Feijoa, also known as pineapple guava, is primarily grown in regions with a Mediterranean-like climate. It is native to South America, specifically Brazil, Uruguay, and Argentina. However, feijoa is also cultivated in various other countries, including New Zealand, Australia, parts of Europe, and certain regions of the United States, such as California and Florida.
Feijoa wood is not commonly used for smoking foods but is increasing in popularity. While it is possible to use feijoa wood for smoking, its flavor profile is relatively mild, and it may not impart a strong or distinct taste to the food unless paired with another wood like apple.
Having said that, part of the reason why it isn’t necessarily a popular wood for smoking may be more due to the fact that it just isn’t considered as such given the many other options. In New Zealand where feijoa trees are grown and the fruit is popular, it’s increasingly being used for smoking meats and fish.
If you have access to feijoa wood or would like to give it a try, we’ll discuss benefits of smoking with it, foods that you can smoke and how to source and prepare the wood. Let’s go!
Benefits Of Smoking Foods With Feijoa Wood
Feijoa wood, although not commonly used for smoking, can offer some potential benefits for flavoring foods. Here are a few reasons why feijoa wood might be considered for smoking foods:
- Unique Flavor: Feijoa wood can impart a distinct, sweet, and fruity flavor to the smoked foods, adding a unique twist to the taste profile.
- Aromatic Scent: Feijoa wood produces a pleasant aroma when burned, which can enhance the overall sensory experience of the smoked foods.
- Availability: Feijoa wood is readily available in regions where feijoa trees are grown particularly in South America, New Zealand, parts of Europe and the US, making it accessible to those who have access to the wood.
- Versatility: Feijoa wood can be used for smoking a variety of foods, including meats, fish, vegetables, and fruits, providing versatility in the smoking process.
However, it’s worth noting that feijoa wood might not be as widely recognized or commonly used for smoking compared to other traditional smoking woods. Therefore, it’s advisable to experiment and test its compatibility with different foods to determine the desired flavor and outcome.
Foods That Smoke Well With Feijoa Wood
Based on its sweet and fruity flavor, feijoa wood can complement certain types of meats, poultry, and seafood. Additionally, it could potentially enhance the flavor of fruits like apples or pears when used for smoking.
In New Zealand where feijoa is a popular fruit and thus well known, feijoa wood is increasingly being used for barbequing and smoking foods. Commonly, these foods include:
- Poultry: Feijoa wood smoke complements the flavors of chicken and turkey, adding a distinct and fruity note to the meat.
- Pork: Pork, including ribs and pork chops, can benefit from the sweet and fruity aroma of Feijoa wood smoke.
- Fish: Feijoa wood smoke can enhance the natural flavors of fish, such as salmon and trout, providing a tropical twist to seafood dishes.
- Game Meats: Feijoa wood smoke pairs well with game meats like venison, adding a unique fruity dimension to the gamey flavors.
- Fruits: Feijoa wood smoke can also be used to infuse fruits with its sweet and tropical aroma. Try smoking fruits like apples, peaches, or pineapples for a unique twist in salads or desserts.
- Vegetables: Feijoa wood smoke can be used for smoking various vegetables, like bell peppers, zucchini, or eggplant, adding a delightful fruity touch.
Remember that experimenting with Feijoa wood can lead to exciting and exotic flavors in your smoked dishes. Adjust the intensity and smoking time to suit your personal preferences and the specific food you’re working with.
It is important to note that feijoa wood may have a unique and distinct flavor profile, so it is recommended to experiment and adjust the smoking time and intensity according to personal taste preferences.
Sample Dishes That Includes Food Smoked With Feijoa Wood
Smoking food with Feijoa wood can add a delightful tropical twist to a variety of dishes. Here are some sample dishes that often include ingredients smoked with Feijoa wood:
- Feijoa-Smoked Chicken: Enjoy tender, smoky chicken with a unique fruity aroma.
- Tropical Fruit Salad: Elevate your fruit salad by smoking the fruits with Feijoa wood. Pineapple, mango, and peaches take on a delicious tropical twist.
- Feijoa-Smoked Salmon: Smoked salmon infused with Feijoa wood adds a sweet and fruity dimension to this seafood classic.
- Exotic Grilled Vegetables: Smoke vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, or eggplant with Feijoa wood for an exotic and slightly sweet flavor.
- Game Meat Feast: Smoked venison or other game meats with Feijoa wood create a truly unique and savory experience.
- Feijoa-Infused Desserts: Try desserts like custards, ice creams, or chocolate dishes with a hint of Feijoa wood smoke for an exotic twist.
These dishes showcase the versatility of Feijoa wood when it comes to smoking a wide range of foods. Its fruity and tropical notes can enhance both savory and sweet dishes, providing a unique flavor profile that will leave your taste buds wanting more.
