Autumn in New Zealand signals the arrival of the feijoa fruit, which is abundant to the point where it is often given away to neighbors and colleagues. This green, egg-sized fruit has a gritty, jellylike, cream-colored flesh and is used in a variety of dishes like muffins, cakes, jams, and smoothies. It has become a symbol of New Zealand, despite originating in South America and being known in the United States as the pineapple guava. Feijoas are a favorite fruit to work with for many chefs, due to their versatility and ability to be used in both sweet and savory dishes.
For some New Zealanders, feijoas are a beloved autumn treat that is best enjoyed fresh off the tree. The taste of feijoas is often described as unique and hard to pinpoint, with comparisons made to a mixture of pineapple and strawberry. Feijoas have even made their way into beverages, such as a feijoa-flavored sour ale that won a top prize at national beer awards. Feijoas quickly found their way into local diets in New Zealand due to their easy cultivation and ability to thrive in a variety of climates.
Feijoas hold a special place in the hearts of many New Zealanders, evoking a sense of nostalgia and community. People often share their excess feijoas with friends and neighbors, embodying the Maori concept of whakawhanaungatanga, or building relationships with those around you. Individuals like Rohan Bicknell, who established an online store called Feijoa Addiction that caters to New Zealanders living in Australia, have experienced the intense attachment that people have to feijoas. Feijoas have a special kinship with New Zealanders, akin to the connection between Malaysians and durians or Indians and mangoes.
In New Zealand, feijoas are not just a fruit but a cultural phenomenon that brings people together, whether through sharing stories of childhood memories or exchanging baskets of the fruit with neighbors. Feijoas are a reminder of the generosity of nature and the importance of community, as they are freely given away when they become too abundant to consume. Feijoas hold a deep significance for many New Zealanders, who associate the fruit with the essence of their country, even though it was introduced from South America. The feijoa’s popularity in New Zealand continues to endure, as it remains a staple of autumn cuisine and a beloved symbol of the country.
