Amazing feijoa fruit. Face mask

Feijoa: the beneficial properties of this tropical fruit have not yet been studied enough by our compatriots. It is known that this plant came to us from America, or more precisely from the Southern continent. Its fruits are more like berries with a sweet and sour taste and smell of pineapple and

Feijoa contains essential oil, which also tastes somewhat reminiscent of pineapple and strawberries. But only ripe fruits have this taste to the fullest extent, when their pulp acquires the consistency of jelly. It is then that you can enjoy their real taste and aroma. But unfortunately ripe feijoa not transportable. Therefore, they are sent for export unripe, although experts claim that even an “artificially” ripened fruit retains all its beneficial properties.

Where is feijoa grown?

Feijoa is an evergreen woody plant from the genus Akka. It is quite low-growing, its maximum height is 4 m. The fruits of this tree are oval in shape and green in color. Their weight varies between 25 - 50 cm, and in appearance they are very similar to small zucchini. Ripe fruit should be soft to the touch.

The historical homeland of this tree is Brazil. But feijoa is also grown in Central Asian countries. In our country, feijoa plantations are located in the Krasnodar region. This fruit was first discovered by Europeans in Brazil at the end of the 19th century. The name of this fruit was given by its discoverer, this man ran the Natural History Museum and his name was Joao da Silva Feijo.

Although this plant is accustomed to “living” in the tropics, it can also tolerate fairly low temperatures. It can even withstand frosts down to -14 degrees without damage. Therefore, feijoa has spread almost throughout the world, in particular throughout Europe, where it was first brought in 1890. Today it is quite successfully grown at home.

The plant is distinguished by beautiful large flowers that bloom for a long period, and leaves that have a peculiar silver color. Therefore, until recently, feijoa bushes served as decoration. They were designed to decorate public gardens and parks. It must be said that feijoa still plays this role in some hot countries.

Even before the start of the Second World War, this fruit was brought to Transcaucasia, where it took root well. It is from there that this fruit comes to the shelves of our stores. Feijoa actively bears fruit in November and December, so it appears on the market already in November.

How is feijoa used in cooking?

Feijoa is used as fresh, so they add it to various dishes. Feijoa berries are a great addition to any dessert or baked goods. Jam made from these fruits, preserves and compote are very common. In order to extend the shelf life of these fruits, they are ground with sugar. This mixture has the property of increasing immunity. Feijoa flower petals are also eaten. They are very meaty and sweet. Unripe feijoa fruit is hard to the touch and tasteless. When ripe, the pulp is whitish and jelly-like, with a large number small seeds.

In the confectionery industry, feijoa is used as a filling for sweets. Feijoa will decorate anyone fruit salad, sometimes this fruit can serve as a side dish for meat and fish dishes.

When consuming this berry fresh, it must be cut crosswise and the pulp scooped out with a spoon. The pulp separates from the skin quite easily.

Fresh fruit are stored for a little more than 7 days. After this period ends, they wither and lose their taste. Therefore, the fruits of this plant are very often processed, which allows preserving its taste and useful qualities for more long term.

You can also make juice from feijoa. Only ripe, juicy and sweet fruits are suitable for this. To prepare juice, it is not necessary to remove the skin from the fruit; traditionally, it is pressed. To make nectar, the fruit mass must be diluted with clean spring water or water from mineral springs. To make juice at home, you can use a juicer. Feijoa fruit: the beneficial properties in the juice can be enhanced by adding a little honey to it. Feijoa juice mixed with banana or apple juice is very tasty.

What does feijoa consist of?

The pulp of feijoa fruits is rich in sucrose. Feijoa fruits are quite acidic, they contain a high content of vitamin C, and its amount increases as the fruits ripen. Feijoa berries contain pectin substances, fiber, as well as some protein.

Feijoa is known for one important feature: this exotic fruit contains so much iodine that its amount can be compared with seafood. This product accumulates water-soluble iodine compounds, which are very easily absorbed by our body. However, the content of this element is influenced by the territory in which this plant was grown. And even fruits from the same bush differ in their iodine content.

Feijoa fruits are also rich in amino acids. They also contain a large number of phenolic compounds, we are talking about catechins, leukoanthocyanins, soluble tannin, etc. These biologically active substances play the role of strong antioxidants. They act as a means of preventing oncology, but it should be noted that most of these substances are contained in the skin of the fruit, so it is recommended not to peel it, but to eat it whole.

The peel of the fruit is as edible as the pulp. However, she is not so pleasant and sweet, she has a tart, astringent taste. Therefore, many people prefer to peel the fruit, dry it and brew it into tea.

Beneficial properties of feijoa

Feijoa: its beneficial properties for pregnant women are explained precisely by the high content of iodine in these fruits. During pregnancy, a woman’s body may experience a deficiency of this element. It can be easily replenished if you regularly eat feijoa. These berries are also useful for people who suffer from diseases. thyroid gland associated with the lack of iodine in the body. Doctors recommend eating feijoa for gastritis, atherosclerosis, hypo- and vitamin deficiency, pyelonephritis and gastrointestinal diseases.

