Brown Feijoa Live Plant (Psidium sp)

Brown Feijoa (Psidium sp.): The Rare & Exotic Amazonian Superfruit

Introduction: A Unique & Aromatic Guava Variety from Brazil

Brown Feijoa, also known as Feijoa Marrom Acreana, is a rare and distinctive guava species native to Brazil’s Amazon rainforest, particularly the Acre region. This small to medium-sized tree (2–3 meters tall) produces elongated, oval-shaped fruits with a brownish, slightly rough skin and soft, juicy translucent greenish flesh.

Known for its sweet-tart flavor reminiscent of pineapple, guava, and citrus, Brown Feijoa is a highly aromatic and versatile fruit, perfect for fresh consumption, smoothies, jams, and desserts. Thriving in humid, biodiverse rainforest conditions, it is often found growing near rivers and in fertile soils, making it an exciting and resilient tropical fruit species for cultivation.

Local & Common Names Around the World

Brown Feijoa is recognized by different names in various regions:

• English: Brown Feijoa, Amazonian Guava
• Portuguese (Brazil): Feijoa Marrom Acreana
• Spanish: Guayaba Marrón Acreana
• French: Goyave Brune Amazonienne
• Hindi: ब्राउन फेजोआ अमरूद (Brown Feijoa Amrood)
• Tamil: பழுப்பு பெஜோவா கொய்யா (Pazhupu Feijoa Koyya)
• Malayalam: ബ്രൗൺ ഫേജോവാ (Brown Feijoa Peraykka)
• Bengali: বাদামী ফেজোয়া পেয়ারা (Badami Feijoa Peyara)
• Filipino: Kayumangging Bayabas Feijoa
• Indonesian: Jambu Feijoa Coklat
• Thai: ฝรั่งเฟโจอาสีน้ำตาล (Farang Feijoa See Nam Tan)

Nutritional Value & Health Benefits

Brown Feijoa is a nutritional powerhouse, packed with essential vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants that promote overall health.

Nutritional Content (Per 100g of Fruit)

• Calories: 55 kcal
• Carbohydrates: 13g
• Protein: 0.9g
• Fat: 0.6g
• Fiber: 6.4g
• Vitamin C: 32mg (boosts immunity)
• Vitamin B6: 0.067mg (supports brain function)
• Potassium: 172mg (regulates heart function)
• Magnesium: 9mg (improves muscle function)
• Calcium: 17mg (strengthens bones)
• Polyphenols & Antioxidants: High levels (help reduce oxidative stress and inflammation).

Health Benefits of Brown Feijoa

1. Boosts Immunity: High in vitamin C, which strengthens the immune system and fights infections.
2. Aids Digestion: Rich in fiber, promoting gut health and preventing constipation.
3. Supports Heart Health: Potassium and polyphenols help lower blood pressure and cholesterol levels.
4. Enhances Skin & Hair Health: Antioxidants protect against oxidative damage, reducing signs of aging.
5. Regulates Blood Sugar Levels: Low glycemic index fruit, beneficial for diabetics.
6. Strengthens Bones & Muscles: Calcium and magnesium support bone health and prevent muscle cramps.
7. Aids in Weight Management: Low-calorie and fiber-rich, helping control appetite and support metabolism.
8. Improves Cognitive Function: Contains B vitamins and antioxidants that support brain health.

Taste Profile & Culinary Uses

How Does Brown Feijoa Taste?

Brown Feijoa has a delightfully sweet-tart flavor, often described as a blend of pineapple, guava, and citrus, with a subtle floral aroma. The soft, jelly-like flesh is juicy and refreshing, making it an excellent fruit for both raw consumption and culinary applications.

How to Enjoy Brown Feijoa in Your Diet

1. Eat Fresh: Slice in half and scoop out the soft, fragrant pulp.
2. Juices & Smoothies: Blends well with tropical fruits like banana, mango, and coconut water.
3. Jams & Jellies: High pectin content makes it ideal for homemade preserves.
4. Desserts & Sweets: Used in cakes, sorbets, fruit tarts, and guava ice creams.
5. Fermented Products: Can be made into wine, cider, and kombucha.
6. Chutneys & Sauces: Adds a tangy sweetness to tropical chutneys and marinades.
7. Dried Feijoa Slices: Dehydrate slices for long-lasting chewy snacks.

Growing & Maintaining the Brown Feijoa Plant

Ideal Growing Conditions

• Sunlight: Prefers full sun but tolerates partial shade.
• Soil: Prefers rich, well-draining soil, commonly found near rivers and streams.
• Watering: Requires consistent moisture, especially during fruiting.
• Temperature: Thrives in warm, humid tropical and subtropical climates.

Maintenance & Care

• Fertilization: Apply organic compost every 2-3 months for better fruiting.
• Pruning: Regular pruning enhances airflow and fruit production.
• Mulching: Helps retain soil moisture and improve soil health.
• Pest Protection: Monitor for fruit flies, aphids, and scale insects.
• Harvesting: Begins fruiting within 2-3 years, ripening to a soft, aromatic texture when ready to eat.

How to Preserve Brown Feijoa

1. Refrigeration: Store fresh feijoas in the fridge for up to two weeks.
2. Freezing: Scoop out the pulp and freeze for smoothies and desserts.
3. Canning & Jams: Preserve as jams, chutneys, or syrups.
4. Drying: Dehydrate slices for long-lasting feijoa chips.

Cultural & Traditional Significance

Traditional Uses in Different Cultures

• Amazon Rainforest Tribes: Used in traditional medicinal teas and digestive remedies.
• Brazil & South America: A staple fruit in tropical markets and local beverages.
• New Zealand & Australia: Highly valued in desserts, jams, and feijoa-based wines.
• Europe & North America: Gaining popularity as an exotic fruit in specialty markets.

Symbolism & Folklore

• Represents biodiversity and resilience in Amazonian cultures.
• Considered a fruit of renewal and vitality in indigenous folklore.
• Used in spiritual offerings and natural healing practices.

Why You Should Grow Brown Feijoa

✔ Rare & Exotic Amazonian Fruit – A unique tropical guava variety from the Amazon rainforest.
✔ Deliciously Sweet-Tart & Aromatic – A blend of pineapple, guava, and citrus flavors.
✔ Perfect for Home & Commercial Cultivation – Thrives in warm, humid environments.
✔ Nutrient-Rich & Health-Boosting – Packed with vitamin C, fiber, and antioxidants.
✔ Versatile in Cooking & Beverages – Ideal for fresh eating, jams, smoothies, and wines.
✔ Resilient & Fast-Growing – Fruits within 2-3 years, with high adaptability to different soils.

Final Thoughts: A Rare & Exotic Tropical Treasure

Brown Feijoa is a truly unique and highly aromatic tropical fruit, offering exceptional taste, nutrition, and versatility. Whether you enjoy it fresh, blended into a smoothie, or made into a delicious jam, this Amazonian superfruit is a must-have for fruit enthusiasts, home gardeners, and tropical plant collectors.