Feijoa or acca also known as Brazilian guava or Montevideo is an exotic fruit prized for its unique flavour. To grow Feijoa in your garden allows you to enjoy its beautiful white flowers with red stamens, but also to harvest its delicious fruits. However, to fully enjoy these fruits, it is important to master art of harvest and storage. This guide will provide all information necessary to harvest, store and enjoy Feijoa fruits.
Feijoa in a nutshell
Feijoa, also called Acca sellowiana, is a bush or small ornamental tree belonging to family Myrtaceae. It is renowned for its hardiness. Its fruits are unique, with a rough skin and a juicy, fragrant flesh, reminiscent of a mix of guava, pineapple and mint. However, they reach ripeness only in regions with mild winters, around Mediterranean basin or near Atlantic.
→ Find all our Feijoa varieties and to learn more, read our article: "Feijoa sellowiana, Brazilian guava: plant, to grow and harvest its fruits".
When and how to harvest feijoas?
Ideal time to harvest feijoas is in autumn, but this can vary according to region and growing conditions.
Feijoas are ready to be harvested when fully ripe. You will then notice a slight softening of fruit and a change in skin colour, from bright green to yellowish-green. You can also check ripeness by turning fruit gently in hand. If fruit detaches easily from stem, it is ready to be harvested. Avoid pulling fruits abruptly, as this could damage branch and the fruit itself.
Preparing fruits for storage
Once harvested, fruits must be prepared with care for storage. Start by inspecting fruits and discard those that are damaged or rotten. Gently clean surface of fruits with a damp cloth to remove any dirt or residue.
Storage of feijoas
Storage of feijoas can be done in several ways, depending on your preferences and intended use of the fruits. You can also keep them at room temperature for a few days.
In the refrigerator
Feijoas can be stored in the refrigerator for about a week. Place fruits in a perforated plastic bag or in an airtight container to maintain adequate humidity.
Freezing feijoas
For long-term storage, feijoas can be frozen for 6 to 12 months. Cut fruits in half, remove the flesh and place it in freezer bags. You can also freeze entire fruits, but flesh may become a little watery once thawed.
Drying feijoas
To dry feijoas, wash them thoroughly and cut into slices. Peel them if you wish. Place feijoa slices on oven tray lined with baking paper and dry in oven at 60 °C for 6 to 8 hours. Feijoas should be dry to the touch.
Making feijoa jam or jelly
1- Wash feijoas, cut in half and remove the flesh (this is what will be preserved) with a spoon.
2- Place feijoa flesh in a saucepan. Add sugar (equal weight to fruit) and a little lemon juice to preserve colour (it also adds natural pectin).
3- Cook over medium heat, stirring frequently, until mixture thickens.
4- Pour jam or jelly while still hot into sterilised jars, seal tightly and turn jars upside down to create a vacuum.
5- Let cool before storing in a cool, dark place. Once opened, keep in the refrigerator.
Comments