Feijoa Fruit Plant (Acca sellowiana)

Feijoa (Acca sellowiana): The Exotic Pineapple Guava with a Unique Tropical Flavor

Introduction: A Nutrient-Rich & Aromatic Superfruit

Feijoa (Acca sellowiana), commonly known as Pineapple Guava or Guavasteen, is a versatile, evergreen fruit tree native to the highlands of southern Brazil, Paraguay, Uruguay, Colombia, and northern Argentina. This 10 to 15 ft tall tree is valued for its fragrant flowers and sweet, aromatic fruit, which has a creamy white flesh and translucent pulp resembling guava.

With its guava-like taste enhanced by tropical pineapple and citrus notes, Feijoa is an excellent choice for home gardens, urban orchards, and commercial cultivation. Beyond its delicious flavor, this fruit is highly nutritious, packed with potassium, fiber, and antioxidants, making it a powerful heart-healthy superfood.

Local & Common Names Around the World

Feijoa is recognized by different names in various regions:

• English: Feijoa, Pineapple Guava, Guavasteen
• Spanish: Feijoa, Guayabo del Brasil
• Portuguese: Goiaba Serrana
• French: Goyavier Ananas
• Hindi: पाइनएप्पल अमरूद (Pineapple Amrood)
• Tamil: அன்னாசி கொய்யா (Annasai Koyya)
• Malayalam: പൈനാപ്പിൾ പെരയ്ക്ക (Pineapple Peraykka)
• Bengali: পাইনএপেল পেয়ারা (Pineapple Peyara)
• Filipino: Bayabas Pinya
• Indonesian: Jambu Nanas
• Thai: ฝรั่งสับปะรด (Farang Sapparot)

Nutritional Value & Health Benefits

Feijoa is a nutrient-dense fruit, providing essential minerals, vitamins, and fiber for overall well-being.

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)

Health Benefits of Feijoa

1. Supports Heart Health: Rich in potassium, which helps regulate blood pressure and reduces the risk of strokes.
2. Boosts Digestion: High fiber content promotes gut health and prevents constipation.
3. Strengthens Immunity: Vitamin C boosts the immune system and fights infections.
4. Regulates Nerve & Muscle Function: Magnesium and potassium support nerve signaling and muscle contractions.
5. Aids in Weight Management: Low in calories, yet high in fiber, keeping you full longer.
6. Antioxidant-Rich: Contains compounds that protect against free radicals and aging.
7. Improves Brain Health: Vitamin B6 and potassium contribute to cognitive function and mental clarity.
8. Maintains Healthy Skin: Vitamin C and antioxidants enhance skin elasticity and reduce wrinkles.

Taste Profile & Culinary Uses

How Does Feijoa Taste?

Feijoa has a sweet, floral aroma and a tropical taste that combines guava, pineapple, and a hint of citrus. The creamy, jelly-like flesh is soft, mildly grainy, and highly aromatic, making it a unique addition to various culinary applications.

How to Enjoy Feijoa in Your Diet

1. Eat Fresh: Cut in half and scoop out the soft, fragrant pulp.
2. Juices & Smoothies: Blends well with mango, banana, or citrus for a tropical drink.
3. Jams & Jellies: High pectin content makes it ideal for preserves.
4. Desserts & Sweets: Used in cakes, muffins, sorbets, and tarts.
5. Fermented Products: Can be used in wine, ciders, and kombucha.
6. Salads & Salsas: Adds a refreshing tropical twist to fruit salads and chutneys.
7. Dried Fruit Snacks: Can be sun-dried or dehydrated for chewy guava chips.

Growing & Maintaining the Feijoa Plant

Ideal Growing Conditions

• Sunlight: Prefers full sun but tolerates partial shade.
• Soil: Adaptable to various soil types but thrives in well-drained, slightly acidic soil.
• Watering: Requires consistent moisture, especially during fruiting seasons.
• Temperature: Grows best in mild, subtropical to temperate climates.

Maintenance & Care

• Fertilization: Apply organic compost every 2-3 months to boost fruiting.
• Pruning: Trim branches to encourage airflow and fruit production.
• Mulching: Helps retain soil moisture and improve soil quality.
• Pest Protection: Monitor for fruit flies and scale insects.
• Harvesting: Fruits ripen in 2-3 years, falling naturally when fully ripe.

How to Preserve 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 cooking.
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

• Brazil & South America: Feijoa fruit is used in traditional medicinal teas.
• New Zealand: A national favorite, eaten fresh or used in desserts, wines, and juices.
• Europe: Gaining popularity in culinary dishes and natural health products.
• Asia & Australia: Used in herbal tonics and weight-loss diets.

Symbolism & Folklore

• In some cultures, Feijoa trees symbolize abundance and natural healing.
• Feijoa flowers are considered sacred in certain indigenous traditions.
• The fruit is believed to bring prosperity and good health when consumed regularly.

Why You Should Grow Feijoa

✔ Unique Tropical Flavor – A mix of guava, pineapple, and citrus.
✔ Highly Nutritious & Heart-Healthy – Rich in potassium, fiber, and antioxidants.
✔ Perfect for Home Gardens & Orchards – Grows well in backyards, urban farms, and containers.
✔ Fast-Growing & High-Yielding – Produces fruit within 2-3 years.
✔ Versatile & Delicious – Ideal for fresh eating, preserves, drinks, and desserts.

Final Thoughts: The Exotic Superfruit You Must Try

Feijoa is a rare, nutrient-rich, and flavorful fruit that offers incredible health benefits and culinary possibilities. Whether you eat it fresh, blend it into smoothies, or make homemade jams, this vibrant tropical fruit is a must-have for fruit lovers and health-conscious individuals.