Feijoa essential oil is widely used in dermatology as an anti-inflammatory agent. Feijoa fruit extract has a powerful antibacterial and antifungal effect. Feijoa fruits contain very few calories, but a lot of fiber and minerals. This plant also has high antioxidant properties. The leaves and bark of these trees have antiseptic and disinfectant properties, they are able to heal wounds and ulcers. A decoction of feijoa leaves helps with toothache and bleeding gums.

Feijoa is also indicated for rheumatism. This fruit is used to treat and prevent diseases such as scurvy and malaria. Helps with acne, and can also soothe painful menstruation. Feijoa fruit pulp can reduce high blood pressure and cholesterol levels. Feijoa is used to treat bronchitis, vomiting and diarrhea, especially in children.

The bark extract of this tree protects the heart and improves its function. IN folk medicine Feijoa fruits are used to prepare a remedy for atonic constipation. They are indicated for Graves' disease and gout. Feijoa is not forbidden to eat during diets.

Feijoa contraindications

Despite the many useful properties, there are some contraindications for consuming feijoa:

• the fruit is contraindicated for allergies;
• at diabetes mellitus;
• with individual intolerance.

Feijoa is native to South America. The fruits grow in Brazil, Colombia, Uruguay, Argentina, southern Russia, Crimea, Turkmenistan, Azerbaijan, from where they are delivered to markets. The fruit received the name “feijoa” from the name of Joao da Silva Feijo. This naturalist from Brazil was the first to discover valuable cold-resistant (can withstand frost of -14 degrees) tropical fruits.

Description and properties of feijoa

If we touch on the description of the feijoa fruit, then it is a large, green, fleshy, juicy berry, having an elongated oval, spherical shape. The length of the fruit is from 2 to 7 cm, the diameter is 1.5-4 cm, the weight varies between 15-60 g. The aroma and taste of feijoa is similar to strawberries, pineapple and kiwi. The pulp of the fruit is protected by a lumpy green peel.

The most valuable thing about feijoa is its high percentage of iodine. 100 grams of pulp contains up to 40 grams of easily digestible iodine compounds. People suffering from thyroid diseases should definitely include this fruit in their diet. In addition, the beneficial properties of feijoa fruit include a high concentration of vitamin C in the pulp. Thanks to this, this product simply must be consumed for such ailments as:

• anemia;
• hypovitaminosis;
• weak immune system;
• disorders of the gastrointestinal tract.

An interesting fact is that the beneficial properties of the feijoa fruit are contained both in the pulp and in the skin. It is in the peel that a lot of pectin and various beneficial antioxidant substances are concentrated, which prevent the development of atherosclerosis. In total, feijoa fruits contain 93 useful elements, including even amino acids and essential oils.

These tasty berries can boost immunity and stop bacterial attacks at the initial stage.

It should also be noted harmful properties feijoa fruit and not everyone can eat these fruits. Some people are allergic to feijoa. These are isolated cases, but they exist. Individual intolerance to the fruit occurs. For those who suffer from diabetes, feijoa is contraindicated because the fruit contains sugar. If you are obese, you should also not abuse these berries.

Pregnant and breastfeeding women should first consult a doctor and only then include feijoa in their diet. When planning to give your child feijoa berries for the first time, it also wouldn’t hurt to consult a pediatrician or nurse.

How to choose feijoa fruit, cost and storage

The main thing before choosing feijoa fruits is to know that they are usually sold hard, unripe (this is an imported fruit), but the most important thing is that the integrity of the fruit and skin should not be damaged. After lying for a while, the fruits will ripen on their own, but will not lose their beneficial properties. You need to buy fruits without spots or damage, with uniform dark green skin. The flesh inside the feijoa should not be brown, otherwise the fruit is considered spoiled. You should ask sellers to cut the fruit in half to assess the condition of the pulp.

How to eat feijoa or delicious recipes

Feijoa is called a convenient fruit because it can be eaten in any form. True, not everyone knows how to eat feijoa in order to get the most out of this delicious fruit. Ripe berries Feijoas are delicious in their own right; frozen ones can be stored for up to six months without losing their beneficial properties. Dried feijoa differs in both taste and aroma. Jam and jam from these fruits can boost immunity.

The most common way to eat feijoa is peeled. In salads, feijoa is peeled like potatoes and cut into slices. With a hard skin, feijoa is cut into 2 parts and the pulp is scooped out with a teaspoon.

Frequently asked questions: what do you eat with the feijoa fruit, which has a sweet and sour taste? fruity taste. Feijoa can be combined with fish dishes, poultry meat. Feijoa berries add flavor to low-fat baked veal spicy taste. In salads, feijoa is best combined with spinach, arugula, and nuts.

Feijoa jam recipes

The most valuable thing is “live” jam. It is prepared like this:

• The fruits are washed and dried on a paper towel;
• Trim the tails, cut each feijoa into 2 or 4 parts;
• The fruits are crushed using a blender or meat grinder;
• Chopped feijoas are mixed with sugar (proportion 1:1);
• Place the mixture in sterilized jars and store in the refrigerator.

