What Feijoa contains. Feijoa is a small green vitamin bomb. Feijoa: cooking recipes

Not all of us have feijoa a frequent guest on the table. And all because little is known about this berry and for many it is an overseas curiosity. But it turns out that these wonderful fruits have been grown in Russia for a long time. Therefore, you should not deny yourself the pleasure of getting to know an unusual taste. Moreover, the fruits are simply overflowing with vitamins and microelements that will help put immunity in order. Let's talk about the beneficial properties and contraindications for the use of this green guest from America in more detail.

What is feijoa

In our country, feijoa is still an exotic berry. Many customers do not even look to the side where small nondescript green fruits are laid out on the counter. But if you knew what benefits are hidden in this little guest from another country, you would never pass by.

The discreet appearance of the feijoa does not attract attention at all.

Where it grows

We will begin to get acquainted with an exotic plant from afar. In nature, feijoa is found mainly in the highlands of South America - these are the regions of Brazil, Uruguay, Colombia and northern Argentina.

the first European country where seedlings were delivered in 1890 - France;
in 1900, unusual representatives of the flora were planted in Yalta and on the Black Sea coast of the Caucasus;
at the beginning of the 20th century, the plant was brought and safely bred in the Mediterranean countries, which are famous for their warm mild climate.

An evergreen and beautifully flowering shrub is often used in landscaping.

A subtropical plant in the tropics feels very bad. High temperatures significantly reduce the overall yield.

What does it look like

Feijoa belongs to the Akka genus and the Myrtle family. It is a sprawling evergreen shrub, although woody forms are also found in nature. Its height does not exceed 4 meters. The trunk is covered with a rough green-brown bark.

Sometimes feijoa can be found in the form of a tree, but its height will never exceed 4 meters

Since feijoa lives in rocky mountainous terrain, its roots are superficial. A characteristic feature of moisture-loving plants is a densely branched, but compact root system, which helps the tree to receive moisture directly from the soil surface, and not from the depths.

Feijoa leaves are oval or elliptical in shape. The edges are smooth, the surface is slightly pubescent, leathery, has feathery or reticulate venation. Above the leaf is dark green, below it is light green-gray. The plant, densely covered with foliage, looks beautiful throughout the year.

Leathery leaves look elegant all year round

The tree looks especially charming during flowering. From May to June, and in the Southern Hemisphere from November to December, feijoa is covered with unusually beautiful flowers. White-pink petals surround a bunch of red stamens (there can be from 50 to 80 pieces). Bisexual flowers can be arranged singly, in pairs, or form a corymbose inflorescence. The flowering process is long, you can admire the lush and bright bush for almost a month.

Feijoa bloom is an unusually beautiful sight

Despite the fact that the plant is densely covered with flowers, the percentage of useful ovary is only 17%. The rest just crumbles.

Feijoa fruits look inconspicuous. These are small, from 2 to 5, less often up to 7 cm, berries of an elongated-oval or wide-round shape. Less often, there are kubarevidny, like a child's spinning top, fruits. The top is crowned with the remains of sepals. The berry is covered with a skin with a slight waxy coating. The skin color can be bright green, like young grass, or dark green. Ripe fruit weighs from 15 to 60 g, but sometimes large specimens are found - 105–120 g.

An interesting fact is that a seemingly nondescript-looking fruit has a flesh of extraordinary taste. The juicy part of the fruit at the same time resembles strawberries, pineapple and kiwi in aroma and sweet-sour taste.

Ripe pulp should be almost transparent, jelly-like and have a light creamy shade. If it is brown, the fruit is clearly stale and unusable. The white color of the fleshy part indicates that the feijoa has not yet ripened and there is nothing useful in it.

The ripe fruit has a transparent flesh with a creamy shade

Beneficial features

Outwardly uninteresting fruits have not only a bright taste, they are also incredibly useful. Berries easily compete for the iodine content of seafood, so doctors often recommend this product for the prevention of iodine deficiency. The natural vitamin complex contained in the fruits normalizes the body's metabolism. Easily soluble fiber reduces appetite and improves digestive processes.

Feijoa is the only berry that can compete with seafood in iodine content

If you decide to buy feijoa to increase the iodine content in the body, be sure to ask in which region the fruits were grown. The fact is that the berries grown near the sea contain the maximum indicator of the useful element, and in plants cultivated in areas that are more than 50 km from the sea, the iodine content in the fruits begins to decrease.

Protein, fat and carbohydrate content - table

The calorie content of feijoa is low, 100 g of berries contain only 49 kcal.

Composition of nutrients - table

In addition, the berries contain pectin, tannins, essential oils and enzymes.

Feijoa is a real vitamin bomb

Benefits for women

For women seeking to keep their figure in shape, feijoa will become a valuable food product, as it is low in calories and fat. By eating just one berry a day, you can increase the effectiveness of any diet by speeding up your metabolism, which contributes to weight loss.

The berry helps to stabilize and normalize the state of the following body systems:

nervous;
endocrine;
urogenital;
gastrointestinal.

Thanks to the use of this berry, water-alkaline metabolism returns to normal and immunity is strengthened. Fruits are an excellent prevention of osteoporosis, which affects older women.

Regular consumption of feijoa helps:

slow down the aging process;
improve memory;
restore fat metabolism;
lower cholesterol;
relieve nervous tension;
normalize the thyroid gland;
improve skin condition.

During pregnancy, feijoa is recommended by many doctors, as it allows you to equalize pressure, eliminates hormonal imbalances and regulates the production of hormones. But you need to eat it carefully. First, you should make sure that the expectant mother is not allergic to the product.

Due to iodine deficiency in the body of the expectant mother, the fetus may suffer

When breastfeeding, mothers can include berries in the diet if the child is already 3 months old. To find out if your baby has a reaction to a product or not, first try to eat a quarter of the fruit. The next day, if the child does not have a rash, you can try half of the berry already. If your toddler is not showing signs of allergies or indigestion, eat feijoa in moderation.

