Feijoa

Acca sellowiana — Myrtaceae

Italiano: Feijoa / Ananas guava

feijoa

Description

Feijoa (Acca sellowiana) belongs to the Myrtaceae family and is native to SouthAmerica. It thrives in Highland forests, mountains of southern Brazil, Uruguay, Argentina environments across regions including SouthAmerica.

Botanically, Feijoa is evergreen shrub of the southern cone producing oval green fruits with aromatic pineapple-guava flavor..

The edible parts include Fruits, Flowers. With an edibility rating of 7/10, it ranks as a good wild food source. Harvesting is best done during April, June, March and May.

Nutritionally, Feijoa stands out for its Vitamin C (45.0mg, 50% DV), Vitamin K (30.0mg, 25% DV) and Vitamin E (1.0mg, 7% DV). It also provides 2.0g protein and 5.0g dietary fiber per 100g serving.

In the kitchen, Feijoa offers a Pineapple-guava-mint, aromatic, jelly-like flavor profile. Wait until fruit yields to gentle pressure; cut and eat. Common culinary applications include Fresh eating, Jams, Chutneys, Juice. Popular preparations include Cut and scoop flesh with a spoon when soft.

For storage, refrigerate fresh parts.

Safety note: None significant. Antinutrient content is minimal. Be aware that Verify identification before consumption. Safe lookalike species include Similar edible species. Always verify identification with at least three independent botanical sources before consumption.

Foragers should collect feijoa during Mar, Apr, May and Jun. Choose young, vibrant parts for optimal flavor and nutrition. Avoid specimens near polluted areas, roadsides, or treated agricultural land.

Field identification relies on recognizing the plant in its natural habitat — typically highland forests, mountains of southern brazil, uruguay, argentina. Flowers, leaf arrangement, and growth habit provide the most reliable identification markers. Always consult at least two independent botanical sources.

Traditional SouthAmerica communities have long valued feijoa as a seasonal wild food. Its reliable growth and nutritional density made it a valuable resource during lean periods and food scarcity.

In contemporary cuisine, feijoa pairs excellently with olive oil, garlic, and citrus. It complements wild herbs, foraged mushrooms, and hearty grains. Experiment with both raw preparations and slow-cooked dishes to appreciate its full range.

Edibility

7/10
Toxicity: None significant
Antinutrients: Minimal
Safe lookalikes: Similar edible species
Dangerous: Verify identification before consumption

Harvest Calendar

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Edible parts: Fruits, Flowers
Preparation: Wait until fruit yields to gentle pressure; cut and eat
Flavor: Pineapple-guava-mint, aromatic, jelly-like

Nutrition (per 100g)

Protein: 2.0g
Fat: 0.5g
Fiber: 5.0g
Vitamin C: 45.0mg (50%DV)
Vitamin A: 50mcg (5%DV)
Vitamin E: 1.0mg (6%DV)
Vitamin K: 30mcg (25%DV)
Folate (B9): 20mcg (5%DV)
Calcium: 30.0mg (2%DV)
Iron: 1.0mg (5%DV)
Magnesium: 20mg (4%DV)
Potassium: 200mg (4%DV)
Zinc: 0.3mg (2%DV)

Culinary Uses

Fresh eating, Jams, Chutneys, Juice

Storage

Refrigerate fresh parts

Recipes

  • Cut and scoop flesh with a spoon when soft

Where It Grows

Continent: SouthAmerica
Regions: SouthAmerica
Habitat: Highland forests, mountains of southern Brazil, Uruguay, Argentina