Feast on feijoas to keep your immunity levels up

It's time to feast on feijoas.

Feijoas are coming into season at just the right time as Kiwis search for new ways to
boost their immunity and overall health.

This year's feijoa crop will peak this month and remain in plentiful supply until the end of
June. Consuming two feijoas provides 64 per cent of your recommended daily intake of
Vitamin C. Feijoa Association director Julia Third says they are a useful and tasty snack
to have on hand at this time of year.

"Feijoas are really high in Vitamin C. With the flu season coming up, it's more important
than ever to consume plenty of fresh fruit to boost our immune systems and fight off any
coughs, colds or bugs," she says.

Feijoas are a source of fibre which helps you feel fuller for longer and is important for
digestive health. Breakfast is an ideal time to include feijoas in your diet. Scoop out the
flesh and enjoy them with a dollop of yoghurt or add some to your cereal or warm bowl of porridge. Feijoa smoothies are also delicious and can be made with either milk or coconut water for a non-dairy option.

Other popular serving ideas include making feijoa chutney, muffins or simply eating them straight off the tree.

"Generations of New Zealanders have grown up eating as many feijoas as they can handle
from the tree in their back garden. The flavour is truly unique so make sure you enjoy them while they're in season this year."

Julia says this year's crop is about 20 per cent higher than last year's volume, with roughly 1500 tonnes expected to be harvested this season.

"Feijoas are successfully grown in many parts of the country including Nelson/Tasman,
Gisborne, Bay of Plenty, Waikato, Auckland and in the Far North. This year's drought has
provided an extra challenge but for orchards with irrigation the fruit size will be on par
with previous years."

About 5+ A Day

The 5+ A Day Charitable Trust was established in 2007 for the benefit of all Kiwis,
especially children. The trust is committed to increasing the consumption of fresh fruit
and vegetables for better health in all New Zealanders. We encourage all Kiwis to eat five
or more servings of colourful, fresh fruit and vegetables every day for good health. Our
key messages are in line with our Ministry of Health and the World Health Organisation's
recommendations. The 5+ A Day Charitable Trust is funded by voluntary contributions from New Zealand's pan produce industry.