What is useful for men

Men also benefit from these fruits, and not at all because of the general strengthening of the immune system. Several exotic berries a day can prevent a common urological disease - prostatitis, especially in older men. Feijoa helps to maintain the reproductive function, therefore it is recommended by urologists as a preventive measure or as an addition to drug treatment of an existing problem.

Is it possible to give to children

Acquaintance with an exotic berry for a baby should begin after a year. Vitamins and trace elements contained in feijoa are able to adjust the child's immune system and ensure the normal development of a healthy body. In order not to harm, it is worth starting with a very small amount of pulp. Pick a small ripe fruit, wash it well and cut it in half. To get started, try treating your baby to half a teaspoon of pulp. Be attentive to the possible reaction of the child's body to a new product: it can weaken or strengthen, an allergic reaction in the form of a rash is possible.

If the acquaintance with the vitamin product was successful, introduce it into the baby's diet. But remember, excessive passion for the berry can be harmful. Too much iodine will lead to excess iodine and health problems!

If not overused, feijoa will only benefit.

What diseases is indicated, what conditions does it help to alleviate

The use of feijoa as a prophylactic agent or in addition to drug treatment has a cumulative effect. In order for the medicinal properties of the product to be fully revealed, it should be eaten for at least a month. During this period, the accumulated nutrients will begin to act, and you will only have to maintain the balance of nutrients, periodically eating feijoa. So what are the indications for use of this vitamin fruit?

Feijoa is an indispensable product for thyroid diseases, as it contains a lot of iodine. With hypothyroidism (decreased function of the gland), toxic goiter (nodes in the thyroid gland) and euthyroidism (malfunction of the gland), you need to eat 2-3 berries a day. This amount is sufficient to normalize the thyroid gland. In addition, the metabolism will return to normal and mental activity will be activated. But if you have been diagnosed with hyperthyroidism (increased thyroid activity), then you should refuse to take feijoa.
Due to its rich vitamin composition, especially vitamin C, it increases immunity, therefore it perfectly facilitates the general condition in case of colds and pneumonia.
Due to the mild diuretic and disinfectant effect, feijoa berries are recommended for existing inflammatory diseases of the kidneys and urinary tract (urolithiasis, renal failure, cystitis, pyelonephritis).
Shown is a product with high cholesterol. Pectin and amino acids help cleanse the blood vessels, which will restore flexibility and elasticity to them. This will help keep blood pressure under control, which means that with hypotension and high blood pressure, feijoa will be useful. As well as with atherosclerosis and cardiovascular diseases.
Feijoa is high in antioxidants that help cleanse the blood and keep cancer cells from spreading. Eating the fruit reduces the risk of oncology (cancer).
The natural combination of essential oils, antiseptics, tannins and other beneficial elements have a positive effect on the functioning of the gastrointestinal tract. Taking berries facilitates gastritis, liver cirrhosis, pancreatitis (but not during an exacerbation), mononucleosis. Helps with constipation, gallstones, colitis, cholecystitis.
Wanga advised women to include berries in the diet for fibroids, and men with adenomas.
With hepatitis and hepatitis C, feijoa is included in a special diet that facilitates the patient's condition during the rehabilitation process. A decoction of the ground peel (boil 1 part of the peel and 4 parts of water for 5–7 minutes) cleanses the liver and normalizes its work.
Doctors advise including this useful product in the diet for psoriasis. The berry acts as an antioxidant, purifying the blood, removing poisons and toxins. Iodine helps to establish the thyroid gland and regulate metabolic processes in the body, which has a positive effect in the treatment of the disease.
Fruits are irreplaceable in case of anemia, as they have a beneficial effect on blood cells due to the iron present in the composition.
The antiseptic effect of feijoa helps to relieve gout, osteochondrosis and arthrosis.

It will be useful to remind you that you cannot engage in self-medication. If you are having health problems, berries alone will not help. A visit to the doctor will clarify the situation. If everything is in order, eat berries for health, but when problems already exist, then feijoa will become an addition to the prescribed treatment and will help alleviate the condition in the process of treatment and rehabilitation.

Feijoa as a source of iodine - video

As is: with or without skin

Remember what you used to do with the skin of fruits or vegetables? That's right, they clean it off and throw it away. Many people are used to cutting off the skin even from an apple. But few people thought that it is in this protective layer that sometimes more useful substances are contained than in the fruit itself. Feijoa peel is incredibly healthy, so it is advisable to eat the fruit along with the peel. It contains many catechins and leukoanthocyanins, which act as antioxidants. But since these useful substances give the top layer of the berry a tart taste (especially in unripe fruits), few of us decide to eat it, especially since it is also harsh.

Even if you don't like the peel, you shouldn't throw it away as it contains antioxidants.

So that useful substances are not wasted, but benefit, you should not throw away the skin of the feijoa. Dry it, and then prepare decoctions or teas from it. For the future, harvest the peel that does not show signs of damage or rot.

To feel the unique taste of the overseas fruit, you need to eat it without the skin. From the washed and cut in half feijoa, the pulp is extracted using a teaspoon or dessert spoon.

To feel all the shades of feijoa taste, it is recommended to eat only the middle of the fruit.

How to choose and store

The ripening time of feijoa in Russia is November. The fruits enter the trading network in November-December. This is the most favorable time for buying valuable berries.

if you saw a green stalk, it means that the fruits were harvested still unripe, there is little use in them;
a slightly wrinkled peel with a bluish bloom and an even green color are signs of a high-quality fruit. Brown spots on the skin indicate signs of spoilage, and a light green color indicates an immature fruit;
try to choose larger fruits, they are considered the most useful;
you can press on the fruit - if it is hard, it means that it is not yet ripe and it can be left for several days at room temperature. Moderately soft - ripe, ready to eat;

When buying, do not hesitate to ask the seller to cut the fruit, this is the only way to assess its degree of ripeness.

High-quality fruits can be stored for no more than 3 weeks in a special fruit compartment in the refrigerator. At room temperature, feijoa can lie for several days, provided that they are not yet ripe. Longer storage is possible due to recycling. Another way to extend the life of a product is to freeze it. Moreover, you can freeze both whole fruits and mashed potatoes from them.

If you defrost the feijoa, then it should not be subjected to reverse freezing, so defrost it as much as necessary.

