Pineapple guava, Feijoa

Where does Pineapple guava grow?

Found in: Africa, Argentina, Asia, Australia, Azerbaijan, Bahamas, Brazil, Britain, Caucasus, Central America, Chile, China, Cook Islands, Costa Rica, Cuba, East Africa, Europe, France, Georgia, Hawaii, Himalayas, India, Indochina, Indonesia, Israel, Italy, Jamaica, Kenya, Madagascar, Mexico, New Zealand, North America, Pacific, Papua New Guinea, PNG, Paraguay, Philippines, Portugal, Russia, SE Asia, Slovenia, South America, Spain, Switzerland, Tasmania, Uruguay, United States

Notes: There are 6 Acca species. The fruit of this one has high levels of water soluble iodine. (1.6-4 mg/kg) They are also rich in folic acid. Fruit are high in folates 91μg/100.

Status: It is a significant fruit tree. Trees have been tried in a few highland areas in Papua New Guinea but so far have not established or produced well. Cultivated.

Growing Pineapple guava, Feijoa

Cultivation: Trees can be grown from seed and transplanted. Seedling trees are not always true to type. Seed is extracted by squeezing fruit into water and letting it ferment for 4 days. Seeds are then strained out and dried. Seed can be stored dry for 12 months. Seeds germinate in 3 weeks. Grafting or cuttings can also be used with some difficulty. Young wood cuttings will root in 2 months with bottom heat and mist. Layering can also be used. Some kinds need to have cross pollination to produce fruit. It does not need any special pruning, although lateral branches can be removed to avoid overcrowding. A spacing of 2 metres is recommended.

Edible Uses: The fruit are used raw or cooked. They can be used for jellies and sauces. The flower petals can be eaten raw.

Production: Plants grow slowly. Trees start to fruit after 3-4 years. Fruit needs to be stored for a week or more after it falls from the tree, to become fully ripe. Birds and bees pollinate the flowers. Poor fruit bearing is normally the result of poor pollination. Fruit ripen in 4-7 months. Mature fruit can be stored in a refrigerator for about one week. Fruit can be stored at 3-5°C for 2-3 months. Dipping fruit in lemon juice after peeling stops the fruit turning brown.

Nutrition Info

Pineapple guava, Feijoa Photos

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