Feijoa (also called pineapple guava) is best harvested when the fruit falls naturally to the ground — that’s the main sign it’s ripe!

• Fruit on the ground: The most reliable method. Feijoas naturally drop when ready.

• Gentle tug: If you lightly lift a fruit that's still on the tree and it comes off easily, it’s probably ripe. If it resists, leave it a bit longer.

• Smell: A ripe feijoa has a strong, sweet, fragrant aroma at the blossom (flower) end.

• Feel: They should feel slightly soft when gently squeezed — not hard like a rock but not mushy either.

• Taste: Inside, the jelly-like centre should be clear and sweet. If it’s still white and firm, it’s underripe.

In New Zealand, harvest usually happens from late autumn through early winter — typically April to June, depending on the variety and weather.