A universal recipe for feijoa. Useful and medicinal properties. Contraindications The benefits and harms of feijoa: features of use for therapeutic purposes Is feijoa useful for men

What kind of fruit is this - feijoa and why is it eaten? It is probably no coincidence that he appears more and more often on store shelves, settles in our gardens and on window sills. What is the use of inconspicuous green berries, how to choose and use them correctly?

"Hybrid" of strawberries with kiwi and pineapple

These strange green fruits look like unripe ones. walnuts- only much larger, in taste they remind everyone of their own: strawberry, kiwi, pineapple, and to someone they smell like a tree, or chypre ...

Feijoa is an exotic native to Brazil, where there are so many wonderful things in the forests. There, in the subtropical thickets, less than two hundred years ago, scientists discovered an evergreen, unknown to science, either a bush, or a tree with green fruits-berries. They are also called Indian strawberries - the ancient Incas called the plant "Quechua", a star berry and endowed with magical properties.

Quechua fruits were necessarily given to children so that they grow tall and strong. Pregnant Indian women in local villages to this day are afraid to eat more than one berry per day - so as not to give birth to a giant.

Feijoa is a subtropical plant, but it settles more and more north and north.

The botanical discovery quickly spread all over the world, gaining popularity precisely because of its berries, which turned out to be not only tasty, but also incredibly healthy. However, not only berries, but also leaves, and stunningly beautiful feijoa flowers are used in folk medicine.

Feijoa flowers are edible and rich in medicinal substances

Useful properties of "Indian strawberry"

The uniqueness and main mystery of feijoa is in the high concentration of water-soluble, easily assimilated iodine. No other land plant on the planet contains so much iodine - only seafood. Feijoa fruits contain up to 40 milligrams of iodine per 100 grams of edible mass!

What is the point for feijoa itself - scientists do not yet know the answer to such a question. But it was noticed that the closer the plant settles to the sea or ocean, the higher the concentration of iodine in it, in fact, turns out to be.

Feijoa on the cut takes on a shade of iodine

But the berries of "Indian strawberries" are not only rich and useful in iodine. They have a very high content ascorbic acid, other vitamins. Feijoa are also valued for the fact that they contain a lot of biologically active substances and trace elements important for the human body, as well as fiber, pectins, sucrose. Such a rich composition of fruits determines their use in traditional medicine: feijoa have a healing effect in the treatment of ailments thyroid gland, atherosclerosis, inflammatory processes of the kidneys, colds and normalization of digestive functions. It is a favorite product of nutritionists and cosmetologists.

Feijoa identification

The genus Feijoa is quite small - it includes only six plant species described by botanists:

Hare - this Argentine species has large, pear-shaped fruits, sweet, but not very fragrant;
Andre - a species native to Brazil, has fruits with a rich taste and aroma, especially rich in iodine;
Besson - the species is cultivated in Uruguay, it is distinguished by thin-crusty, "ruddy", very tasty berries with a relatively low iodine content;
Coolidge is a favorite species of California gardeners, hardy and prolific;
Choiseana - the species has almost round fruits with a delicate taste and smell, more than others it is used in folk medicine;
Superba is a species that is gaining more and more popularity in the world for its taste and good ability to acclimatize.

Feijoa walks the planet - the plant takes root much north of its native subtropics

Green health recipes

Only fully ripe berries should be eaten. They are soft, green-brown on the outside and transparent, jelly-like on the inside. The feijoa should be stored in the refrigerator, as overripe berries can quickly deteriorate, ferment from the inside - the pulp acquires a brownish tint and an unpleasant odor. Neither overripe nor green berries should be eaten.

Feijoa is eaten with a spoon, like a soft-boiled egg

Fresh fruits are the healthiest. They are eaten like kiwi or soft-boiled eggs: cut in half and take out the delicious core with a spoon. The tart and hard peel should not be thrown away, although it is not as tasty as the aromatic jelly pulp. The peel is cut into small strips and dried, so that later you can make a healing tea from it.

For treating thyroid problems

Ingredients:

feijoa, fruits - 1 kilogram;
sugar - 1 kilogram.

Green jam retains all the power of feijoa

Preparation:

Wash and dry the fruits.
Grind feijoa in a meat grinder.
Stir in the sugar and let stand for half an hour until the sugar dissolves.
Divide into banks. Keep refrigerated.

"Live" jam restores the balance of iodine in the body. You need to take a tablespoon of a delicious treat three times a day.

With jade

Ingredients:

feijoa leaves, dry or fresh - 1 tablespoon;
water - 1 glass;
honey to taste.

Feijoa leaves are almost as rich in iodine as fruits.

Cooking.

Chop the leaves.
Boil the water.
Steam feijoa leaves for half an hour.
Strain, add honey.

Drink 4-5 glasses of tea daily, preferably before meals

With Parkinson's disease

Drink at least a glass of fresh feijoa with peel every day. Or there are fresh ripe fruits - no more than 400 grams daily.

Feijoa is not peeled for juicing

With atherosclerosis

Ingredients:

feijoa berries - 600-700 grams;
large orange - 1 piece;
sugar - 1 kilogram.

Feijoa jam with orange is a tasty and healthy winter preparation

Preparation:

Wash the orange and feijoa berries thoroughly and pour over with boiling water.
Without removing the peel, pass through a meat grinder.
Stir in sugar and put the jam on a low heat.
Bring to a boil and cook until thickened.
Stir constantly until the sugar is completely dissolved.
Cool the prepared jam and pour into jars.

Take 1-2 tablespoons three times a day with hot tea.

With jaundice

Ingredients:

dried or fresh feijoa flowers - 1 tablespoon;
boiling water - 0.5 liters;
honey to taste.

