feijoa
Noun 1. A dark-green, kiwi-sized tropical fruit with white, aromatic, granular flesh. It is used chiefly for jellies, preserves, and eating fresh. 2. The South American evergreen shrub (Feijoa sellowiana, syn. Acca sellowiana) that produces this fruit. It is also grown as an ornamental plant.
The word "feijoa" is used to refer to both the fruit itself and the plant that bears it. The context usually makes the meaning clear. * As a common noun for the fruit: "I bought some feijoas at the market." * As a proper noun in the botanical name: "The Feijoa sellowiana is native to southern Brazil."
- Referring to the fruit:
- The unique flavor of a feijoa is often described as a combination of pineapple, guava, and mint.
- She made a delicious feijoa jam from the fruit in her garden.
- To eat a feijoa, you can cut it in half and scoop out the flesh with a spoon.
- Referring to the plant/shrub:
- We planted a feijoa hedge along the fence for privacy and fruit.
- The feijoa shrub has beautiful red and white flowers that are also edible.
- Culinary Context: "Feijoa" is frequently used in recipes and food writing. It is often paired with other tropical fruits or used in baking, chutneys, and beverages.
- The chef created a feijoa and ginger sorbet that was incredibly refreshing.
- Horticultural Context: In gardening and botany, "feijoa" refers specifically to the species and its cultivation.
- This variety of feijoa is known for its high yield and cold tolerance.
- Pineapple Guava: A common alternative name for both the feijoa fruit and the shrub, referring to its taste.
- Guavasteen: Another less common name for the fruit.
- For the fruit: Pineapple guava (common name).
- For the plant/shrub: Pineapple guava bush/tree.
The word "feijoa" has two primary, closely related meanings: 1. The edible fruit (the product). 2. The evergreen shrub (the producer).
There are no significant idiomatic uses or phrasal verbs associated with this specific botanical term.
- dark-green kiwi-sized tropical fruit with white flesh; used chiefly for jellies and preserves
- South American shrub having edible greenish plumlike fruit