Autumn in New Zealand means feijoas. While this fruit originated in South America, it has become such an iconic part of the New Zealand food landscape, that it is hard to believe this season without these fragrant fruits. They are also one of those love them or loathe them foods, with people divided into two camps, the lovers and the haters.
I have to admit that the first time I tasted one, I was really unsure, but now I love them and look forward to the season. Each year since I have been here, I have made a feijoa based chutney that keeps me in feijoas until the following autumn. This year I used this recipe, and added in a Granny Smith apple and used raisins rather than sultanas because that is what I had in the larder.
I haven’t yet tasted it of course, as it needs to sit for a bit, but here’s hoping this year’s batch is a good one.
You can find Thistles and Kiwis on Facebook, and also on Instagram @blof678. As for Twitter….am totally inactive these days. If you want to get in touch, email me on thistlesandkiwis@gmail.com.
Thistles and Kiwis 
I’d never heard of this fruit before reading this, but it sounds good! How does it taste? Your chutney looks great.
LikeLike
It’s quite a distinctive taste – sort of scented, almost floral. I’m not sure what guava tastes like, but someone said it is like that a little bit mixed with apple. Gosh it is hard to describe tastes in words! Hope the chutney works out this year – thanks for your comment!
LikeLike
I am a NZer living in America and I MISS feijoas so much – feijoa ice cream is the absolute best – this chutney sounds like a lovely way to preserve them – my mother used to bottle them. Now my mouth is watering ! – I miss them so.. c
LikeLike
Oh yes feijoa ice cream is so good! Hope you get to come back to NZ soon and have a wee taste again.
LikeLike
I’ve never seen on either! This looks awesome.
LikeLike
They are!
LikeLike