Useful properties of feijoa - video

What can be cooked from feijoa

If you want to diversify your diet and fill it with vitamins, then feijoa will help in solving this problem. After all, the fruits are eaten not only raw, but also canned. So what can be made from berries and in which dishes to include:

vitamin salads;
compotes;
jam;
fresh fruits, ground with sugar or honey;
filling for desserts.

Great flavor combinations are obtained by mixing feijoa with apples, citrus fruits, carrots and beets. Salad dressing is best made with yogurt or sour cream.

Feijoa is incredibly good in salads

Popular recipes for preserving vitamins

Since the season for the use of feijoa is short, it is worth preparing several jars of healthy and tasty treats that will please not only adults, but also children.

Feijoa with honey and walnuts (raw jam)

The ingredients you need can be purchased at the supermarket or market. You will need:

750 g feijoa;
half a lemon;
450 g of honey;
150 g of nuts;
50 g dried apricots.

It is very easy to prepare a delicious mixture.

Fry the nuts in a dry frying pan, cool and peel off the husks. Then grind with a rolling pin.
Pour dried apricots with boiled water for 5 minutes, then fold them onto a sieve. After the water drains, finely chop the dried fruit.
Wash and dry feijoa and lemon thoroughly. Trim the sepals off the feijoa. Without peeling the peel, grind them with a blender.
Combine with nuts, dried apricots and honey. Mix thoroughly and place in airtight containers.
Store in the refrigerator.

Basis of the recipe - feijoa, nuts and honey

The recipe can have cooking options. Dried apricots can be skipped, but instead of walnuts, try hazelnuts.

Raw jam with honey and lemon

The combination of healthy products will come in handy during the period of colds, when only strong immunity is able to cope with diseases. For this vitamin bomb, you will need:

500 g feijoa;
1 lemon;
100 g of honey.

Cooking a healthy and tasty product will not take much time.

Wash feijoa and lemon thoroughly.
Remove the peel from the lemon and remove the sepals from the feijoa.
Pass the feijoa cut in half through a meat grinder or chop in a blender.
Do the same with the lemon.
Combine all ingredients together and mix thoroughly.
Store in a refrigerator in an airtight container.

Vitamin charge in every spoon - feijoa with honey and lemon

If someone doesn't like the taste of lemon, it can be replaced with an orange. The benefits will remain the same, but the taste will change. And lovers of spicy taste should try the combination of feijoa with ginger.

Compote

An unusually tasty drink that invigorates and cheers up, prepared from the following components:

500 g feijoa;
200 g sugar;
2 liters of water;
citric acid on the tip of a knife.

This is the simplest recipe that even novice housewives can handle.

Pour water into a saucepan and put on fire.
In sterilized jars, pour berries thoroughly washed under running water, from which the sepals have been removed.
As soon as the water boils, add sugar and citric acid to it.
After the water has boiled, lower the heat and wait for the sugar to completely dissolve.
Pour the boiling syrup over the berries, cover and leave for a day to infuse the fruits.
The next day, pour the infused liquid into a saucepan and turn on the heat.
Boil for half an hour, then pour the liquid back into the jars and roll up with sterilized lids.
Place the jars upside down and cover with a blanket.
After the contents of the cans have cooled, we put the compote in a cool, dark place.

A wonderful invigorating drink is obtained from medicinal berries

Feijoa in compote can go well with apples and quince. Citrus peels, rose petals, or mint can be added to enrich the flavor and aroma.

Feijoa and beetroot salad with nuts

Vitamin salads are a valuable source of nutrients, which is why they are so popular with adherents of a healthy lifestyle. We advise you to include such salads in the daily menu to keep your figure in shape, stay healthy and vigorous. And for those who live far from the sea - to maintain the level of iodine in the body at the required level. In addition, the preparation of such a delicacy is a real creative process, which will allow you to enjoy bright colors and raise your mood before eating.

For the salad, you only need quality products. Feijoa should be ripe, try to choose small beets (it will cook faster and taste sweeter). You can use any nuts: walnuts, almonds, cashews, pine nuts. Beets can be boiled in advance, and the salad itself is prepared immediately before eating.

Remove the skin from the beets and grate on a coarse grater or cut into strips (personally, I really love hand cutting).
Peel the well-washed feijoa, slice it, then sprinkle it lightly with lemon juice.
Chop the nuts previously fried in a dry pan (except pine nuts).
Combine all the ingredients of the salad, lightly salt, season with vegetable oil (preferably olive oil).

Excellent combination of taste and vitamins - feijoa and beetroot salad

A salad, in which feijoa will be the main component, can be prepared from various vegetables and fruits. The above are the most popular combinations. By changing ingredients and dressings, you can enjoy unusual, refreshing and healthy salads every day. Use raisins, feta cheese, sesame seeds as flavoring accents.

Feijoa, grated with sugar (honey)

The easiest, but no less effective way to keep the vitamin set for several months. All you need is feijoa and sugar (or honey). We select the most healthy and ripe fruits. Wash thoroughly, remove sepals and dry. Twist in a meat grinder and add granulated sugar (honey). The ratio of ingredients is 1: 1. Stir until sugar is completely dissolved, transfer to dry sterilized containers and send to a cool place.

An excellent recipe for maintaining immunity - feijoa with sugar

This delicious medicine is taken 1 teaspoon 2-3 times a day. The course of treatment will be 10 days, and then you need to take a break for the same time.

Jam "Caramel"

Another unusual recipe gives a healthy berry to all lovers of delicious jam. First, we go to the store, select the ripe fruits and other components:

500 g feijoa;
1 cup of sugar;
500 ml of water;
spoon of brandy.

Preparing this amazingly tasty and beautiful jam is simple:

Wash the fruit, peel the peel. To prevent the peeled berry from darkening, put it in water.
Pour half of the sugar into the pan and put on fire.
While stirring the sugar with a wooden spatula, wait until it caramelises.
When the caramel has a pleasant reddish hue, gently pour in the water and add the rind.
Cook over low heat with vigorous stirring for at least 7 minutes.
Strain the prepared syrup through a sieve into a saucepan for cooking jam. Add chopped berries and remaining sugar.
After boiling, stirring continuously, simmer for about 40 minutes.
Add cognac, stir and pack into jars.