Raw feijoa and apple jam

This type of jam will require 1 kg of apples, feijoa and sugar. You also need 1 lemon.

• peel the apples from seeds and cut them;
• remove the stalks and cut into large pieces;
• cut the lemon into several parts, removing the seeds;
• grind in a meat grinder and mix with sugar and lemon.

There are not so many exotic fruits on the shelves of our homeland. However, in addition to overseas bananas, kiwis and avocados, the inexperienced buyer can also see a curiosity called feijoa. This is a green fruit that looks like an oblong berry. Came to us from South America. The size of feijoa ranges from 5 to 7 cm, and weight from 20 to 120 g. Ripe fruit very juicy, there is sourness in the taste.

The fabulous origin of feijoa

People were so inspired by the taste of feijoa fruit that at one time they began to compose legends about its origin. These tales passed from mouth to mouth, were passed on to generations, and in the process changed and were united. And only a fairy tale story has survived to our times.

One day a young man fell in love with a princess depths of the sea, but the longing for his native land did not leave him for a minute. One day he could not stand it and decided to return to solid land, and the sea king in response to this got angry and turned the young man into a beautiful tree. The Lord of the sea depths decided for himself that this tree would have fruits with the aroma of the sea breeze. And so it happened.

Now feijoa pleases everyone who wants to try it with its freshness.

Where does feijoa grow and where can it grow?

The plant, so familiar to us now, was discovered only closer to the beginning of the twentieth century. This was done by members of a scientific expedition in Brazil. They didn’t think about the name for a long time and christened it in honor of Joao Feige (director of the natural history museum). The fruit began to conquer Europe in France (1890). It was from there that it began to spread quickly - Mediterranean countries, Caucasus and Crimea. The tree loves warm places and harsh winters are unacceptable to it. It is not able to withstand frosts greater than -10°C. This passion for warm temperatures is explained by its origin. Therefore, where feijoa grows, it should be warm and sunny most of the year.

How to choose feijoa?

To better imagine the fruit, look at a photo of a feijoa, and ideally, of course, to get to know it, it’s better to pick it up. You will be able to observe that its peel is very dense, the flesh is soft and juicy. There are very few seeds inside the fruit. If you bite off a piece of the peel, you will notice a tart taste. The pulp tastes very much like a combination of kiwi and strawberries with a pleasant, refreshing aroma.

The entire fruit is eaten. Ripening period – mid-October – end of November. Thanks to such ripening periods, feijoa can delight us at a time when there are practically no fresh fruits on the shelves. In addition, there is a high probability of successfully growing feijoa at home.

In order to assess the degree of ripeness of a fruit, pay attention to the color of its pulp:

• Unripe - white flesh.
• Ripe – transparent pulp.
• Overripe (spoiled) – brown.

Moreover, the tree itself grows above four meters and is one of the evergreens. That is, it can not only bear tasty fruits, but also delight all year round with its beautiful appearance.

Feijoa in cooking

Feijoa very quickly became famous in the kitchens of many housewives. There are many sections in cooking where you can use this fruit:

• Bakery.
• Desserts.
• Alcoholic drinks.
• Salads.
• Jam and much more.

It is as popular a product as plums and apples. And if you haven’t tried it yet, then don’t wait for the right moment. Do it as quickly as possible, try out different recipes with feijoa. You will be surprised unexpected taste chicken cooked with pieces of this fruit. Dolma with lamb, in which you also put this fruit, will also be amazing. And there are many such dishes that can be listed.

What are the benefits of feijoa?

An interesting taste and numerous uses in cooking are not all the beneficial properties of feijoa. This fruit can compete with any seafood in terms of iodine content. And the list doesn't end there. Feijoa contains:

• Vitamin C.
• A complete set of B vitamins.
• Sucrose.
• Microelements.
• Fiber.
• Malic and folic acid.
• Pectin substances.

This set demonstrates the unsurpassed health benefits of feijoa.

The fruits will heal the thyroid gland, hypovitaminosis, vitamin deficiency, inflammation of the gastrointestinal tract, help with gastritis, are indispensable during pyelonephritis, and will be a real lifesaver during atherosclerosis.

The peel includes:

• catechin;
• leucoanthocyanin;
• substances that can prevent cancer.

Considering that nowadays almost every second person suffers from allergic diseases, we can say with confidence that feijoa is completely safe for people in this category. Not a single case of an allergic reaction was detected while eating the fruit.

It is worth clarifying that this fruit It is allowed to be used by people who watch their figure. Considering its calorie content (49 kcal per 100 grams of product), it is considered dietary product. Based on this, we can conclude that even those who are on food systems can receive the entire listed list of vitamins and nutrients without exceeding the norm of calories or carbohydrates. And fiber will be indispensable for weight control. Replace just one meal with it, and in a short time you will feel light, and the needle on the scale will begin to drop noticeably.