Feijoa flowers can be eaten with sugar and made into tea

Preparation:

Cut or grind the flowers.
Steam with boiling water, wrap.
Leave the tea for 10-15 minutes, you do not need to filter it.
Sweeten with honey to taste.

Cooked folk remedy drink during the day in several doses. Use warmed up.

Slimming

Low-calorie feijoa berries are included in many diets. To get a good weight loss effect, replace your regular dinner with a few feijoa fruits. Within a week, the scales will show a result that will delight you.

Feijoa will give you slimness

Use in cosmetology

During feijoa fruiting season, from autumn to spring, apply the tender pulp of fresh berries for nourishing masks. They will protect the skin of the face and hands from cold and frost, make it fresh, youthful and radiant.

Feijoa pulp is a unique cosmetic raw material

Anti-aging mask

Ingredients:

feijoa pulp - 2 tablespoons;
oat flakes - 1 tablespoon;
chamomile infusion - 0.5 cups;
almond (or olive) oil - 1 teaspoon.

Cooking.

Prepare chamomile infusion: brew a teaspoon of flowers with 0.5 cups of boiling water, strain after 20 minutes.
Heat the infusion and steam the oatmeal with it.
Cool, drain off excess liquid.
Remove the core from the feijoa and mash it with a fork.
Mix all components and use immediately.

Apply the mask to face, neck and décolleté. After 20 minutes, wash off with warm water. Repeat the procedure every other day, preferably before bedtime.

Mask for oily skin

Ingredients:

the pulp of two feijoa berries;
camphor alcohol - 1 tablespoon;
lemon juice - 1 tablespoon.

Cooking.

Chop the pulp of the berries.
Mix all the components of the mask and beat until smooth.
Apply to face, avoiding eye contact.

Wash off after a quarter of an hour. Apply the mask once every three days.

Mask for normal to dry skin

Ingredients:

the pulp of one feijoa berry;
soft whole cottage cheese - 2 tablespoons;
the yolk of one chicken egg;
olive oil - 1 tablespoon.

Cooking.

Mix the ingredients of the mask very thoroughly so that no grains and lumps remain.
Keep on face and neck for 15–20 minutes, then rinse with warm water.

Do the mask three times a week.

Hand cream mask

Ingredients:

feijoa pulp - 1 tablespoon;
olive oil - 1 tablespoon;
honey - 1 teaspoon.

Cooking.

Mix all components into a homogeneous mass.
Apply to hands with massage movements, rinse off after 20 minutes.

The procedure can be done daily.

For children and pregnant women

It is undesirable for children under five to eat feijoa berries - they are too heavy for them. Introduce exotic fruits into your child's diet gradually, starting with small portions. But in the period intrauterine development this fruit is simply irreplaceable, its influence on the development of the embryo is very beneficial. For a pregnant woman, feijoa is an invaluable source folic acid and, of course, iodine. The vegetable fibers of the fruit help to normalize digestion, which is a fairly common problem during the period of gestation. But you should not get carried away, one or two berries a day will be enough.

Video: what kind of fruit is such a feijoa?

Contraindications

Feijoa berries are also unique in that they do not cause allergies in moderate doses. But a sense of proportion must be observed: excessive consumption of berries rich in iodine can lead to its overdose. But this already provokes unwanted reactions: itching, rash, indigestion and nervous system disorders.

Feijoa should be used with caution for diabetics, because these fruits are high in sucrose. It is also important to remember that only ripe berries are suitable for food, green fruits can cause poisoning. In no case should you drink feijoa with milk - these are absolutely incompatible products.

A sense of proportion is the main thing when using feijoa

In contact with

classmates

The name of the fruit comes from the surname of a certain scientist Joanie de Silva Feijo, who in former times headed the Museum of Natural Sciences in Brazil. He made a significant contribution to the selection and distribution of many well-known modern world plants. The history of feijoa cultivation goes back a little over a hundred years. In Europe, and more specifically in the Mediterranean, this fruit appeared only at the beginning of the 20th century. Later, feijoa spread across the Caucasus and Central Asia. Initially, feijoa was used exclusively for decorative purposes, because it is very beautiful, especially during the flowering period.

Feijoa. The nutritional value

In 100 grams	contains:
Calories	55 kcal
Squirrels	1 g
Lipids (fats)	0.6 g
Saturated fat	0.1 g
Polyunsaturated fatty acids	0.2 g
Monounsaturated fatty acids	0.1 g
Carbohydrates	13 g
Alimentary fiber	6 g
Sugar	8 g
Sodium	3 mg
Potassium	172 mg
Calcium	17 mg
Iron	0.1 mg
Magnesium	9 mg
Vitamin A (Retinol)	0.883 mg
Vitamin B6	0.1 mg
Vitamin C	9 mg

Feijoa is an evergreen tree from the Akka genus. Such a tree does not exceed 4 meters in height. Feijoa fruits have oval shape and green coloring. They weigh 25-50 grams, and outwardly resemble small zucchini. Ripe fruits should be soft to the touch. The historical homeland of this plant is Brazil. But feijoa is also grown in the countries of Central Asia. And in our country - on the territory of the Krasnodar Territory.

Only over time did people appreciate the amazing taste of feijoa fruits. They are usually eaten raw. But quite often a variety of drinks and jams are prepared from feijoa. Many people like to add feijoa to all kinds of fruit and vegetable salads, it gives the dishes a unique taste and exquisite aroma. Feijoa sauce is good, especially when combined with meat dishes. Ripe berries are tasty on their own, at the same time, they contain an essential oil (consisting of 93 specific substances), the taste of which also resembles strawberries and pineapple together. Ice creams (in the chamber) are stored for up to six months, retaining their beneficial properties, dried feijoa are also very tasty and aromatic, and jam or jam from these berries is generally a gourmand's dream that raises immunity. Feijoa is also used as a flavoring additive in vodka made in New Zealand.