Perfect combination of taste and color - feijoa jam "Caramel"

This is not a complete list of useful preparations from a wonderful berry. If you're a Mexican food lover, be sure to include feijoa on your salsa ingredient list - won't disappoint. Lovers of sweets can make the most delicate dessert from the fruit - jelly or mousse.

Traditional medicine recipes

Feijoa is used not only in pharmacology, where fruits are included in many dietary supplements, and essential oils are used as an anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial agent. Traditional medicine actively uses magic fruits and other parts of the plant to treat many serious diseases:

for hepatitis and urological diseases, tea made from feijoa flowers and leaves is useful. 1 tbsp. l. the dried mixture is poured into 200 ml of boiling water. Insist for half an hour and drink with honey;
with atherosclerosis, jam will be an excellent addition to medicines. It is prepared from 600 g of fruits, 1 kg of sugar and 1 orange;
with Parkinson's disease, taking fresh fruits gives a significant and lasting improvement in the patient's condition;
the thyroid gland is treated with feijoa rubbed with sugar. In the morning, half an hour before meals, you need to take 2 tbsp. l. a useful mixture;
for wound healing, compresses with a decoction of the bark and leaves of the plant are used;
a decoction of leaves helps from bleeding gums.

Traditional medicine actively uses feijoa to treat various diseases

How is it used in cosmetology

Taken internally, feijoa works wonders for the female body, slowing down the aging process and helping to maintain the figure in the desired proportions. The product will bring no less benefit if it is used as the basis for face masks. Vitamins and microelements acting on the outside will improve the complexion, rejuvenate, moisturize and protect from external influences.

The basis for any mask is feijoa puree, and various components are already added to it, depending on what effect you want to achieve:

composition for rejuvenation: to 2 tbsp. l. puree add 1 tsp. honey and 1 tbsp. l. vegetable oil;
for moisturizing, cottage cheese and cream serve as additional components. We take everything in equal proportions;
for oily skin, mix 1 tbsp. l mashed potatoes, 1 chicken protein and 1 tsp. honey;
you can also wipe your face, neck, chest and hands with a piece of feijoa pulp. The effect will be excellent.

In cosmetology, feijoa shows an incredible anti-aging effect.

Contraindications to the use of feijoa

This incredibly healthy fruit still has contraindications. It is recommended to completely abandon or limit consumption when:

diabetes;
allergies;
hyperthyroidism;
obesity.

Everything ingenious is simple. Once again, you are convinced of this by looking at the outwardly nondescript feijoa fruit. But what a valuable treasure is hidden inside. But remember, everything is fine in moderation. The desire to quickly saturate the body with vitamins will not lead to anything good, on the contrary, it can harm.

Feijoa was first discovered in Brazil, since then the exotic fruit has gained popularity all over the world. Currently, the berry can be found in the vastness of our homeland, mainly the product grows in the southern regions. Feijoa has a rich chemical composition, which contains the necessary trace elements for the human body.

Choosing the right feijoa

To choose worthy fruits, you need to pay attention to the integrity of the shell. The peel should be free from damage and dents. Ripe berry is smooth, firm and firm to the touch.
If you cut an exotic fruit, the flesh should be clear and fleshy. In this case, the taste of feijoa will be fully revealed.
When choosing a product on the market, ask the seller to cut the berry, so you can make sure of its integrity and ripeness.
If the flesh is white, the fruit can be considered unripe. Do not despair, place the fruits at home in a warm room. In a few days, the feijoa will acquire the proper maturity, it can be consumed.
Exotic fruits are harvested unripe; berries ripen during transportation. Feijoa also tends to deteriorate quickly. If, when cutting the fruit, you see a dark colored pulp, refrain from buying.

Benefits and composition of feijoa

When studying feijoa, it turned out that the fruits contain a high level of iodine. The enzyme is easily absorbed by the body, because it is in a water-soluble form. It has been scientifically proven that berries are an order of magnitude superior to red fish and seafood in terms of iodine content.
If you consume just a few fruits a day, this way you will replenish the daily intake of iodine in the body. It is highly recommended to consume exotic berries for people who have problems with the thyroid gland. It is also worth including feijoa in the diet for children and the elderly.
It is highly recommended to consume the fruit if you live in metropolitan areas. Feijoa contains ascorbic acid, which actively prevents colds. Thiamine is involved in the normalization of metabolic processes, maintaining the work of the heart muscle and brain activity.
The presence of riboflavin in berries is responsible for stabilizing hormone levels in the body. In addition, the enzyme is involved in the synthesis of erythrocytes, the breakdown of fats and the renewal of fibers and tissues. Nicotinic acid normalizes the work of the pancreas and the activity of the digestive tract. The enzyme reduces blood pressure and prevents the development of cancer cells.
Due to the content of pantothenic acid in feijoa, the work of metabolic processes in the body is restored. The enzyme actively suppresses a number of ailments and is able to cope with pancreatitis, allergies, liver diseases, tuberculosis and bronchitis.
Pyridoxine helps build enzymes that are essential for the functioning of all muscles in the human body. The chemical acts effectively on muscles for cramps, spasms and numbness of the limbs. At the same time, pyridoxine slows down tissue aging at the cellular level.
Feijoa is rich in niacin, an enzyme that is an integral part of the central nervous system. The substance is actively involved in protein metabolism and has a positive effect on the work of the cardiovascular system. Due to the easily digestible fats and proteins that feijoa is rich in, it can be classified as a dietary product.
The peel of exotic berries contains leukoanthocin and kakhetin, chemical enzymes are recognized as the most powerful antioxidants. Substances resist the harmful effects of the environment. In addition, kakhetin and leukoanthocin prevent the formation of cancer cells and pathologies.

