Extreme weather events such as Cyclone Gabrielle may have disrupted the supply chain for Feijoas, but the fruit has remained in relatively good shape in the face of the last few weeks.
The slow start to the fruits 2023 season is going on an uphill trajectory, with the New Zealand Feijoa Growers Association (NZFGA) manager, Ian Turk, stating the impacts of the Cyclone have been less devastating for the fruit than for other fresh produce.
"The weather has impacted feijoa orchards in the top half of the North Island. However, they appear to have escaped significant damage to both the plantings and the structures," stated Turk.
Grown commercially from Northland to the top of the South Island, the fruits have a large geographical area within which it grows, which could be attributed to the minor impact on the feijoa following the devastating weather.
The weather appears only to have delayed the supply of feijoas from the Northland area, typically distributed in March. However, now it's expected in April.
"This year NZFGA are estimating harvest volumes of around 1200 tonnes, produced by 120 growers nationwide. That's a good result following a couple of tough seasons with challenges ranging from weather disruptions to labour shortages and a global pandemic."
These delays in supply will maintain a more affordable price point as the seasons change. The most adverse impact of the weather conditions is on the fruit's skin. However, Turk stated that the flavour would not be compromised.
There may be a slight decrease in volume, but the reduction is not significant enough for the industry to expect any lack of supply to meet demand. As a highly perishable fruit, stores must store and display it to maintain its quality and freshness.
Storing feijoas at four degrees Celsius is the optimum after purchasing, and they should not be displayed for at most two or three days out of refrigeration.
As a highly nutritious fruit, Turk shared the reminder that feijoas are a healthy incorporation of a 5+ A Day diet.
"Including just two feijoas in your diet, each day through the autumn months will provide 64 percent of the recommended daily vitamin C intake, which has an important role in increasing immunity."