Why is such a product useful?

Energy value 100 gr. Feijoa product (Latin Acca sellowiana):

Feijoa fruit pulp contains sucrose. The acidity of the fruit is quite high. They contain quite a lot of pectin and fiber. Few protein substances. The amino acid composition of the fruit is not rich, it is represented mainly by 5 amino acids (asparagine, arginine, glutamine, alanine, tyrosine).

The fruits also contain catechins and leukoanthocyanins, soluble tannin, which are found mainly in the skin and give the fruit an astringent taste, which affects the "gastronomic performance" of the product. You can do it simply: remove the peel, dry it and brew it with tea. In addition, feijoa leaves can also be used in the kitchen, containing essential oils in their numerous glands and exuding the aroma of myrtle when brewed.

Feijoa is also an indispensable component of the diet in case of disruption of the gastrointestinal tract and its inflammatory processes. An interesting fact is the fact that the beneficial properties of feijoa are contained not only in the pulp, but also in the skin of the berry - it is here that a large amount of pectins is concentrated, in the content of which the product is superior to most fruits, and various useful antioxidant substances that prevent the development of atherosclerosis. The easiest way to prepare berries for the winter is to pass the pulp through a meat grinder and combine with sugar in a 1: 1 ratio. This tasty delicacy perfectly raises the immune system and stops bacterial attacks in the initial stage. For lovers of sweets, this is just a find - a combination of tasty and healthy is not so common.

For medicinal purposes, feijoa is used not only for diseases of the thyroid gland, but also for hypoacid gastritis, pyelonephritis. Still, this is not a medicine, but a useful supplement to the diet.

In addition, feijoa contains unique substances that contribute to the prevention and treatment of cancer. Feijoa peel is especially useful in this regard, but its only drawback is its tart and slightly astringent taste, so many people prefer to use peeled feijoa.

Anti-inflammatory properties of feijoa have long been known in cosmetology.

Among other things, feijoa is a wonderful prophylactic agent against viral and colds. Feijoa helps to strengthen the body's immune system. A very valuable property of feijoa is that its fruits do not cause allergic reactions.

Feijoa harm

It is worth remembering that the harm of feijoa can manifest itself with an individual intolerance to the product. In addition, due to the presence of easily digestible sugars in feijoa, this fruit may be contraindicated in people suffering from obesity and diabetes. In any case, you should consult a specialist before consuming this exotic fruit.

It is necessary to remember when choosing and buying berries - they can be hard, not quite ripe (after all, an imported fruit), but the most important thing is that the integrity of the fruit and the peel should not be violated. After standing for a while, the fruits will ripen by themselves, even if artificially, but their beneficial properties will not suffer.

How to eat feijoa correctly?

Unfortunately, not all people know how to eat feijoa correctly, and not everyone is familiar with recipes for dishes made from these tasty and healthy fruits. First, you need to choose the right fruits when buying - ripe feijoa fruits are soft to the touch, differ in transparent and juicy pulp. If the pulp is brown - you are dealing with spoiled fruit, and if white - with unripe. Feijoa pulp is characterized by a strong aroma and pleasant, sweet, delicate taste, reminiscent of the taste of strawberries or pineapple. The skin of the fruit is firm and tart, but also edible. Some people use feijoa whole, cutting off the tails, an equally common method is to scoop out the pulp with a spoon.

Feijoa is a plant in the tropics and subtropics. Against the background of many exotic fruits familiar to us, its fruits look rather inconspicuous, and people often pass them by, but in vain, because they have a number of useful properties, it is not for nothing that they are grown on plantations in many countries of the world. Let's take a closer look at what this tropical guest is, what its benefits and harms are, and how it can be used.

Feijoa has a low calorie content: 100 g of raw product contains only 55 kcal.

The composition of the fruits is represented (in 100 g) by the following substances:

water - 84.94 g;
carbohydrates - 12.9 g;
dietary fiber - 6.4 g;
proteins - 1.0 g;
fats - 0.6 g;
ash - 0.56 g.

Vitamins:

C - 32.9 mg;
PP - 0.295 mg;
B5 - 0.233 mg;
B6 - 0.067 mg;
E (alpha-tocopherol) - 0.16 mg;
E (gamma-tocopherol) - 0.03 mg;
lutein and zeaxanthin - 0.027 mg;
B9 - 0.023 mg;
B2 - 0.018 mg;
B1 - 0.006 mg;
lycopene - 0.005 mg;
K - 0.0035 mg;
beta-cryptoxanthin - 0.003 mg;
beta-carotene - 0.002 mg.

Minerals:

potassium - 172 mg;
phosphorus - 19 mg;
calcium - 17 mg;
magnesium - 9 mg;
iodine - 8.0 mg;
sodium - 3 mg;
iron - 0.14 mg;
manganese - 0.084 mg;
zinc - 0.06 mg;
copper - 0.036 mg.

This exotic fruit also contains 10 essential amino acids and 8 nonessential fatty acids (Omega-3 and Omega-6). This berry is also rich in fruit acids and pectins, and contains essential oils.

Did you know? Feijoa is native to the subtropics of Latin America. To the territory of Europe (To France)the fruit was introduced in 1890. This evergreen shrub (tree) got its name from the surname of the Portuguese Juan da Silva Feijo, a naturalist who was the first to tell the world about this plant.

