I first tasted a feijoa (fay-zho-uh, or pineapple guava) as a student here at UC Davis many years ago. A friend showed me her secret trees (south side of Wellman in Davis — tons on the ground right now!), and I was hooked. I didn’t think much of it at the time, other than thinking this is one of the best things I have ever eaten in my life. It tastes better than candy, and ripens right around Halloween - sweet!  I had never seen or heard of a feijoa. You likely haven’t either, so I’m writing to introduce you.

First a little history. This subtropical plant originated in the higher altitude regions of central South America, but has since been introduced and grown...