Live Vitamins: Simple Feijoa Recipes from Voronezh

Feijoa is a unique berry with an aroma reminiscent of a mix of kiwi, strawberry, and pineapple. It contains a lot of vitamin C – which is a great helper in fighting colds – and iodine. The feijoa season is short, so seize the moment and prepare delicious and healthy dishes for your family.

Feijoa Jam with Ginger and Mint (No Cooking)

This is a classic feijoa recipe. The method preserves all the vitamin potential of the fruit, while ginger and mint add freshness and piquancy. You can add a bit of lemon to the jam for tartness and even more health benefits. This jam is ideal with morning toast, cheese (especially goat cheese), as a topping for ice cream or cheesecakes.

Ingredients:

• Feijoa – 1 kg

• Sugar (preferably cane) or honey – 0.8 – 1 kg

• Fresh ginger root – 50 g (a piece about 3-4 cm)

• Bunch of fresh mint – 15-20 g

Preparation:

1. Wash the feijoa, trim the ends from both sides. The peel can be left on (it contains many beneficial substances and aroma), but if it is damaged or you don«t like its astringency, peel the berries.

2. Pass the feijoa through a meat grinder or chop in a food processor to the desired consistency.

3. Peel the ginger and grate it finely. Chop the mint very finely.

4. Mix the feijoa puree, ginger, mint, and sugar/honey. Stir well until homogeneous.

5. Spread the jam into sterilized jars, close with lids, and store in the refrigerator. The sugar will dissolve in about 1-2 days.

Salad with Feijoa, Avocado, and Shrimp

An unexpected and very impressive combination, where feijoa plays the role of a bright and fresh note. The iodized taste of the fruit pairs perfectly with seafood.

Ingredients (for 2 servings):

• Feijoa – 4-5 pieces

• Avocado – 1 piece

• King prawns – 200-250 g (peeled)

• Arugula or salad mix – 1 handful

• Pine nuts – 2 tbsp

• For the dressing: olive oil – 3 tbsp, juice of half a lime, salt, black pepper.

Preparation:

1. Sauté the prawns in olive oil with garlic until cooked, season with salt and pepper.

2. Peel the feijoa and slice thinly. Peel the avocado, remove the pit, and also slice.

3. Place arugula on a plate. Top with slices of avocado and feijoa.

4. Add the warm prawns. Sprinkle with pine nuts toasted in a dry pan.

5. Drizzle with the dressing made from olive oil, lime juice, salt, and pepper.

Thick Feijoa Chutney Sauce for Meat

Chutney is a type of Indian sauce made from fruits with a lot of added spices. The sweet, bright, spicy flavor adds exoticness to familiar dishes. Ideal for roasted duck, pork, turkey, or fatty fish. Chutney balances the rich taste of meat with its tartness and sweetness.

Ingredients:

• Feijoa – 500 g

• Red onion – 1 piece

• Apple (sweet and sour) – 1 piece

• Sugar – 100 g

• Apple cider vinegar – 100 ml

• Golden raisins – 50 g

• Fresh thyme – 2-3 sprigs

• Salt, a pinch of cayenne pepper.

Preparation:

1. Dice the feijoa, onion, and apple (cored) into small cubes.

2. Heat a little oil in a saucepan, sauté the onion until soft.

3. Add the feijoa, apple, sugar, vinegar, raisins, and thyme leaves. Season with salt and add cayenne pepper for spiciness.

4. Bring to a boil, reduce heat, and simmer covered on low heat for 30-40 minutes, until the mixture thickens. Stir occasionally.

5. Cool the finished chutney and store in the refrigerator.

Feijoa and Spinach Smoothie

The perfect healthy breakfast or snack that will energize and provide vitamins for the whole day.

Ingredients (for 1 large serving):

• Feijoa – 3-4 pieces (peeled)

• Banana – 1 piece

• Fresh spinach – 1 handful

• Kefir or natural yogurt – 200 ml

• Honey or agave syrup – to taste

• Chia or flax seeds – 1 tsp (optional)

Preparation:

1. Place all ingredients in a blender bowl.

2. Blend until a homogeneous, smooth consistency is achieved.

3. Pour into a glass and serve immediately.