Due to the above saturated composition, this fruit has a number of beneficial properties for the human body:

100 g contains a 53-day dose of iodine. Even seafood does not contain such an amount of this microelement, which is important for the thyroid gland. This content of iodine, together with other substances, helps to normalize metabolism;
improves immunity, as it contains a lot of vitamin C;
it is recommended to use it for vitamin deficiency, as it contains a wide variety of vitamins;
many of the substances contained in this fruit have antioxidant properties;
has a preventive effect against cancer;
useful for atherosclerosis, hypertension;
improves blood counts (lowers cholesterol, increases hemoglobin);
has a beneficial effect on digestion:
has anti-inflammatory effect;
stimulates mental activity.

These fruits bear next benefit for the female body:

have a rejuvenating effect on the body thanks to antioxidants;
help to reset overweight as they contain few calories, they normalize metabolism and stimulate digestion;
improve hormonal levels, therefore have a beneficial effect on libido and the reproductive system;
are an excellent cosmetic product in face masks (rejuvenation, whitening).

Feijoa can be eaten by pregnant women. Iodine, a group of B vitamins, iron and other substances contained in the berry have a positive effect on the formation of the fruit. At the twelfth week of development, his thyroid gland begins to form, and the use of feijoa will be most beneficial. But do not abuse it - everything is good in moderation.

It will also be useful for nursing mothers, but for the first three months after childbirth it is better to refrain from using it in order to avoid allergies in babies. It should first be included in the diet in small portions and observe the baby's reactions. If there are no allergic manifestations, then you can increase the dose to half the fetus per day, no more.

Benefits for men

For men, feijoa will also be useful due to the following properties:

increases libido;
improves the functioning of the reproductive system;
is the prevention of prostatitis, and its oncoprotective properties will be useful in the presence of prostate adenoma.

In order to get the necessary benefits from these exotic fruits, the following should be considered:

they are usually transported to other countries unripe, but they can ripen at home;
choose fruits without rot, damage and suspicious stains;
good quality berries have a rich green color: if they are darkened, yellowed or covered with brown specks or spots, then it is better to refrain from buying;
squeeze the fruit a little in your hand - it should be evenly elastic and not have dents, a slight softness in the entire fruit is permissible;
if possible, cut the berry and see what color it is inside: fruits with a white interior should ripen, feijoa with transparent pulp can already be eaten, and it is recommended to refuse eating a fruit with a brownish tone.

Important! Feijoa, when ripe in an apartment, do not lose their useful properties. If you bought hard fruits, then you should give them time to ripen in a dark place and become soft. Such a fruit will become tastier and more aromatic, inside it looks like jelly.

The taste and smell of feijoa fruits are found to be similar to strawberries, pineapple and kiwi. As an independent dish, the fruit is cut in half and the pulp is scraped out with a spoon. Only the pulp is used to make puddings and ice cream.

But many useful substances are concentrated in the grated skin, so it is more advisable to add this fruit to a salad, cut it into cubes along with the skin, or make some vitamin cocktail or puree with it.

A healthy dessert that provides you with vitamins and minerals for a long time will be the feijoa grated with sugar and stored in the refrigerator. So many people harvest raspberries.

If after the feijoa there is a cut or scraped skin left, then it can be thrown into a compote or added to tea.

Contraindications and harm

In some cases, these berries should not be consumed:

with an excess of iodine in the body;
at diabetes mellitus: before using these fruits, you should consult a doctor;
with allergies: individual intolerance to feijoa is quite rare, but it should be borne in mind that these fruits are unusual for the inhabitants of our latitudes;
children under one year old;
these berries do not combine with milk and can cause stomach upset.

You should also avoid eating too much of this product. It will be helpful in moderation.

The use of feijoa will be beneficial for such ailments:

hypothyroidism, Graves' disease;
a weak immune system;
anemia;
high cholesterol;
diseases of the cardiovascular system;
constipation;
rheumatism;
pain during menstruation;
avitaminosis;
colds, flu, bronchitis;
acne, pimples;
iodine deficiency.

Important! Iodine deficiency diseases are, according to WHO, the most common diseases that are not caused by infection. They are especially dangerous for the mental development of the child (including in the womb). The risk group includes residents of mountains and areas remote from the sea, smokers and alcoholics, people who have undergone radiation exposure, and pregnant women. In 2011, iodine deficiency was identified by research in 70% of the British.

Health recipes

With the help of these berries, you can improve your health. The leaves and flowers of the plant are also used for medicinal purposes.

For heart

To strengthen the muscles of the heart and improve cardiovascular activity, it is recommended to eat fresh juice from the fruits of this plant. To do this, dissolve 1 tbsp in ¼ glass of water. l. berry juice. The prepared medicine is taken once a day.

For joints

For inflammatory processes in the joints, feijoa jam with orange is recommended. For this, 0.5 kg of feijoa fruits (the peel is not cut off) is crushed using a blender. Then the resulting mass is transferred into a saucepan, 1 kg of sugar is added.

Then boil over low heat for 10 minutes from the moment of boiling. After that, freshly squeezed orange juice from one large fruit is added and brought to a boil. Poured into sterile storage containers. Such jam can be stored for a year even at room conditions.

Jam has not only useful, but also excellent taste... This product is very helpful for atherosclerosis, vitamin deficiency and low immunity.

For the thyroid gland

The amount of iodine in these exotic fruits is no less than in seafood. Therefore, they are great for treating thyroid diseases caused by iodine deficiency. For this purpose, mashed potatoes are made from the berries. To prepare it, take 300 g of fruits, wash and, without peeling off the skin, grind through a meat grinder or grind with a blender. This mass is recommended to be consumed one tablespoon on an empty stomach.

When treating goiter, it is useful to take tea from the leaves of this plant. For this purpose, 1 tbsp. l. crushed fresh leaves, pour 250 g of boiling water and let it brew for half an hour. Take one glass twice a day, you can add honey.

Pressure normalization

This mixture is taken 2 times a day (in the morning and in the evening) for 30 g.