Feijoa in the cosmetic industry

It would seem, how can feijoa be useful in cosmetology? Extracts from this fruit have an excellent anti-inflammatory effect, rejuvenate the skin and nourish it with useful substances. The mask can be prepared even at home.

To do this you will need:

• a third of crushed feijoa fruit;
• yolk;
• cottage cheese – 2 tablespoons;
• olive oil – 1 tablespoon.

Mix everything well. After this, apply to the face and neck area. After 20 minutes, rinse with water.

Feijoa in folk medicine

Despite its short stay in our territories, feijoa managed to securely gain a foothold in folk medicine. After all, this fruit can perfectly regulate stool. Observant people noticed this positive side and learned to direct it in the right direction:

• the pulp contains pectin and is capable of producing a laxative effect;
• The peel is impregnated with tannins, which are an excellent salvation during times of distress.

Over the years, working recipes began to appear:

• For indigestion, brew tea from dried feijoa peel.
• For constipation, you can mix the fruit with milk.
• When you have a runny nose, it is useful to breathe in the steam of steamed fresh feijoa peel.

Is feijoa harmful?

As you can see, feijoa has more than enough benefits. However, this product may not be that perfect. The iodine contained in the fruit is both a benefit and a harm to feijoa. We recommend that people who have increased thyroid function (hyperthyroidism) be very careful with this product.

It is the presence large quantity Yoda makes feijoa fruits forbidden for such people. Their thyroid gland already secretes a large amount of hormones. But it happens that you do not even suspect the presence of this disease. What to do then? How to recognize it?

Eat some fruit and listen to your body. You should not use them if you notice the following symptoms:

• memory has deteriorated;
• there was concern;
• performance decreased;
• body temperature changes frequently;
• the heart's work accelerated.

All of them speak of an overdose of iodine in the body and require the owner of the body to stop consuming iodine-containing products.

You should think twice before consuming feijoa with milk. This combination will inevitably lead to severe diarrhea.

The presence of large amounts of sugar makes it off-limits for diabetics. It’s better to avoid the fruit and don’t provoke your body.

Feijoa is not best choice for people who suffer from constant constipation. It has excellent fastening properties.

And it is worth remembering that feijoa is, first of all, exotic fruit. Our body is not accustomed to it, so before you eat a kilogram of this fruit at one time, think about the consequences. Your body is individual and what works well for your neighbor can seriously harm you. Start with small doses. Let your body get used to it, and only then feel free to use it in the kitchen.

Have you ever tried feijoa? Did you like the taste? Tell us about it in

In terms of its beneficial properties, feijoa is one of the most “advanced” berries on the planet. Such an amount of vitamins and minerals as in this plant is not found anywhere else; for example, the iodine content in fruits is even higher than in seafood. In addition to its benefits, feijoa has very pleasant taste, reminiscent of a mixture of strawberries, pineapple and kiwi in one bottle - the fruits are very juicy with a slight sourness.

Feijoa belongs to the category of berries that are considered exotic in our area; they are rarely found on shelves. And the lack of awareness of buyers about the benefits and taste, as well as the banal ignorance of how to eat feijoa, makes them pass by, even if the fruits of this plant come across in the store.

It is hoped that after today’s acquaintance with this plant, feijoa will have more fans, and many readers will improve their health thanks to its fruits.

How and where does feijoa grow?

Feijoa was first discovered in South America by the Portuguese naturalist Joao da Silva Feijo (a plant new to Europeans was named after his last name). The acquaintance took place in the mid-19th century in the subtropical forests of Brazil. It was later discovered that feijoa also grows in northern Argentina, Colombia and Uruguay. Typical growing area is mountainous subtropical regions. In the tropics it is difficult to grow, so it is extremely rare.

Feijoa grows in the form of large shrubs or small trees with a superficial root system. It is afraid of severe frosts, but can withstand temperatures down to -10 degrees well.

At the end of the 19th century, the first specimens arrived in France; in 1900, the first seedlings were delivered to the Russian Empire and began to grow in Crimea and on the eastern coast of the Black Sea (Sukhumi). After this, the spread of feijoa around the planet went faster - residents of California acquired their own seedlings, and in 1913, the entire Mediterranean region, starting with Italy, began to grow fruit trees and harvest crops.

Where does feijoa currently grow: southern regions of Russia, Armenia, Georgia, Abkhazia, Azerbaijan, Turkmenistan, the Pacific coast of the USA, Australia, New Zealand, southern European countries - Greece, Italy, Spain, Portugal, France.

Interestingly, feijoas are grown not only for harvesting fruits, but also for decoration. The plant has lush beautiful flowers that appear even in indoor conditions.

What do feijoa fruits look like?

Let's start with the fact that feijoa is a berry, although due to its large size people often consider it a fruit. From a nutritional point of view (eating a berry or a fruit) there is no difference, but for general development it is worth knowing and naming it correctly.

Fresh and edible berries have:

• oval shape,
• peel from yellow-green to dark green,
• the surface can be either smooth or pimply,
• length from 2 to 7 centimeters,
• diameter from 1.5 to 5 centimeters,
• weight from 15 to 120 grams,
• sepals on the tail remaining from the flower.

