on the upper side, and silvery-grey below. Leaves have short petioles and they are oppositely arranged on the branches.
Feijoa produces numerous flowers that can grow individually or in clusters. They have white petals tinged with purple on the inner side. Flowers contain both types of reproductive organs.
Feijoa blooms from May to June. Flowers attract birds and bees that are responsible for the pollination of this plant.
Fruit of feijoa can be elliptic, oval, elongated or pear-shaped with blue-green, bluish or grey skin on the surface. It has grayish-white flesh that surrounds gel-like pulp filled with 20 to 40 seed, located in the middle of the fruit. Fruit ripens 5 to 6 months after pollination.
Feijoa starts to produce fruit 3 to 5 years after planting. People usually shake trees and collect ripe fruit from the ground every couple of days during the harvest time.
Feijoa propagates via seed, cuttings, grafting and layering.
All parts of feijoa fruit are edible (skin is usually discarded). Feijoa has sweet flavor that resembles the taste of guava, pineapple, strawberry and sweet grape. Fruit also emit pleasant aroma, reminiscent of banana and pineapple.
Feijoa is rich source of dietary fibers, vitamins C, K and vitamins of the B complex. It also provides significant amount of minerals such as calcium, magnesium and copper. 100 grams of fruit contains only 55 calories.
Feijoa can be consumed raw, or as an ingredient of muffins, cakes, jellies, jams and refreshing beverages.
Petals of feijoa flowers have mildly sweet flavor and they are occasionally used for the preparation of various salads.
Feijoa tree is ornamental plant that can be also used as windbreak and hedge.
Compounds isolated from feijoa have potential to prevent cardiovascular disorders and development of certain types of cancer.
Feijoa is perennial plant that can survive more than 45 years in the wild.


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