With hepatitis A

With jade and jaundice

Tea made from flowers and leaves of this exotic plant helps with jade and jaundice. For this, 1 tsp. raw materials are poured with boiling water and insisted for 20 minutes. You can add honey for taste. This tea is taken throughout the day.

To improve immunity

For general strengthening of the body and immunity for the whole family, you can use the following recipe.

Take 1 kg of feijoa, wash and grind with a blender or meat grinder. Then add 1 kg of sugar, mix well and place in clean jars, seal with lids. Take such a remedy one teaspoon at a time.

Feijoa is widely used in cooking. It is used for making salads, sauces, jellies, preserves, jams, etc. This berry goes well with meat or fish. Feijoa juice or cocktail is considered useful. The berry can be added to compotes, teas.

Any dishes made from feijoa have not only unusual taste, but are also a source of vitamins and useful elements.

Feijoa vitamin puree

Vitamin puree from feijoa is very tasty and healthy.

0.5 kg feijoa;
0.25 kg of liquid honey or 0.3 kg of sugar;
1 lime;
mint - a few twigs.

The cooking method is as follows:

Wash feijoa, lime and mint well and then dry.
Twist all the ingredients in a meat grinder or grind with a blender.
Thoroughly grind the resulting mixture with honey (sugar) and transfer to a pre-sterilized jar.

This jam is a storehouse of vitamins, especially vitamin C. To strengthen the immune system, it is recommended to use one teaspoon for breakfast every morning.

This product can be stored on a refrigerator shelf for no more than 3-4 weeks.

Whole Feijoa Jam

Whole feijoa jam with lemon is tasty and healthy.

Video: how to make feijoa jam

To prepare it, you will need the following ingredients:

0.5 kg feijoa;
1 tbsp. Sahara;
0.5 l of water;
1 tsp cognac.

To prepare such a jam, you should follow these steps:

Wash the feijoa, clean it and fill it with water (put the cleaning aside).
Heat and melt 1/2 of the sugar in a skillet until brown.
Remove the pan with sugar from the heat and add 0.5 liters of boiling water after half a minute. Stir well, add purification, bring to a boil and cook for 7 minutes.
Drain the syrup and add the remaining sugar and peeled berries. Cook for 35 minutes with a quiet boil, stirring occasionally.
Add cognac at the end.
Arrange in pre-sterilized jars, roll up the lids and put in a cool place.

This jam, like any other, is stored in a cool dry place throughout the year. A cellar or pantry works great, but can be stored in a kitchen cabinet as well.

Did you know? In 1900, feijoa were introduced and cultivated in Crimea and Abkhazia. Now they are also grown by Armenia, Georgia, Azerbaijan, Turkmenistan, France and all the Mediterranean countries. The fruit also spread to the Pacific coast of the United States, New Zealand and Australia. Can withstand temperatures as low as -11 ° C.

Feijoa cocktail

A very large amount of vitamins is found in the feijoa cocktail.

To prepare it, you will need the following ingredients:

2 pcs. feijoa;
2 pcs. kiwi;
150 ml of low-fat kefir or yogurt;
1 tsp honey.

Cooking method:

Wash the fruits, peel, cut into slices.
Transfer to a blender and add kefir or yogurt, add honey.
Grind with a blender and pour into glasses.

This cocktail should be drunk for breakfast in order to stock up on vitamins for the whole day.

Jam from feijoa

Feijoa jam is made without boiling. Due to this, it contains a large amount of vitamins.

To prepare it, you will need the following ingredients:

1 kg feijoa;
1 kg of sugar.

To prepare this dish, you should take only ripe fruits.

Cooking method:

Feijoa is well washed and dried with a towel.
Chop finely with a knife and sprinkle with sugar.
Grind this mixture thoroughly with a wooden spatula.
Place in clean jars, close the lid.

Storage is carried out in the refrigerator for 3-5 months. Sugar can be replaced with honey, then this jam will become even healthier.

Feijoa masks are very beneficial for the skin due to the content of the following beneficial substances:

vitamins of group C and B perfectly nourish the skin, improve its color, and also protect it from pollution and negative impact the environment;
sucrose helps to moisturize and nourish the skin;
pectins relieve inflammation, regulate the sebaceous glands;
fiber activates the production of elastin and collagen, which contributes to skin rejuvenation;
essential oil prevents redness and dryness of the skin;
malic acid fights well with oily sheen;
iodine strengthens the skin, it becomes smoother and more elastic.

Feijoa masks are very useful for all skin types. They are applied to previously cleansed skin and kept for no more than 20 minutes.

Rejuvenating mask

A rejuvenating feijoa mask will help smooth out wrinkles and increase skin elasticity.

2 tbsp. l. feijoa pulp;
1 tsp honey;
1 tsp vegetable oil(better than olive, but you can also sunflower).

Mask preparation method:

Mix all ingredients.
Distribute the resulting mass evenly over the face, neck and décolleté.
After 10-15 minutes, remove the remnants of the mask with a paper towel and rinse with warm water.

Did you know? You should know that the amount of iodine in feijoa fruits is related to the conditions of the area where they grow. With a lack of iodine in the soil or growing at home, the berries will not contain a large amount of this trace element. The largest amount of iodine is found in fruits grown on the seaside.

Mask for dry skin

For dry skin, a nourishing feijoa mask can help.

To prepare it, you need the following ingredients:

1 tbsp. l. feijoa pulp;
1 tsp castor oil;
1 tsp heavy cream.

Mask preparation method:

Mix all ingredients until puree.
Distribute the resulting mass evenly over the face and neck.
After 10-15 minutes, remove the mask with warm water.

Mask for oily skin

A mask for oily skin from feijoa helps against greasy shine and acne.

To prepare it, you need the following ingredients:

1 tbsp. l. feijoa pulp;
1 tsp camphor alcohol;
1 tsp lemon juice.