As far as side dishes go, you have plenty of possibilities including:
- Side salad
- Grilled or smoked vegetables
- Couscous or quinoa
- Grilled corn on the cob
- Roasted potatoes
How To Prepare Feijoa Wood For Smoking
Feijoa wood is not commonly used for smoking foods, so there is limited information available on how to specifically prepare it for smoking. However, if you still wish to use feijoa wood for smoking, here are some general steps to follow:
- Obtain dry feijoa wood: Ensure that the feijoa wood is well-seasoned and dry. This can help to prevent excessive smoke and produce a cleaner burn. Ensure the wood is clean, and free of rot and chemicals such as finishes.
- Soak the wood (optional): If desired, you can soak the feijoa wood chips or chunks in water for about 30 minutes before using them for smoking. This can help to prolong the smoking process and add moisture to the wood.
- Prepare your smoker: Set up your smoker according to the manufacturer’s instructions or your preferred smoking method. Make sure you have a good fire or heat source and a well-controlled smoking environment.
- Add feijoa wood: Once your smoker is ready, add the feijoa wood chips or chunks to the heat source. You can use them directly on the heat source or in a smoker box or foil pouch.
- Control the smoking process: Monitor the temperature and smoke production throughout the smoking process. Adjust the airflow and heat as needed to maintain a steady smoke and desired cooking temperature.
- Smoke your food: Place the food you want to smoke onto the smoker racks or grates. Close the lid or cover the smoker to trap the smoke and allow the food to cook and absorb the flavors.
- Monitor and adjust: Keep an eye on the smoking progress and make any necessary adjustments to the heat, smoke, or cooking time based on the specific food you are smoking.
- Enjoy: Once your food has reached the desired level of smokiness and doneness, remove it from the smoker and enjoy your flavorful, smoky dish.
You might also be able to purchase feijoa wood chunks or chips that are ready-made for smoking.
Remember that feijoa wood may have a unique flavor profile, so it is recommended to start with a small amount of wood and adjust according to your taste preferences.
Additionally, it is always a good idea to refer to specific smoking recipes and guidelines for the type of food you are smoking.
Woods That Pair Well With Feijoa For Smoking Food
Feijoa wood is known for its fruity and tropical flavor profile, which makes it a unique choice for smoking food. Here are some woods that pair well with Feijoa for smoking food:
- Apple Wood: Combining Feijoa and apple wood can create a delightful fruity blend. This pairing works well for smoking poultry and pork.
- Cherry Wood: The sweet and slightly tart notes of cherry wood complement Feijoa’s fruity flavors. This combination is excellent for smoking poultry and fish.
- Pecan Wood: Pecan wood adds a nutty and rich undertone to Feijoa’s tropical notes. It’s a great choice for smoking pork and poultry.
- Maple Wood: Maple wood provides a gentle and sweet smokiness that harmonizes with Feijoa’s fruitiness. It’s ideal for smoking poultry, ham, or even desserts.
- Hickory Wood: Hickory’s strong and smoky profile can balance Feijoa’s sweetness. This combination works well with beef and pork.
- Alder Wood: Alder wood’s mild and slightly sweet smoke pairs beautifully with Feijoa. It’s suitable for smoking a wide range of foods, including salmon and other fish.
- Oak Wood: Oak wood’s versatility can complement Feijoa’s fruity notes. It’s a good choice for smoking beef, poultry, and vegetables.
These wood pairings allow you to experiment with different flavor profiles while enjoying the unique tropical twist that Feijoa wood brings to your smoked dishes.
Characteristics Summary For Smoking Foods With Feijoa
Here’s a table summarizing 15 important facts about the Feijoa tree and its wood, with a focus on its relevance to foods and smoking:
| Characteristic | Description |
|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Acca sellowiana |
| Common Names | Feijoa, Pineapple Guava, Guavasteen |
| Family | Myrtaceae |
| Origin | South America, specifically Brazil and Uruguay |
| Tree Height | Typically 3 to 4 meters tall |
| Wood Color | Light to medium brown with a reddish tint |
| Wood Grain | Fine and even grain |
| Density | Medium to high density |
| Durability | Moderately durable |
| Workability | Easy to work with, suitable for smoking woods |
| Uses | Feijoa wood is used for smoking foods and grilling |
| Resistance | Resistant to decay |
| Finishing | Takes finishes well |
| Sustainability | Feijoa wood is relatively sustainable |
| Smoke Flavor | Imparts a mild, sweet, and fruity flavor to foods |
| Suitable Dishes | Poultry, seafood, pork, and vegetables |
| Availability | Can be available in regions where Feijoa grows, and Feijoa wood chips are sometimes found in specialty stores. |
Feijoa wood is a great choice for adding a tropical twist to your smoked dishes, offering a unique and mild fruity flavor.
Final Thoughts
Feijoa makes a great choice for smoking foods due to its unique and distinct flavor profile that combines tropical and citrus notes. It imparts a delightful and exotic taste to the smoked dishes. Feijoa wood also releases a pleasant aroma while smoking, adding an enticing scent to the food.
While feijoa wood may be less commonly available compared to other smoking woods, it can be sourced from regions where feijoa trees are cultivated. In terms of ease of use, feijoa wood can be used like other hardwoods for smoking, requiring proper preparation and airflow control in the smoking process.
