Feijoa

Feijoa, also known as Pineapple Guava, is a species of flowering plant in the myrtle family, Myrtaceae. It is native to the highlands of southern Brazil, eastern Paraguay, Uruguay, northern Argentina, and Colombia. The plant was previously known as Acca sellowiana, but has since been moved to its own genus, Feijoa. It is a warm-temperate to subtropical plant that also will grow in the tropics but requires some winter chilling to fruit. The feijoa is a slow-growing evergreen shrub that can reach 15 ft. high and 15 ft. wide. The leaves are leathery, green on top and silver-grey underneath. The flowers are showy, with white petals and bright red stamens. The petals are edible and have a sweet, slightly spicy flavor. The fruit is green, oval-shaped, and about the size of a chicken egg. The flesh is juicy and aromatic, with a flavor that is described as a cross between pineapple, apple, and mint. Feijoa is a popular fruit in many parts of the world, including New Zealand, Australia, and the United States. It is eaten fresh, used in salads, and made into jams, jellies, and chutneys. The fruit is a good source of vitamin C and fiber. The plant is also grown as an ornamental for its attractive foliage and flowers.