Feijoa - beneficial properties and contraindications

Feijoa fruits contain a lot of useful microelements, due to which the berries have positive impact for the most different systems body. Let's start with the beneficial properties of feijoa (there are many more of them).

What are the benefits of feijoa:

• Let's start with Yoda. No other land plant can boast a level of 35 micrograms per 100 g of product. As a result, feijoa is recommended for low iodine content and associated thyroid problems.
• Eating feijoa helps improve alertness and memory.
• Has a good preventive effect against cancer.
• Feijoa gives a noticeable beneficial effect people suffering from atherosclerosis.
• Improves performance immune system. High content Vitamin C promotes speedy recovery from colds.
• It is useful to eat feijoa for those who suffer from low levels of hemoglobin in the blood, as the fruits are rich in iron. In general, berries help improve blood composition.
• Like many other vegetables and fruits, it improves intestinal function due to its fiber content.
• Eating feijoa is especially useful for those who have increased level cholesterol in the blood, it reduces it.
• Feijoa is especially indicated for general vitamin deficiency. If medieval sailors had the opportunity to use this berry as food on long journeys, then they would not have known about any scurvy.
• Useful for hypertension.
• Feijoa has a beneficial effect on the heart - vascular system body.

The benefits of feijoa for the body are enormous, it is difficult to overestimate all its positive effects, but not everything is so simple, any healthy vegetables, berries and fruits can cause big problems if they are consumed incorrectly or in the wrong situation. Be sure to read the contraindications below if you do not want to apply irreparable harm to your health.

Contraindications:

• The main contraindication for feijoa is individual intolerance, which causes allergic reaction. If you are trying the fruit for the first time, then limit yourself to one berry and see how it affects you.
• The berries contain sugar, so it is not recommended to consume them in significant quantities if you have diabetes. Permissible dose should be discussed with your doctor. In severe stages, you will have to give up feijoa altogether.
• Obesity is another category of people who should not abuse feijoa berries. You can eat, but just a little.
• It is not recommended to eat feijoa during pregnancy and during breastfeeding without prior consultation with a doctor.
• Giving feijoa to very young children without first consulting a doctor is also not recommended. For older children there are no special restrictions, unless they have individual intolerance.
• Feijoa is contraindicated for thyrotoxicosis, a disease in which the function of the thyroid gland increases (hyperfunction).
• The remaining restrictions are characteristic of almost all fruits - do not eat spoiled ones, do not overeat.

So, we have looked at the benefits and harms of feijoa, let's see how to eat it correctly.

How to choose feijoa

In order not to be disappointed after purchasing a strange berry, it is recommended to pay attention to several points, especially if you are buying for the first time.

1. When choosing berries, experts recommend giving preference to larger fruits, since the concentration of nutrients in them is higher.
2. The color of the fruit should be uniform, without large brown spots or other spots that could be signs of rotting.
3. The peel should be smooth without dents or damage.
4. Feijoa should be elastic or firm to the touch. Elasticity indicates that the product is not overripe and is ready for consumption. Firm berries are most likely not yet ripe. Feijoa ripens without problems when room temperature several days in advance, so don’t be afraid to take slightly unripe goods (the harvest is specially harvested in advance so that it does not rot during transportation).
5. The softness of the fruit to the touch may indicate that the processes of fermentation and rotting have begun - it is better to refuse such fruits.
6. If you have the opportunity to look at the insides of the fruit (ask the seller to cut it), then pay attention to the color of the pulp - it should under no circumstances be brown - this is rotten. The normal option is white (unripe fruit) or transparent cream (ripe).

Most useful and delicious berries become during the ripening period, therefore, when buying unripe feijoa, do not rush to eat it, wait a few days.

How to eat feijoa

The consistency of feijoa fruits is not uniform - the strong, hard peel contrasts sharply with the soft, jelly-like interior. This is not an apple or a banana; cutting it into slices and placing it on a plate will not work. Most of all, the berry is similar to kiwi.

This raises the question - how to eat feijoa, with or without peel?

On the one hand, the peel contains a lot useful elements, on the other hand, its taste is not the best thing about this berry - it is slightly bitter.

There is no consensus on how to eat feijoa correctly. If you wish, you can try the peel, but this is not for everyone.

It’s another matter when feijoa is consumed not fresh, but cooked, for example, in jam or salads. In this case, using the peel is highly recommended.

Feijoa photo

Photos of feijoa fruits (berries).

How feijoa grows: photo of tree and bush.

Photo of feijoa flowers. They are very beautiful.

During the flowering period, the entire tree or bush is strewn with lush, bright, large flowers and it looks stunning.

Feijoa - cooking recipes

We have looked at how to eat feijoa fresh, now we will look at several cooking recipes that will not only diversify the taste properties of the berry, but also preserve a lot of useful substances in the fruit through the use of the peel.

