Feijoa season is here 🙂 Next to Cherries, Feijoas are my favourites. When the season comes around, I will eat them. whenever I can get some. So far this season I have made Feijoa Fizz and Feijoa jam and eaten SO MANY. With many thanks to my friends and neighbours for their offerings.
But, I decided to check up on the health benefits of Feijoas. Are there any? any that we mostly don’t know about or even consider?
Good morning Mr Google, what can you tell me??
WELL.
– Feijoa sellowiana also known as Acca sellowiana Burret, is a species of flowering plant in the myrtle family, Myrtaceae. It is native to the highlands of southern Brazil, eastern Paraguay, Uruguay, and northern Argentina. Feijoa are also common in gardens of New Zealand. Thanks here to Wikipedia
I didn’t know all that, thought it was native to New Zealand, where I live. Don’t you love finding out new things??
Anyway, did you know that, among other things, Feijoa helps support the digestive system as the fruit is made up of considerable amount of fibre …
Right then, I’m off to find out whether true ir not.
My goodness among other things I have already discovered that they are less likely to spike your blood sugar levels… if you have Diabetes, its glycemic index score is good for you… It is equal to 31 units, really good. And it also helps to regulate the production of insulin in the body. It may even improve memory and act as a natural antidepressant. It includes Potassium, folate and various antioxidants that have neurological benefits.
So. the flavour of the fruit is hard to describe, but I remember many years ago when we were living in the UK, that I REALLY missed my yearly treat as at that time you couldn’t get them over there. At least I couldn’t so I assumed no one else could either 🙂 The skin is not as nice, as it has a bitter aftertaste. BUT, if you soak about eight or nine skins in water and sugar for a few days, it makes Feijoa Fizz. YUM. I have already made some jam this season and given a couple of jars away. Which, of course means I will have to make more if I want my jam to last until next seaason. Which it didn’t last year so I had to find some other sweetness to add to my porridge. Fig jam was a pretty good substitute, but I hope I won’t need it this winter.
Anyway, if you fancy giving it a try, here is the Feijoa Fizz recipe for you to have fun with.
Feijoa Fizz
Ingredients
8-10 feijoa skins, washed (Sticky out bit at end, removed). 4 tbsp whilte sugar. 1 litre water
Method
*Â Â Loosely fill a large, sterilised container with the feijoa skins. Add half of the sugar, then cover with the water. * Place a weight on top of the feijoa skins to press the fruit down, ensuring they’re completely covered by water. *Â Â Strain the liquid into a sterilised bottle or jar, then stir in the remaining sugar.
And so that you won’t feel cheated here is the Feijoa jam recipe as well.
Feijoa Jam.
Ingredients
1kg peeled, diced feijoas. 1 kg jam setting sugar. 1 lemon, zest and juice
Method
* Place prepared feijoas, Jam Setting Sugar, lemon zest and lemon juice in a large heavy-based saucepan. * Stir over medium heat for a couple of minutes or until sugar dissolves. * Increase heat and bring to a full boil (a boil that cannot be stirred down). Boil rapidly for 4 minutes (removing any foam with a spoon). * Test a small amount of jam on a cold saucer (the surface should wrinkle when a spoon is pushed through it). If the surface doesn’t wrinkle, return to the boil for 1-2 minute intervals and test again. * Ladle hot jam into warm sterilised jars and seal with a lid. * Set aside to cool, then label, date and store in a cool dark place. Refrigerate after opening. Makes approximately 5-6 cups.
I so enjoy feeling smug 🙂 All the information I discovered about the wonderful Feijoa has certainly encouraged me to enjoy my fruit very happy that my pleasure is reinforced by the confirmation of its goodness for my health. Which means Ii will eat as many as I like while the season is here. I will be making some more jam tomorrow, while I still have the bags of fruit my friends and neighbours have given me. If I don’t do that, I may run out before next season. Hope you enjoyed this episode and are able to make or acquire your own jam, it’s yummy on bread too. Let me know what you think of it, including the Fizz, which was really nice, but next time I won’t use as much sugar for my own taste. Anyway, let me know on either hilary@affordablehydrogreens.com, or gosportgal@gmail.com and if you have questions about my discoveries let me know and I will get back to you. Hilary