Mask preparation method:

Mix all ingredients until a puree mixture is obtained.
Spread the resulting mixture evenly over the face.
After 15-20 minutes, remove the mask by rinsing with warm water.

Universal mask

A universal mask is well suited for all skin types, which improves complexion, tightens and nourishes the skin.

To prepare it, you need the following ingredients:

1-2 tbsp. l. feijoa pulp;
1 chicken egg;
1 tsp vegetable oil (preferably olive oil).

Mask preparation method:

Stir all ingredients until a homogeneous mixture is obtained.
Spread the resulting mixture evenly over the skin.
After 20 minutes, remove the mask by rinsing with warm water.

Feijoa is a valuable product for the prevention of iodine deficiency. The concentration of iodine in it is so high that even the use of a small amount of these fruits will help to avoid many problems. The use of berries and the use of infusions of leaves and flowers will help in the treatment of many diseases. In addition, delicious and healthy dishes can be prepared from this berry. Therefore, do not pass by this useful fruit!

Feijoa

Good afternoon, my dear readers! I really like to buy feijoa at the market in the fall and scroll with sugar. It turns out a very healthy, tasty, fresh jam with an amazing smell.

And what are the beneficial properties and contraindications of this wonderful fruit? Feijoa is a green oblong fruit of a tall tropical shrub. In Russia, it is grown mainly in the Krasnodar Territory, in the Caucasus.

How to choose a feijoa?

The shops mainly sell green fruits. During long transportation, fruits have time to dry out and even rot, so the consumer does not like them to taste. Ripe feijoa is a juicy and soft fruit with a green skin without spots.

Rotten fruits with brown spots cannot be fixed, it is better to leave them in the store. And not ripe can ripen at home within a week, if you put them next to bananas.

Feijoa should be purchased in the last autumn month. The ripe fruit is wrinkled, with a glossy or matte bluish bloom on the peel. It protects the fruit from rotting. Usually, unripe fruits are sold from New Zealand. They are usually large in size.

Azerbaijani feijoa are smaller in size and are harvested more ripe. Ripe southern fruits are brought from the Krasnodar Territory. A good feijoa has a clear, beige or slightly pinkish flesh. White flesh occurs in an unripe fruit. A rotten fruit has a gray flesh.

After buying a feijoa, it is allowed to store it for no longer than a week. You can grind the fruit with the same amount of sugar and put it in the refrigerator.

Video: How to choose a feijoa

Feijoa: taste and delicate smell

The round fruit resembles a strawberry smell. The flesh of a ripe feijoa is juicy and tastes like strawberries, kiwi or even pineapple. When buying an unripe feijoa, you can let it lie down for a couple of days. Then it will ripen and its pulp can be simply scraped out with a small spoon.

Photo. Feijoa flower.

Feijoa: composition

Under the green peel, there are many vitamins necessary for the human body. Enough in the southern fruit of iron, iodine, manganese, magnesium, silicon, zinc. Found in feijoa potassium, calcium, phosphorus, folic and malic acids and amino acids. There are tannins, essential oils, enzymes, tannin, pectin, leukoanthocin and kakhetin.

Feijoa: calorie content

In 100 gr. Feijoa contains only 49 calories.

How much feijoa can you eat per day?

According to nutritionists, the daily norm for an adult is 2-3 pcs. large fruit per day, for children - 1 pc.

Feijoa

Feijoa: beneficial properties

1. The southern fruit is especially prized for its high iodine content. Its use compensates for iodine deficiency. It is good for a person with a weak thyroid gland to consume feijoa. In this case, the use of 1 large spoonful of chopped feijoa pulp will help.

2. Feijoa helps the brain function, improves performance endocrine system and stabilizes metabolism.

3. Feijoa berries can be used to make marmalade and jelly. They reduce appetite and improve the functioning of the digestive system.

4. The southern fruit lowers cholesterol and helps cleanse the blood.

5. It is useful for hypertensive patients and with diseases of the heart muscle. To lower the pressure, it is enough to eat a large spoonful of chopped southern fruit pulp mixed with sugar 2 times a day.

6. Feijoa peel contains tannins, kakhetin with leukoanthocin. The peel is not eaten; it is useful to dry it and add it to tea.

7. Due to the high content of vitamins, the use of the southern fruit helps the patient recover after undergoing a serious illness or major surgery.

8. Feijoa stabilizes the stomach and intestines.

9. Eating 5 feijoa fruits daily will help relieve depression.

Feijoa: recipes

1. To strengthen the state of health, such a recipe is used. The tails of the fruit are cut off, washed, dried and chopped using a meat grinder. You get a mass of emerald color, which is mixed with the same amount of sugar.

To improve the mixture, add chopped walnuts, orange pulp. Store in a glass container in the refrigerator. Consume a dessert spoon 3 times daily.

2. To reduce the risk of heart and vascular diseases, dissolve 1 tablespoon of freshly squeezed feijoa juice in 50 ml of drinking water and drink.

3. Drinks made from fruit, leaves and bark help to heal the kidneys. For quick healing, they should be used to rinse wounds, abrasions and cuts and use them to rinse the mouth for gum disease.

4. During the illness of jaundice, it is useful to drink a drink from the flowers and leaves of the southern fruit, taken equally. You need to soak 1 pinch of the mixture in a glass of boiling water and after 30 minutes of infusion, filter and drink. It should be consumed 2 times daily.

Feijoa: beneficial properties for men

The consumption of the southern fruit reduces the risk of urological diseases in men. Feijoa has a beneficial effect on the reproductive and genitourinary systems. It is useful for men to eat 2-3 feijoa every day for the prevention of the prostate.

Feijoa for women

How is feijoa useful for women?