Feijoa jam without cooking (feijoa pureed with sugar)

Preparing jam without heat treatment allows you to preserve the maximum of vitamins contained in feijoa fruits, but imposes storage restrictions - it should only be kept in the refrigerator, it is tightly packed there. closed jars will last all winter.

The recipe for feijoa with sugar is very simple:

• 1 kg of berries;
• 1 kg sugar;

The berries should be washed first. If there are large dark spots on the skin, it is better to remove them. Sometimes it is recommended to pour boiling water over it - this is not necessary, but it will not make it worse. Dry.

Cut the finished fruits in half - this will allow you to identify spoiled specimens and prevent them from falling into the common “cauldron”. Trim the tip with the remains of the inflorescence.

Mix the resulting mass of pureed feijoa with granulated sugar until the latter is completely dissolved. Cooking dry clean jars and put the resulting jam in them and close with tight lids. It is better to use small jars so that the jam does not sit for a long time after opening.

Over time, the surface of the jam may darken, there is nothing wrong with that - this is the result of the oxidation of iron and iodine, which are abundant in feijoa.

You can eat it immediately, but put it in the refrigerator for storage.

Feijoa compote for the winter

Thanks to the wonderful strawberry flavor of feijoa berries, they make a wonderful compote. He will become a great addition To festive table and for every day. Feijoa ripens in November and the compote prepared from it is just in time for the New Year - it is much healthier and tastier than store-bought juices and, especially, soda.

To prepare 3 liters you need:

• 600 grams of feijoa berries;
• 2.2 liters of water
• 200 grams of sugar (you can add a little if you like it sweeter);
• 0.5 teaspoon of citric acid (if you don’t like sourness, you can reduce it by 2 times).

The berries should be washed well and the ends with inflorescences should be trimmed. After that we put them in 3 liter jar. Boil water and fill it with boiling water to the top.

Let it brew for about an hour, during which time the water cools.

Pour the resulting first infusion into a saucepan and add sugar - cook this syrup for about half an hour, citric acid Let's pour at the end.

Pour berries into jars again and roll them up tin lids. We turn the cylinders over and cover them with a blanket. In such “insulation” the compote should stand for 24 hours.

The resulting feijoa compote will reach maximum saturation in 1.5-2 months.

Feijoa compote for every day

For everyday use, compote does not have to be rolled into jars. For 3 liters of compote we take the following ingredients:

1. Feijoa berries – 0.5 kg;
2. Water – 2 liters;
3. Sugar – 150-180 g.

The fruits need to be washed and the tails of the flowers trimmed. Cut it in half; you shouldn’t chop it too much, as the insides of the berry are very soft and you’ll simply crush it.

Place the berries in a saucepan, add water and add sugar. After boiling, leave to simmer over low heat for half an hour. After half an hour, turn it off and let it brew for a couple of hours. Feijoa compote is ready.

Feijoa recipe with honey to improve immunity

The method of preparing feijoa with honey is very similar to the recipe with sugar, only it has beneficial properties of this product becomes an order of magnitude larger. This mixture is used not as jam, but as a therapeutic and prophylactic agent - 2-3 teaspoons per day.

To prepare you need:

• 1 kg feijoa;
• 1 kg of honey;

We thoroughly wash the berries and cut off the tail of the inflorescence. If there are large dark spots on the peel, then we get rid of them.

It is worth cutting each fruit in half before proceeding with further chopping in order to identify spoiled berries.

Grind the feijoa in a meat grinder or blender until it becomes a paste.

Mix the ground berries with honey in equal proportions until you get homogeneous mass. This product should be stored in the refrigerator and eaten in small portions - this is an excellent prevention of colds and many other diseases.

If desired, the recipe for feijoa with honey can easily be supplemented with other ingredients, for example, they combine well walnuts. They are ground together with berries, as a result the taste becomes more interesting.

Feijoa - growing at home

Sometimes, readers are interested in how to grow feijoa at home? At first glance, the task is not simple, since the plant is very whimsical, but nothing is impossible and, with proper theoretical preparation, you will cope with this task.

It will be possible to get fruits from a plant planted with seeds no sooner than after 5 years; a feijoa cutting can begin to bear fruit after 4 years.

Let's start with the soil. Feijoa loves loose soil rich in humus. Excess lime is not desirable, since myrtle plants, which include feijoa, do not tolerate it well - slightly acidic soil is needed. Good drainage when planting is required. In summer, it is necessary to regularly water and fertilize the plant in a pot, since drying out the soil will lead to the fall of leaves and ovaries (if they appear).

For wintering, feijoas should be moved to a cool room with an air temperature of +10 degrees. If you have an insulated loggia, then this option is ideal. IN winter period Regular watering is also necessary, but in small quantities, so as not to cause rotting of the root system, since the roots do not absorb moisture as actively in winter.

Remember that feijoa comes from the subtropics and loves light, so it needs to be grown on southern windowsills, where there is always a lot of light.

Growing from cuttings

It is best to start cuttings in late spring - early summer.

Semi-lignified parts of the crown of the mother plant, 8-10 centimeters long with 2-3 internodes, are used as cuttings, leaving only the top pair of leaves.