Pediatricians strongly recommend introducing feijoa into your baby's daily diet with extreme caution. Otherwise, you run the risk of causing the child intolerance even after 1 berry.
If the complementary feeding has passed without harmful consequences, the feijoa will only bring invaluable benefits to the child. Due to the high iodine content in the product, the baby will not feel fatigued. Also, berries will have a positive effect on the thyroid gland.
Feijoa has established itself well as an effective product in strengthening the immune system. Thus, with regular use, the body's resistance increases. The child is not threatened with various diseases of viral infections and fungi. It is highly recommended to consume the fruit in the off-season.
You should also be careful if your child is at risk of developing overweight or diabetes. Berries can be consumed, but it is worth limiting their daily amount and constantly monitoring the body's reaction.

Benefits of feijoa for pregnant women

Girls who are in a position need to treat nutrition with special responsibility. The main criteria remain that the products should be balanced, healthy and varied. During pregnancy, the formation of the fetus and its organs occurs.
Try not to succumb to various temptations in terms of harmful dishes, it is during pregnancy that you want something useless. Experts recommend that girls in a position eat various vegetables and fruits that grow in your climate. In the cold season, everything is more complicated.
It has been scientifically proven that feijoa, despite its exoticism, is great for the fairer sex during gestation. In addition to the above trace elements, ascorbic acid and niacin are of particular benefit. Enzymes are easily absorbed by the body.
Also tropical berries are high in iodine and iron. The minerals are easily absorbed by the blood and form the fruit without signs of disturbance. It is also worth considering the fact that if your doctor prescribed iodine-containing vitamins for you, you should limit the use of feijoa. An excess of a trace element is as harmful as its deficiency.

It is scientifically proven that feijoa has a disinfectant and antiseptic effect. With the help of various infusions, decoctions of fruits and leaves, abrasions on the skin can be healed. The remedies are excellent for bleeding gums and toothache.
To make a nourishing face mask, just combine the grated fruit with the yolk of an egg. As a result, the skin will receive a charge of useful microelements, microcracks and creases will be smoothed out. Also, the dermis will acquire an even tone, smoothness and velvety.

Contraindications and possible harm to feijoa

The product is so unique that it has practically no contraindications, except for individual intolerance.
It is worthwhile to be wary of the fruits of individuals who may have allergies and hypersensitivity to iodine. As practice shows, such phenomena occur in rare cases.
Therefore, if you are allergic, monitor your health carefully. In case of any deviations, stop eating exotic berries immediately.

Feijoa rules

So that feijoa does not leave you indifferent and brings maximum benefit to the body, you need to consume only ripe fruits. The snag can only be if the berries did not have time to ripen. As previously described, feijoa is harvested unripe.
If you purchased fruits in a similar form, do not despair, the product can be kept in a warm room for several days, after which you can enjoy the pulp of a unique taste. In the process of ripening, the feijoa will acquire a filling similar to jelly, and the rind becomes noticeably thinner.
The way of eating feijoa is very similar to kiwi. You can remove the peel from the berries and chop them into pieces. Also, the upper part is cut off from the fruit and eaten with a dessert spoon, taking out the pulp from the cavity. Do not forget that if the feijoa is fully ripe, it can be consumed whole. As you know, it is in the peel that almost all the benefits are concentrated.

If you suffer from chronic fatigue, obesity, vitamin deficiency or lack of energy, experts strongly recommend that you include about 6 feijoa berries in your daily diet. You will feel better after a few days. In addition, the fruits are rich in essential oils, which are involved in strengthening the protective shell of a person.

Video: the benefits and harms of feijoa

Feijoa is a beautiful tree from South America with bright green fruits weighing about 20 to 100 grams. The feijoa plant was first found in Brazil back in the 19th century. The first appearance of the plant was noted in 1890 in France, and from there it spread throughout the southern Mediterranean countries, and also spread to the Caucasus and Crimea.

The origin of the plant is explained by a wonderful legend about a young man in love with a sea princess. He confessed his love to her and agreed to live with her in her sea kingdom. But he could not find a place for himself, because he was very homesick for his native land and home. Then he decided to go back, and the sea king was angry and sent a curse on him.

He turned it into a beautiful tree, which will later be called feijoa. The fruits of this tree had a light scent of the sea breeze, as a reminder of the betrayal of the sea princess's love.

Description

The fruit is completely suitable for consumption. Its rind is slightly tart and very dense, but the pulp, on the contrary, is sour-sweet, juicy and soft. Many people prefer only the pulp, not suspecting how many beneficial elements are contained in the peel.

The fruits themselves are bright green and plum-shaped. The surface of the peel with small tubercles is somewhat reminiscent of a lemon peel. Fruits begin to ripen in October, and this process continues until the beginning of winter. Therefore, this plant has gained great popularity in southern countries with mild climatic conditions. To make the taste of the fruit rich, the fruit is allowed to rest in a cool place for several days.

Feijoa, like, is popular with plant lovers due to its beautiful flowers. Many people breed it at home, observing its beautiful flowering. Its flowers are very unusual: dark red stamens stand out against the background of snow-white petals with a pinkish tint on the inside.

It begins to bloom in May, while there is always a large number of flowers. Over time, the plant takes on the shape of a small, beautiful and neat tree. The leaves of the plant are slightly tough, smooth on top, and slightly fluffy below.

Feijoa care

The plant is classified as a tropical species. Therefore, the temperature regime for it should be similar to the conditions of the tropical zone. In the summer, the flower can be taken out to the balcony, because it has been established that the temperature of 30 ° C does not harm it at all. In winter, he needs peace, which means that the temperature regime should be moderate, the temperature should not exceed 14 ° C.

The plant does not like direct sunlight, especially at noon. After all, they can easily burn its dense, but very delicate leaves, and rather fragile flowers. Therefore, it is better to shade it at this time. When the plant is in a room with very poor lighting, it will be better to additionally illuminate with the help of lamps.

On hot and very dry days, in addition to watering, it is necessary to often spray its leaves. This will give an impetus to abundant flowering and very good growth. This is especially true for plants that grow indoors. They require frequent spraying even in winter, especially when the air is dry.

Top dressing

It is noticed that this plant is very fond of constant feeding. In this case, you should not add all the fertilizers at once. It is worth feeding the plants in several stages. For example, in the first weeks, you can only apply nitrogen fertilizers, for which bird droppings are perfect. In the following weeks, it is necessary to switch to other fertilizers, for example, potash.