1. The use of the southern fruit reduces the harmful effects of free radicals and dissolves tumors.

2. Feijoa reduces nervous tension, strengthens, helps the organs of the digestive system.

3. Substances contained in feijoa successfully fight E. coli and staphylococci.

4. To prevent osteoporosis, which threatens older women, you will have to consume 2-3 feijoa daily.

5. Frequent consumption of the fruit delays the aging of the body.

Feijoa face mask

Women prepare face masks from feijoa. They relieve inflammation, rejuvenate, nourish, soften and cleanse the skin. To prepare the mask, you need to stir the yolk of 1 egg in a large spoonful of olive oil.

To improve the mass, add 2 large tablespoons of cottage cheese and half the pulp of the southern fruit. Grind all ingredients in a blender and lubricate the face and neck for 20 minutes. Then you need to wash and saturate the skin with a moisturizer.

If you don't have time, simply applying the pulp to your face can help refresh your face. Before applying the mixture, it is best to first apply the pulp to your wrist. If nothing bad happens, then you can use the feijoa mask.

Is it possible for pregnant feijoa?

Southern fruit to diversify the diet of a pregnant woman. Strengthen the body with iodine and vitamin C. Feijoa should be eaten especially at the end of the 4th month of pregnancy. Then the fetal thyroid gland and circulatory system are formed.

In the second half of pregnancy, the use of feijoa will prevent anemia. However, excess iodine is harmful to the body. You can consume no more than 5 fruits daily.

Feijoa to children, at what age?

Feijoa is a hypoallergenic fruit. It is useful for children living in areas where the soil contains little iodine.

However, it is better to refrain from eating southern fruit until 1 year old. Later, you can feed him, of course, in small quantities, southern fruits and even jam with feijoa compotes.

Feijoa: contraindications

Eating unripe feijoa can provoke body poisoning.

1. Feijoa should not be eaten at the same time as dairy products. Feijoa should not be washed down with milk. This combination will negatively affect the work of the digestive system.

2. Patients with diabetes should use the southern fruit with caution. The high sugar content is dangerous for them.

3. It is better not to treat infants under 12 months of age with feijoa, they do not yet have the digestive enzymes necessary for digesting the southern fruit.

4. If you have hyperthyroidism, feijoa should not be used.

5. Expectant mothers and breastfeeding should consult a doctor before consuming feijoa.

6. Peel off the peel when consuming feijoa. They can provoke loose stools and cause aggravation and stomach ulcers.

Video: Feijoa - benefits and recipes

In contact with

Feijoa (also called Akka Sellova) is an evergreen subtropical tree with edible sweet fruits.

Homeland - Brazil. The plant got its name in honor of the famous Brazilian breeder of the director of the Museum of Natural History - Joanie de Silva Feijo.

The modern habitat of cultivated Feijoa species:

Azerbaijan, Sicily, New Zealand, Abkhazia.

On the territory of Russia, the fruit tree is grown in Dagestan and some regions of the Krasnodar Territory.

Unfortunately, the feijoa is not a frequent guest at our table. And in vain, because a seemingly nondescript green fruit with a fragrant smell of strawberries, kiwi and pineapple has not only excellent taste, but also a lot of healing properties.

The benefits and harms of feijoa are due to its chemical composition.

100 g of ripe fruits contain:

0.6 fat
1 g protein
13 g carbohydrates
0.1 g unsaturated fat
0.3 g unsaturated fatty acids,
8 g sugars
6 g of dietary fiber.

Everything else falls on minerals and vitamins:

potassium 172 mg, iron 0.1 mg, phosphorus 20 mg,
zinc 0.04 mg, sodium 30 mg, copper 55 μg,
magnesium 9 mg, manganese 0.085 mg, calcium 17 mg,
(B1, B2, B5, B6, B9) 0.4 mg,
vitamin C 32.9 mg, vitamin PP 0.289 mg.

Feijoa is unique in that it contains rapidly dissolving iodine compounds, the proportion of which in 100 g of the product reaches 0.5 mg.

The proportion of acids in feijoa is 1.8-2.8% of the total weight of the fruit. Moreover, as the fruit ripens, the amount of acids only increases.

Feijoa contains 5 essential amino acids:

tyrosine, asparagine, alanine, arginine, glutamine.

Pectins account for 2.5-3%, and phenolic compounds (tannin, catechins, leukoanthocyanins) account for 0.4-0.8% of the total weight of the fruit.

Most of the phenolic compounds are found in the skin of the fruit. It is these substances that give feijoa an astringent taste.

The nutritional value of feijoa per 100 g of product is 55 kcal.

Benefit for health

Due to the large amount of vitamins, macro- and microelements, feijoa is recommended to be consumed during the period of vitamin deficiency.

Surprisingly, the ripening period of the fruits falls at the end of autumn - the beginning of winter. It was at this time that our body, after the summer abundance of fruits and vegetables, for the first time feels a lack of vitamins and minerals. So the feijoa will come in handy.

The main benefit of feijoa is that its pulp contains easily digestible iodine, the proportion of which is so high that the fleshy berry is not inferior in value to seafood.

This means that the green fruits of Akka Sellova can be used to treat all kinds of endocrine diseases.

However, not all types of feijoa contain the right amount of iodine. For example, feijoa from Batumi contains only traces of iodine. It is pointless to use such fruits for the treatment of the thyroid gland.

Thanks to vitamin C, which is an excellent antioxidant, feijoa is used in the fight against diseases of the cardiovascular system, atherosclerosis, hypertension, ARVI, influenza, sore throat.

It has been scientifically proven that feijoa has immunomodulatory properties, therefore it is useful to eat it during exacerbations of seasonal colds, after serious illnesses and in the postoperative period.