We use leaf humus and river sand as a substrate. You can use other options, but this one is time-tested and works flawlessly. You can use a regular ceramic pot as a vessel.

The cutting is planted 2/3 of its length at an angle. After planting, we water the seedling with potassium permanganate. Optimal temperature solution around 30 degrees.

In order for the cuttings to take root well, it is necessary to create a moist environment for them, suitable for this plastic bottle, covering the entire household from above like a cap. Periodically it is necessary to remove the cap and ventilate the cuttings.

The plant requires a lot of light, but it must be diffused.

Rooting usually takes 2 months, after which the seedlings can be transferred to the regular soil described above.

When the seedlings grow to 25 centimeters, it is recommended to cut off the top third. This is necessary for the formation of a strong skeleton and crown of the future feijoa tree. It is best to grow feijoa at home as a tree; for this purpose, all new shoots at the root collar must be removed, leaving only the main trunk.

Growing feijoa from seeds

First you need to extract the seeds from the berries. Only ripe fruit is suitable for this, but not overripe. The lower part of the fruit is carefully cut off a few millimeters with a sharp knife. The jelly-like pulp is then squeezed out through this cut.

As a rule, there are not many seeds. They must be washed in a weak solution of potassium permanganate until the surrounding mass is completely removed. Let's dry it.

Any air- and water-permeable substrate is suitable for sowing. It is worth sowing to a depth of no more than 5 mm. It is recommended to moisten the soil with seeds using a sprayer, as a watering can can wash them out.

If sowing occurs in the warm season, germination will occur in 12-15 days.

After 4 pairs of leaves appear, the sprouts can be transplanted to a permanent place in nutritious soil.

Frequently asked questions

Feijoa is a very interesting and, at the same time, little-known plant for us, so questions related to it often arise - we will try to answer the most popular of them in question-answer mode.

Feijoa fruit or berry?

Feijoa fruits are quite large for berries, so many people consider them fruits, but this is wrong - feijoa is a berry.

What vitamins do feijoas contain?

100 grams of feijoa contains the following vitamins (the average figures are given, which may differ depending on the variety and place of growth):

• Vitamin C – 32.9 mg
• Vitamin E – 0.16 mg
• Vitamin K – 3.5 mcg
• Pantothenic acid – 0.223 mcg
• Niocin – 0.295 mcg
• Pyridoxine – 0.067 mcg
• Riboflavin – 0.018 mcg
• Thiamine – 0.5 mcg
• Folate – 23 mcg

Minerals:

• Potassium – 0.155 mg
• Iodine – 0.3 mg
• Phosphorus – 20 mg
• Calcium – 17 mg
• Magnesium – 9 mg
• Sodium – 3 mg
• Manganese – 0.085 mg
• Iron – 0.08 mg
• Zinc – 0.04 mg
• Copper – 0.055 mg

Feijoa calories

The calorie content of feijoa is 49 kcal per 100 grams of product. Moreover, the berries consist of the following:

• Carbohydrates – 10-15 g;
• Proteins – 1-2 g;
• Fats – 0.6-0.8 g;
• Fiber – 6-7 g.

How to eat feijoa - with or without peel?

From a nutritional point of view, feijoa berries are completely edible, including the peel. But not everyone likes the peel. taste properties Therefore, it is rarely eaten raw, but when preparing jam or compotes, the fruits are used completely.

Ultimately, everyone decides how to consume feijoa independently based on their taste preferences - there are no contraindications.

What does feijoa taste like?

Feijoa tastes like a cross between strawberries, pineapple and kiwi - sweet berry with a slight sourness. The presence of a large number of microelements gives the fruits some astringency.

How and for how long is feijoa stored?

Ripe fruits should be stored in the refrigerator for no more than a day, as they overripe and spoil quite quickly. If the berries were purchased unripe (hard to the touch), they should be stored at room temperature until ripe, usually 2-3 days.

How do you feel about feijoa: have you tried it or not, do you like the berry, do you make jam or compote from it, what recipes do you use?

For dessert, watch an educational program about Feijoa, which was broadcast on Channel 1:

Every year in the fall, a nondescript-looking product with the strange and unpronounceable name feijoa appears on sale. What is this - the thought flashed through my mind, but it always passed by. This year I decided to pay attention to it, since people buy it and the reviews are positive. If you also don’t know anything about this exotic, then let’s get to know feijoa - what it is, a fruit or berry, where it grows and how to eat it.

A little history about the exotic feijoa plant

It is unknown how long this plant has existed; attention was paid to it relatively recently. The discoverer of feijoa is considered to be the naturalist Carl Otto Berg; it was he who, while studying the flora of South America, saw green fruits, growing on evergreen trees. He gave the name to the plant. He named it in honor of a man who devoted his whole life to studying the flora and fauna of Brazil and Portugal. The name of this man is Joao da Silva Feijo - he was at the origins of the creation, and later was the director of the natural museum in Lisbon.

This exotic plant also has its own romantic legend.

