Ways to Serve Pineapple Guava -- Harvest to Table

A flavor somewhere between pineapple and strawberry: this is how you might describe the pineapple guava, also called feijoa (fay-YOH-ah).

Feijoa or pineapple guava is a fruit shrub native to South America. This is a high-altitude South American native that has an oval fruit about 3 inches (7 cm) long. It has a granular cream-colored flesh with a jelly-like center filled with tiny seeds. It sometimes is mistakenly called guava.

The cream-colored flesh of pineapple guava is sweet and fragrant. It has a slightly granular texture similar to that of a pear. The fruit’s center is slightly gelatinous. The tiny black seeds are tender and edible. If pineapple guava is not fully ripe the taste can be sourish.

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Ways to serve pineapple guava

Peeled pineapple guava can be eaten fresh or cooked. Remove the bitter peel and serve fresh and ripe.
Add pineapple guava to salads, yogurt, and other desserts.
Pineapple guava can be cooked and made into jam or jelly.
Pineapple guava can be pureed and used as a flavoring for ice cream, sherbet, flans, or puddings.

Pineapple guava flavor partners

Pineapple guava goes well with apples and bananas with which it is interchangeable in most recipes.

How to prepare pineapple guava

The flesh of pineapple guava darkens if it is not eaten immediately. To prevent oxidation, sprinkle the flesh with a bit of lemon or other citrus juice.

Pineapple guava harvest

The pineapple guava is grown for a late fall harvest in California. New Zealand-grown feijoas come to market in the northern hemisphere in spring and early summer (which is, of course, is late fall in the southern hemisphere).

How to choose pineapple guava

Pineapple guavas should have a rich, perfume-like fragrance. The green to reddish-pink blushed skin should give slightly to the touch.

How to ripen pineapple guava

The pineapple guava fruit will ripen after a few days if placed in a paper bag with an apple at room temperature.

Pineapple guava nutrition

Pineapple guava is a good source of folic acid and contains vitamin C and potassium.

About pineapple guava

Pineapple guava — botanical name Feijoa sellowiana — is native to South America. It is an evergreen plant with magnificent bright red flowers.
The feijoa fruit is 2 to 3 inches long and measures about 1 inch in diameter. The smooth green skin is tough and is too bitter to be consumed.
Feijoa belongs to the Myrtaceae family which includes guava, the clove, and the eucalyptus.

Related articles:

How to Grow Feijoa Pineapple Guava

Planning the Home Fruit Garden

Home Fruit Garden Maintenance

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