You can take ordinary ash. And after another week, you can go on to phosphate feeding. It is worth remembering that any top dressing should not be applied as the main watering, but only after it.

Transfer

Feijoa is a very fast growing plant. Therefore, the first three years of a flower's life must be transplanted annually. After that, a transplant can be carried out only once every two years. Prepare the soil before replanting the plant. It is necessary to take in equal frequent sand, peat, turf and leafy soil, as well as humus.

It is not necessary to completely remove the old soil from the roots of the plant. Complete removal of soil is necessary only for a diseased plant. To transplant a plant, it is better to call an assistant, and not to carry out this process alone. After all, the leaves and branches are quite delicate and brittle. You can easily break them and destroy the whole flower.

When propagating, plants use the two most common methods: propagation using root shoots and cuttings.

Cutting takes more time. In this case, you should find the uterine feijoa. After finding such a plant, you should choose the largest branch from the crown and remove all leaves from it, except for the top ones. Before planting, for better root formation, the branch should be left for 16 hours in a heteroauxin solution. After that, you can safely proceed to landing.

It is worth planting so that only 1/3 of the branch remains on the surface. At the same time, the soil should combine sand and humus in equal amounts. In addition, the soil should be disinfected.

In this way, it should be replanted in the fall. But at this time, the plant will feel a lack of heat and light. Therefore, you should take care of artificial lighting. Also, do not forget about constant spraying and maintaining air humidity. You can spray the plant with warm water and then cover the top with a clear glass jar. The formation of roots and the strengthening of the plant takes place within one month.

Reproduction using root shoots is quite simple. Therefore, most people choose this method. Since the plant gives a rich dense growth, there are no problems with it. For reproduction, when transplanting an adult plant, cut off the required number of processes.

In addition to these methods, like any other plant, it reproduces in nature with the help of its seeds. You should not take plant seeds from the store, as they may offer low-quality material. If you have an adult plant, then you can choose the necessary seeds yourself. This will be more reliable, and the guarantee of obtaining a beautiful tree increases many times over.

Before planting seeds, it is worth choosing a fruit, you need to choose an immature one. The seeds should be well washed and dried within 6 days and no more. After that, they are laid out on the surface of the prepared soil and more earth is poured on top with a thin layer, no more than 5 mm. The soil should be a mixture of equal amounts of peat and leafy soil with a little sand added.

Since the seeds of the plant are small enough, it should be watered so that the top layer of the earth is not disturbed. To do this, just put a paper towel or a regular napkin on the pot. This method of watering will help preserve the bulk of the soil and prevent the seeds from deepening. If the seeds were planted in winter, then the first shoots should be expected only in a month.

In the summer, sprouts appear after a couple of weeks. Moreover, with this method of reproduction, the fruits will appear on the branches only after 6 years. But reproduction by cuttings or shoots shortens this process in half.

Plant pests

Feijoa can sense a threat from pests such as scabbard and red spider mites.

The mite can wreak havoc, especially on small young shoots. You can get rid of it with a celtan solution. This requires mixing 2 grams of keltan with one liter of clean water. And after 40 days, you can see how the plant is cleansed and restored.

Only hot sunny days should be feared. Indeed, when processing with a celtan on such days, you can get a severe burn of the plant.

They get rid of false shields with the help of karbofos, diluted in water in a proportion of 6 grams per 1 liter. This solution should be abundantly sprayed on the entire plant. Processing is carried out at least three times with a break a week.

Collection and storage of fruits

The fruits should be picked before they ripen. This allows them to be transported over long distances without severe damage. During the transportation, they have time to ripen. When buying from a store, consider the softness of the fruit and examine its visible damage.

If only hard fruits are found, then there is no need to be afraid. You can always put them in a well-ventilated, warm room with a temperature of 20 ° C and above for a couple of days to fully ripen.

It is worth paying attention to the inner pulp of the fruit. White color indicates an unripe fruit, and brown color indicates that the fruit has already deteriorated.

It keeps well in the refrigerator. But its shelf life is short, no more than 2 weeks. When stored for a long time, the fruits quickly lose moisture. This only makes it sweeter. To preserve it for the winter period, jam is made from it. To do this, grind it and add sugar. In this form, feijoa retains all useful elements for a long time.

Useful properties of feijoa

One fruit contains many useful elements. These include vitamins of group B, PP and C, various macro- and microelements such as phosphorus, iodine, iron, calcium and others, as well as malic and folic acid.

In addition, the fruits contain essential oils. The pulp of the fruit is often used as a diet food due to the presence of easily digestible fats and proteins in it. They allow you to reduce weight and supply the body with useful and necessary components.

The plant contains a huge amount of iodine in a soluble form. This makes it very easy to digest. Doctors recommend using it for various diseases of the thyroid gland, as well as for very active mental stress. Moreover, it is often used in diseases of the gastrointestinal tract and in the prevention of avitominosis, gout, gastritis, pyelonephritis and many other diseases.

The so often discarded peel of the fruit contains leukoanthocin and kakhetin. They are excellent substances in the prevention of cancer. And vitamins of group B and C, as well as essential oils are used in the prevention of influenza, acute respiratory viral infections, as well as to maintain immunity.

Cooking use

As stated earlier, it is great for making jam. Various salads are also made from it. The main thing is to choose the right products for it. It goes well with citruses, apples, and vegetables such as carrots or beets. This salad is best seasoned with sour cream or yogurt.

Feijoa jam without cooking for the winter

Use in cosmetology

Very often, women use the pulp of the plant in masks. They give a rejuvenating effect, as well as relieve inflammation and nourish the skin of the face. The most common fruit mask includes:

1/3 feijoa pulp,
2 tbsp. spoons of fresh cottage cheese,
1 yolk,
1 tbsp. spoon of olive oil.

These components should be mixed well and applied to the décolleté, neck and face. The mask should be kept for no longer than 20 minutes. The mask is washed off with just warm water.