It says that in the same village there lived a young man and a girl who loved each other. They had to part and he waited for his beloved on the seashore for many years.

But the ship his girlfriend was on sank. She ended up in the kingdom of the Sea Lord and he, taking pity, allowed her to see her beloved, turning her into sea ​​breeze.

Suddenly the young man also disappeared, and in his place a beautiful evergreen tree grew. It leaned towards the sea, and the sea breeze gently played with its leaves. People decided that the Gods took pity on the young man and turned him into a tree growing on the sea coast.

Soon beautiful flowers appeared on it, and then fruits.
They not only had exquisite taste, they turned out to be rich in iodine. People decided that it was the sea breeze that bestowed the fruits unusual taste and medicinal properties.

They called this tree Feijoa, because that was the name of the young man who was faithful to his beloved girl for many years.

Feijoa - what is it, a fruit or a berry, photo

Look at the photo of the plant itself, the feijoa fruit. After such a romantic fairy tale, it no longer seems inconspicuous, but arouses interest. And if you add to this the taste, which they say combines kiwi, pineapple and strawberries, then you’ll want to try it.

The fruits vary in size, from 15 to 120 grams, depending on the type. But despite its rather large size, feijoa is considered a berry. The shape of the fruit is oval, color from yellow-green to dark green. The skin of the berry can be smooth or pimply. Feijoa pulp is light translucent with small seeds.

Where does feijoa grow?

If you suddenly hear the name “akka”, know that this is also feijoa, as some peoples living in South America call this plant. You can meet him in Brazil, Uruguay, Colombia, and northern Argentina.

In other countries, acca has not gone unnoticed. Now she is growing in Southeast Asia, in New Zealand, Australia, Italy, Georgia, Turkmenistan, Azerbaijan. We grow feijoa in the Crimea and Krasnodar region.

Although the height of the plant can reach 4 meters, feijoa is considered not a tree, but a shrub; it belongs to the myrtle family. This evergreen shrub loves warm climates, but can withstand frost down to -12 degrees.

Feijoa is a moisture-loving plant; its branched root system lies in the surface layer of soil. Grown from seeds begins to bear fruit after 6 years, grafted earlier. Lovers of exotic plants even grow it at home.

Feijoa - as is, with or without peel

The rough, green peel gives the impression that it is not edible and the berry needs to be peeled. And I was sure that this was so. But in fact, the peel of feijoa is edible, but they say that not everyone likes it. I’ll tell you my opinion - I liked its tart taste. The pulp has a different taste, it is tender and pleasant.

How to eat feijoa correctly:

• Like all berries, feijoa is best eaten fresh. If someone does not like to eat it with the peel, then the pulp can be eaten with a spoon, cutting the fruit in half.
• the peel contains a lot of valuable and useful substances, so it is recommended to add the berry with the peel to salads, and these can be not only fruit ones. Feijoa goes well with dietary chicken and turkey, which is why it meat salads it can be added.
• the feijoa season is very short and connoisseurs of this healthy berries prepare it for the winter. Eat different ways, but the best is to grind it together with the peel through a meat grinder and mix with sugar, store fresh jam in the refrigerator.
• they say that the peel can be dried and then added to tea.

Fresh fruits are stored for 1 to 3 weeks, depending on ripeness and storage method.

How to choose feijoa

The peculiarity of the berry is that when ripe it is very tender and does not tolerate transportation well. Therefore, it is harvested in an unripe form, but the advantage is that feijoa is able to ripen without losing its beneficial qualities.

It is problematic to determine the ripeness of fruits by appearance; the crust does not change its color when ripe. When choosing, pay attention to appearance- the crust should have a uniform color, without brownish spots.

When buying at the market, you can ask the seller to cut the berry lengthwise:

• if the pulp is brown with a musty smell, then the berry is overripe and it is better not to take it.
• if the pulp is transparent, pale cream in color, with a pleasant aroma, then this is what you need.
• if the flesh is white, dense, odorless, the fruit is not ripe, but we remember that feijoa can ripen at your home.

Beneficial properties of feijoa berries

In its homeland, acca is considered the berry of youth and joy. In terms of its iodine content, it is compared to seafood. It also contains a lot useful vitamin, macro- and microelements. The calorie content of feijoa is 49 kcal per 100 g of product.

More detailed information in the video and in the blog article, in which you will learn not only about the benefits and harms, you will also find different recipes and not just for food.

Educational program about feijoa

In conclusion, a short lesson in Russian. The word "feijoa" is feminine with an emphasis on "O". The word is not inclined, so in any variant it will only be feijoa and nothing else. There is no adjective with this word either. Therefore, unlike raspberry jam, we will make feijoa jam.

This concludes my acquaintance with a citizen from South America; I am sure that I was able to answer the question: feijoa - what is it? The berry is worth paying attention to and enjoying it exotic fruit while there is still an opportunity to buy it. I don’t know where, in Volgograd the price for feijoa is 170 rubles per kilogram. Hurry up, as I already said, her season is short.

Elena Kasatova. See you by the fireplace.