If you’ve never been to New Zealand before you may be asking yourself “What the Feijoa?”
This fabulous fragrant fruit is showing up all over New Zealand and is fast becoming the nation’s favorite behind the kiwi. The fruit, sometimes referred to as the pineapple guava, has its native origins in Brazil and other S. American countries as well as tropical regions like New Zealand. If you are so blessed to be living in Texas or California you may find a few there too. The peak of the growing season is late May so sadly I did not get to try one in the flesh.
As I am often attracted to the unique and indigenous I had to inquire. I first tried it in flavored chocolate. But we all know mimic-flavored anything is never exactly the same as the real thing, like “cherry” popsicles or “green apple” jolly ranchers. However, the chocolate was well crafted and the flavor of the feijoa was well pronounced. I was particularly fond of the white chocolate truffle filled with a thick, creamy center of 42 Below feijoa vodka (another NZ fave).
Heartstoppingly delicious!
I wanted to try everything I could feijoa. So what better way than a sky high sparkling cocktail? 3 words: “I’ll take another.” Refreshing, light and slightly sweet it was mixed with another NZ fave called Chi water, an herb infused mineral water. This cocktail was exactly what the naturopathic doctor ordered.
Cool Off With A Feijoa Fizz. See My Recipe Below.
Organic Feijoa Flavored Soda
Next, a sparkling feijoa soda, fizzy and refreshing with a light aroma of feijoa, followed by feijoa and orange jelly that nearly broke the bank and sadly left me wishing for a stronger flavor of both foods promised on the label. I also saw a feijoa and apple juice mix as well as a throat lozenge combined with feijoa and echinacea.
Feijoa & Orange Jelly With Whole Grain Toast
I have a suspicion that this little grass-green gem is going to be the next BIG thing. We are going to see it dried and powdered on every health food store shelf next to the goji berries and chia seeds. We are going to see minuscule desserts bathed in feijoa puree, feijoa flavored candies, popsicles and gelatos.
It’s coming people. Get excited!!
Feijoa Fizz
2 oz. 42 Below Feijoa Vodka
6 oz. Club Soda
1 Lime wedge
Ice
Rocks Glass
In rocks glass add handful of ice followed by vodka then club soda. Squeeze lime juice into glass and toss lime in. Stir, then drink and roll your eyes back in enjoyment at the refreshing drink you’ve just made yourself. Cheers!
Eating With Your Hands 