Contraindications

Due to the presence of a large amount of sugar in the fruit, they are contraindicated for everyone who suffers from diabetes. In addition, it is worth considering the tendency to obesity and allergic reactions. Due to the high iodine content, it is not recommended for people with thyrotoxicosis.

Doctors advise before the first use to test your body for allergic reactions to its fruits. It is also worth giving it to small children with caution.

In addition, feijoa has its own restrictions on its use. Too much fruit eaten at a time can lead to fever, heart palpitations, nervous anxiety, as well as decreased performance and the appearance of fatigue and fatigue.

How is feijoa

How to grow at home

Read everything about here.

Russians are already accustomed to the fact that almost any kind of fruit and berries are constantly available. Of course, the nutritional value of strawberries or raspberries brought to us in the midst of frost is far from the value of a domestic seasonal product. However, among the exotic fruits, there are those that deserve the closest attention. One of these products is feijoa.

Source: depositphotos.com

These green "berries" appear on our shelves in late autumn. They are not always imported: in Russia, feijoa is grown in the Krasnodar Territory and the subtropical regions of the Caucasus. The pulp of the fruit tastes like strawberries, kiwi and pineapple at the same time. The dense green skin is not as appetizing, but it is very fragrant and healthy.

Today we'll talk about the health benefits of feijoa.

Promotes increased immunity

Feijoa peel contains a large amount of essential oils and vitamin C. This complex successfully activates the body's defenses. Eating the fruit helps to cope with the symptoms of SARS, and also reduces the likelihood of infection.

Contains a lot of iodine

Feijoa is the only fruit that contains more iodine than seafood. Moreover, the iodine compounds in its composition are water-soluble and well absorbed by the body.

Regular use of feijoa is necessary for diseases caused by iodine deficiency in food. The product normalizes the endocrine system and metabolism, promotes mental activity.

Provides a source of antioxidants

The main source of antioxidants is feijoa peel. It is rich in catechins and leukoanthocyanins, which have powerful antifungal and antibacterial properties. There is evidence of the ability of these substances to reduce the risk of developing cancer.

Helps with Digestive Disorders

Thanks to the unique combination of essential oils, tannins, antiseptics and other beneficial compounds, feijoa has a positive effect on the functioning of the gastrointestinal tract. The fruits relieve the unpleasant symptoms of gastritis, help with chronic constipation. Feijoa is advised to use for pathologies of the stomach, intestines, liver and pancreas.

Improves the condition of the cardiovascular system

Feijoa contains no less catechins than green tea. These substances maintain the tone of the vascular wall and serve as a prophylactic agent at a high risk of developing cardiovascular pathologies.

Treats kidney disease

Feijoa fruits have a disinfectant and mild diuretic effect. They are recommended for use in inflammatory diseases of the kidneys and urinary tract (pyelonephritis, cystitis, etc.).

Has an antiseptic effect

Feijoa peel is a natural antiseptic. Its decoction, which suppresses the activity of pathogenic microflora, is used as a rinse for stomatitis and periodontal disease, for external treatment of wounds, as well as a disinfectant and astringent for diarrhea.

Feijoa has a number of contraindications. So, it is forbidden to give it to children under the age of one year: their digestive system does not yet produce the enzymes necessary for digestion. Pregnant women need to eat feijoa with care to avoid getting too much iodine. With diabetes mellitus, the inclusion of fruits in the diet must be agreed with the doctor, since the pulp of feijoa contains quite a lot of sugars.

You can not use unripe fruits for food: this is fraught with poisoning. When using feijoa for the first time, you should be prepared for an allergic reaction, so you should start with one or two fruits.

Feijoa is eaten fresh, made with jam and jam. The rind is dried and added to the tea leaves. This is a seasonal fruit, but you can prolong its use by preparing a vitamin mixture from a kilogram of ripe feijoa (do not remove the peel!), Rubbed with 600-800 g of sugar. The workpiece is stored for a long time in the refrigerator. Taking one or two tablespoons of the mixture daily, you can strengthen the immune system, provide the body with iodine, improve the condition of the digestive tract and blood vessels, increase efficiency and mood, and protect yourself from colds for the entire long winter.

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Initially, feijoa was used in landscape design, park areas were decorated with evergreen flowering shrubs. Today it exotic plant with amazing-tasting fruits.

Feijoa is gaining popularity not so much because of its taste, but because of its benefits. A selection of surprising facts will allow you to take a fresh look at this tropical fruit.

According to the classification, they belong to the family of myrtle plants. The height of the shrubs reaches 3 meters. It looks especially beautiful during the flowering period. Feijoa blooms with bright crimson inflorescences with white-pink blotches.

Leaves are dense, dark green. The fruits outwardly resemble unripe walnuts. The inside of the berries is juicy pulp. It tastes like strawberry sweetness and kiwi astringency.

The amazing properties of the shrub make it evergreen. The plant tolerates frosts down to -14 ° С. The crop has the ability not to spoil for a long time. Well transported.

Feijoa grows in Russia - in Crimea, Krasnodar, Georgia, Azerbaijan, Ukraine

Due to insufficient information, the overseas fruit has not found widespread use in our country. Those familiar with feijoa eat fruits raw, make jams and preserves... You can buy feijoa in markets and large supermarkets.

Thanks to the efforts of breeders, the tropical plant has become widespread in Russia - in the Crimea, Krasnodar, Georgia, Azerbaijan, Ukraine.

Depending on the growing conditions, there are small, medium, large fruits... Eat whole fruits or scrape the pulp with a spoon.

Because of its composition, the tropical crop is used to treat a variety of diseases. The medicinal properties of fruits are especially appreciated during the period of vitamin deficiency for a weakened organism.

How to choose a feijoa:

The benefits of the fruit, useful and medicinal properties of fruits and leaves

The chemical composition of feijoa indicates its benefits. This fruit can rightfully be called not only the "miracle of the tropics", but also a panacea for many problems.

Berries gained popularity among Europeans at a time when they found a high concentration of iodine.

