Information on Pineapple Guava Fruit Seeds

The pineapple guava can be grown from seed, will bear fruit in three to five years and contains a juicy sweet edible seed pulp. A ripe pineapple guava, also known as feijoa, usually contains 20 to 40 of the small, oblong seeds enclosed in a watery fruit.

Taste

The seeds and flesh taste like a mixture of pineapple and guava, or pineapple and strawberry with a hint of mint. The seeds are hardly noticeable when eaten with the off-white grainy flesh.

Sweetness

The flesh is sweeter the closer to the center, near the seeds.

Uses

The seeds, along with the flesh, can be eaten and made into preserves, desserts and beverages.

Origin

According to the California Rare Fruit Growers, the pineapple guava is native to regions of Brazil, Paraguay, Argentina, and Uruguay. It is also grown in New Zealand and California.

Etymology

Feijoa is named after Spanish botanist Don da Silva Feijoa. It has also been called "Brazilian guava," "fig guava" and "guavasteen."

Propagation

According to Purdue University's Center for New Crops and Plant Products, pineapple guava is generally grown from seed. After preparation, germination takes place in three weeks. The plant bears fruit in three to five years from seed.

References

• California Rare Fruit Growers: Feijoa
• Purdue University Center for New Crops and Plant Products: Feijoa
• Foodreference.com: Feijoa