Feijoa: how to eat, choose and cook it – useful tips from an expert. Exclusive

The feijoa season is late fall. It is during this period that the berry is most useful and tasty, with a shape that resembles a bit of kiwi and a taste that resembles strawberries.

In an exclusive commentary for FoodOboz, nutritionist and dietitian Yana Lehesa told us about all the beneficial properties of feijoa, its contraindications, as well as how to eat this healthy product, and what to cook with it.

What are the benefits of feijoa and who can eat it?

"Feijoa contains a lot of iodine and is very useful for thyroid diseases and iodine deficiency. Everyone can eat it if they are not allergic, as well as peptic ulcer disease and high acidity, obesity, and diabetes. Because the berry contains fructose and increases insulin levels, like all fruits. Children can and should eat it, but with the same contraindications," the nutritionist explained.

How to choose a quality feijoa?

"Usually, the fruits are delivered to Ukraine when they are still green and they gradually ripen, because ripe berries spoil quickly. When buying, you can ask the seller to cut it. The flesh should be transparent and flavorful. There should be no brown spots on the surface or inside the berry. It is better to choose large fruits, the size of which is close to a chicken egg, if you like to eat raw, but small berries will also be tasty," the expert said.

How to eat properly, can I eat with the skin on?

"Feijoa fruits can be safely peeled, as they contain phenolic compounds such as catechins and leukoanthocyanins. These substances are powerful antioxidants that fight premature aging and prevent cancer," the nutritionist said.

How to cook feijoa?

"Housewives have taken note of the following method of preparing feijoa: grind it with sugar. But personally, I recommend doing it with honey, because it contains less fructose and glucose, but is also rich in minerals and pollen. So if you're not allergic to honey, it's definitely healthier. This preparation can be stored in the refrigerator for about two months," the expert says.

Life hack from Yana Lehesa

"My life hack for giving a special flavor and aroma to jam: I add chopped almonds so that you can feel the pieces when chewing. This jam will be a great flavorful addition to pancakes, cheesecakes, or just a bite to tea," says Yana.