The potted cultivation of feijoa does not guarantee a rich iodine content, there is a lot of it only in the fruits growing on the coast. Benefit:

feijoa has a high content of nutrients, vitamins C, P and B;
essential oils are present in fruits with an anti-inflammatory effect;
Feijoa extracts and oils are widely used in dermatology, as well as cosmetology;
contain iron, zinc, manganese, copper, organic iodine compounds;
in terms of value, the fruits are equal to iodine-containing seafood;
essential oils promote rejuvenation;
juice and pulp help fight couperosis, after using masks, capillary nets on the face disappear;
for depressive disorders, fruit seeds are used;
tea useful for the body is prepared from the leaves.

Caloric content is only 49-50 kcal per 100 grams of product.

The tart taste of feijoa is not present by chance, it is associated with the content of antioxidants. They are considered a valuable product for the prevention of cancer.

Endocrinologists agreed that tropical berries are needed for the thyroid gland.

With regular use, due to lowering cholesterol levels, an improvement in blood composition is observed. Due to the content of phenolic compounds in the skin, they are taken to stimulate metabolic processes in the digestive organs.

The benefits of feijoa for men are priceless. Urologists recommend using for problems with the prostate.

Women will be able to preserve their figure and youth thanks to the exotic fruit. By replacing feijoa confectionery, you can lose those extra pounds.

Important: 100 grams of feijoa accounts for 0.5 mg of iodine compounds that are rapidly dissolving for the body.

Why feijoa berry is useful:

Harm and contraindications for use

Ripe feijoa have a positive effect on the body, but unripe fruits negatively affect the digestive system... They can even cause poisoning.

If unripe fruits are purchased, it is better to put them to ripen at room temperature.

A tropical plant is contraindicated:

direct contraindication - with an excess of iodine in the body;
use with caution in diabetes mellitus;
not recommended to be mixed with milk (may cause stomach upset);
due to poor digestibility, you should not give feijoa to children under one year of age;
for pregnant and lactating mothers to consume the minimum amount.

A large number of eaten fruits can be harmful - cause nervous irritability, anxiety.

Do not forget that overseas fruits can contribute to the occurrence of allergic reactions. Start your introduction to fruits in small portions.

Important information: to avoid the consequences, be careful when treating feijoa to children.

Application during pregnancy and lactation

The richest natural source of nutrients for pregnant and lactating women is recommended with caution. In order not to cause side effects due to excess iodine, do not overdo it with their use.

Experts were divided on the exotic fruit. some recommend them during pregnancy, others associate them with risks... In everything you need to know when to stop.

Feijoa is especially useful in the 12th week of pregnancy, during this period the child's thyroid gland develops.

It is difficult to predict how a pregnant body will behave if you try the berry for the first time. The same can be said for breastfeeding. If in doubt, it is better consult a doctor and monitor the body's response.

Culinary and cosmetic recipes

The topic below the presented material is devoted to recipes from an exotic fruit. They are used to make jams, mousses, jellies. The popularity of these recipes is due to their rich pectin content.

For treatment, useful decoctions are prepared, ground with honey, nuts... It is added as a flavoring agent to salads. Make face masks.

Sugar-grated fruits

Proportions: for 1 kg of feijoa, take 1 kg of sugar. Take ripe fruits. Wash them well, dry them on a towel.

Finely chop with a knife, add sugar. Rub with a wooden spatula. Keep refrigerated. Apply as needed. Candied fruits are great for protecting the immune system.

Feijoa jam without cooking for the winter:

Diet salad

Proportions: for 5 fruits, take a handful of walnuts and 1 boiled beets. Cut the feijoa and the beets into strips. Dry the nuts lightly in the oven and crush. Season the salad with olive oil.

Add spices, herbs or garlic to enhance the taste. An easy salad to make can help you lose weight.

Fortified cocktail

Proportions: 4 feijoa, kiwi, apple, cinnamon, 150 ml low-fat kefir or yogurt. Place exotic fruits, kiwi, apple in the blender bowl. All pre-wash, peel, cut.

Pour in the fermented milk product, add a pinch of cinnamon. Grind with a blender until smooth. A fortified cocktail is the perfect start to the day instead of breakfast.

Feijoa with honey

Proportions: honey with feijoa in a 1: 1 ratio. Grind the pulp of ripe fruits with honey, arrange in sterilized jars. Cover with lids or paper. Keep cold.

Eat 1 tbsp in the morning on an empty stomach. spoon. The composition allows you to quickly recover from illnesses. The rest of the outside can be frozen or dried.

Melissa compote

Proportions: for 1 glass of sugar 180 gr. feijoa, lemon balm sprigs. Wash the fruits, prick them with a toothpick. Cover with water, add sugar. Bring to a boil, reduce the heat in the oven. Boil for 3-5 minutes.

Remove from heat, strain, add lemon balm. Pour into glass jars. Store inside the refrigerator. Chilled drink - tones, calms the nervous system.

Leaf tea

Proportions: 1 tsp. dry leaves for 250-300 ml of boiling water. Leaves wilted in partial shade. Ferment in the open air or in a dry, ventilated place to a tea leaf condition.

Brew like regular tea, you can add sugar or honey. The tea tastes very unusual, with a slightly tart aftertaste.

Pulp jam with lemon

Proportions: for 1 kg of ripe fruits, you need 1 kg of sugar and half a lemon. Wash feijoa, prick with a toothpick. Boil syrup from sugar and 200 ml of water. Pour the fruit over them.

Cook in 3 stages with the jam completely cooling for 5 minutes after boiling. At the final stage, add lemon wedges.

Pack in clean, dry jars. Cork and cold. Jam will help out for raising immunity during respiratory diseases.

Feijoa can be used to make jam - with lemon or nuts

Mask for the face

Proportions: 2 pcs. feijoa, the yolk of one egg, 5 gr. honey and 5 ml. olive oil. Beat the ingredients, lightly heat in a water bath. The temperature of the mask should be 36-37 degrees.

Apply to cleansed face. Withstand half an hour. Wash off. The vitamin composition moisturizes, softens and tightens the skin. Can be used for rosacea.

The use of a natural source of iodine in large and polluted cities is especially important.

Material dedicated to the benefits of feijoa will be of interest to both men and women. Using recommendations for the prevention and treatment of diseases, you can preserve your health for a long time!