In the areas where Akka Sellova grows, not only fruits are used for medicinal purposes, but also the beneficial properties of feijoa leaves, which contain a large amount of essential oils, are used. It is the volatile esters that give the leaves the scent of myrtle. Feijoa leaves are dried and made into delicious teas in winter.

Nutritionists recommend using feijoa during a therapeutic diet for disorders in the digestive system, as well as diseases of the stomach (for example, with hypoacid gastritis), intestines, liver, pancreas, etc.

Feijoa decoctions and infusions are often used to treat pyelonephritis of various etiologies.

Interestingly, the peel of feijoa contains more nutrients than the pulp. Of course, the astringent rind greatly diminishes the palatability of feijoa when eaten whole. But such a berry will be more useful. Although you can do otherwise. It is enough to cut off the peel and dry it, and then add it to the tea.

Another great useful property the feijoa fruit is an anti-cancer effect. Regular use of feijoa significantly reduces the risk of developing cancer. And with existing cancer, it allows you to achieve a stable remission. Of course, one cannot be fanatical about this fruit, because feijoa is only an addition to the main treatment.

Thanks to essential oils, antioxidants and other substances, feijoa negatively affects pathogenic microorganisms and has a powerful antifungal and antibacterial effect.

So, decoctions from bark, leaves and fruits can be used as an antiseptic disinfectant. They can treat deep wounds, ulcers, abrasions, cuts, rinse the mouth with bleeding gums, relieve toothache.

Feijoa does not cause allergic reactions.

The benefits of feijoa in cosmetology

Due to the antioxidants that are rich in the fruits of Akka Sellova, feijoa is often used for cosmetic purposes.

Feijoa masks have a beneficial effect on the skin - relieve inflammation, make it softer, give elasticity and generally improve blood circulation and appearance faces. Feijoa decoctions, as well as fruit masks, can be used to treat rosacea, acne, age spots.

To achieve rejuvenation and freshness of the skin, you can prepare a healing mask from feijoa.

Required components:

1 tbsp. a spoonful of olive oil,
half a ripe feijoa fruit,
2 tbsp. tablespoons of low-fat cottage cheese,
1 yolk.

Grate feijoa or puree in a blender. Mix with the rest of the ingredients. Apply the mask to the face and neck. After 20 minutes, wash off with warm water.

How to eat feijoa correctly

Only ripe feijoa has excellent taste. However, it is not always possible to acquire ripe fruits. The fact is that feijoa is harvested unripe due to the fact that the fruits are perishable.

If the feijoa is hard and not very pleasant to the taste, then the berry is simply not ripe. In this case, the fruits need to lie down for several days. Ripe feijoa has a watery, jelly-like flesh and a thin skin.

Many people prefer to eat feijoa like kiwi, that is, cut off the dense skin and cut the flesh into pieces.

However, ripe fruits can be eaten with a peel, especially since the bulk of the beneficial substances of feijoa is concentrated in it.

In cooking, feijoa is added to salads, main courses, snacks, and is used to make sauces.

How to store

Unlike apples, pears, plums, and other berries and fruits, feijoa has a fairly short shelf life. Ripe fruits can be stored in the refrigerator for no more than 7 days. Most the right way always enjoy delicious fruits - buy feijoa for 1-2 kg.

Feijoa fruit can be used to make a wonderful dessert that can be kept all winter long. He prepares very quickly:

Pass the feijoa through a meat grinder and combine with the same amount of sugar. Store dessert in the refrigerator. Thus, you will not only be able to extend the shelf life of the feijoa, but also save everything useful material exotic berries.

Medicinal use

To combat goiter, take a medicated feijoa tea twice a day. Pour a tablespoon of feijoa leaves with a glass of boiling water and leave for 30 minutes. If you add a spoonful of honey to such a drink, then tea can also be used to treat nephritis.

As a preventive measure against hypothyroidism, regularly consume feijoa puree:

Grind several fruits in a blender and mix with sugar.
Store the finished product in the refrigerator.
Eat according to Art. spoon before each meal.

For jaundice, it is good to drink freshly brewed tea made from feijoa flowers and leaves.

Sweet tooths should love the feijoa medicinal jam:

Take 0.5 kg of feijoa fruits, 1 orange, 1 kg of sugar.
Boil the berries for 10 minutes in a little water, then discard and cover with sugar. Squeeze the juice out of the orange.
Next, transfer the feijoa to a saucepan, add the juice and boil until a thick consistency.

The benefit of feijoa jam is that this dessert not only retains many useful substances, but also is drug with atherosclerosis.

Harm and possible contraindications

Ripe feijoa does not affect human body no harm. However, unripe berries can often be bought.

Do not rush to eat the exotic fruit, but let it sit for several days at room temperature.

Unripe feijoa can negatively affect the functioning of the digestive system and even cause poisoning. To speed up the ripening of berries, keep them next to bananas for several days.

Due to the high iodine content, feijoa is contraindicated to use in hyperthyroidism, because an excess amount of iodine is also destructive to the body, as its deficiency.

Feijoa should be used with caution in diabetes mellitus, since the exotic berry contains a large amount of sugars. In this regard, it is better to consult with your doctor.

It is not recommended to mix feijoa with milk or drink it with dairy products. The fact is that pectins, which are rich in feijoa, do not go well with milk. Feijoa with milk can negatively affect the digestive system.

Despite the fact that feijoa rarely causes allergic reactions, it is not recommended to give it to children under one year old, since babies in their bodies still do not have enough enzymes to digest exotic fruits well.

Pregnant and lactating women are advised to consume only minimal amounts of feijoa. It's all about iodine. It's no secret that all pregnant women and lactating mothers are prescribed drugs with a high iodine content. Eaten feijoa can cause an overdose of iodine, which can negatively affect the health of the mother and child.