Feijoa: A story of Obsession and Belonging

by Kate Evans

Inspired by a personal obsession with this singular exotic fruit, Feijoa is a sweeping, global tale about the dance between people and plants - how we need each other, how we change each other, and the surprising ways certain species make their way into our imaginations, our stomachs, and our hearts.

The feijoa comes from the highlands of Southern Brazil and the valleys of Uruguay, where it was woven into indigenous and Afro-Brazilian cultures. It was scientifically named in Berlin, acclimatised on the French Riviera, and failed to make its fortune in California. Today, it is celebrated by one small town in the Colombian Andes, and has become an icon of community and nationhood in New Zealand.

Of the world's roughly 30,000 edible plant species, only around 150 are now cultivated for human consumption. Most of those were domesticated hundreds or thousands of years ago, but feijoas are among only a handful of plants that have made this journey from the wild to the orchard in the last few generations, providing a rare opportunity to watch, up close, the myriad ways plants seduce us.

Feijoa is a book about connection. Between people and plants, between individuals, between cultures, across disciplines - it celebrates the ways our lives and loves intersect in surprising ways.

Genres: Nonfiction

371 pages, Kindle Edition

First published February 27, 2024

Reviews

[Eily Schulz · Rating 5 out of 5]

A considered and exciting journey chasing the feijoa across continents and to meet fascinating knowledge holders of this obscure fruit. To me this book has the perfect balance of exploration and reflection, of scientific and indigenous histories and ideologies. Congrats to the author for such a rich and enticing book, much like the titular feijoa ❤️

[Carol · Rating 3 out of 5]

I was worried there might be too many dull facts and figures in this book, meaning that I might not have the patience to finish it (despite my love of feijoas), but although there are definitely many facts and the history of the feijoa is comprehensively laid out, the book was written in such a way that it was still an entertaining as well as interesting read - thanks go to my sister Mary for buying me this enjoyable book (and a signed copy to boot!)

[Julie Schooler · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am a Kiwi who grew up eating backyard feijoas. Just like the fruit itself, this book won't be to everyone's tastes but I absolutely loved it. Well-researched, beautifully written and nostalgic in the best ways, this book answered questions about feijoas that I didn't know I had. Much more than a book about an obscure fruit, this book weaved in an important narrative around colonisation, indigenous cultures and the significance of botany in our modern world. This book touched my heart and fed my mind. I wouldn't recommend it to everyone but I am raving about it to certain people that I know will want to devour it too.

[Susan Wilson]

Firstly, a warning, I advise you do not read this book just after the end of the feijoa season, and when on holiday in a country where (just like in when I was young) there are no feijoa smoothies or drinks or sorbets to be had anywhere. I am now feeling extremely deprived. Other than this, it’s a wonderful book. When my 16year old daughter noticed what I was reading and asked “what is there even to know about feijoas?” I suspect after I had spent some time paraphrasing much of the book she may have wished she didn’t ask!! For me, what was most special were the people, from the obsessed, to those following their faith, to those harking back to feijoa-influential ancestors. Their stories, and Kate’s story of her own Raglan home were just lovely. I wasn’t able to attend the lunch event as part of the Auckland Writers Festival so will be cooking the recipes myself, of course this will be next year once those delicious morsels start carpeting the streets in our neighbourhood. I also loved the Mother Theresa quote! They are very much part of my identity so appreciate this explored from a Pakeha perspective. I loved that the subtitle is “A story of obsessing and belonging”. Brene Brown says belonging is the opposite of “fitting in”. Being Pakeha, we need to (and should) fit in with the those that have tūrangawaewae. When it comes to belonging, the feijoa is one way Pakeha can become “naturalised to place” (Kimmerer quoted by Evans) which, combined with the olfactory effect of nostalgic memory, and the gifting aspect because of it’s limited commercial success, is ultimately why feijoa are so important for me personally. A must read.

[Melissa · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love reading about the whakapapa of plants and animals - where they came from, how they developed, who are their ancestors and cousins, and how they spread around the world, and why, of all the plants and animals in the world, these have a close relationship with humans.

Tracing and chasing the feijoa all around the world and discovering its many human stories was really fun. I love that there's so much mystery and history to my beloved tree in my backyard.

For me, the feijoa brings so much joy and comfort to the darkening and coldening of the autumn days. I have it in my porridge with a jasmine green tea, and try to freeze some to get me through the grimmest of winter days until summer returns.

[Lesley McIntosh · Rating 4 out of 5]

Kate Evans has taken me on a wonderful journey of discovery in her book Feijoa which is a story of obsession and belonging . Her research has taken her all over the world as she searched for the oldest living Feijoa tree and attempted to establish when the fruit trees arrived in Aotearoa New Zealand .
The inclusion of recipes from around the world is a highlight and when our tree starts dropping fruit I will be trying some of the recipes ,
The pages of end notes at the rear add more detail and further research for the reader.
The cover is stunning enticing the reader inside , to a compelling read about a fruit which you either love or hate.

[Ruthita · Rating 5 out of 5]

A discovery of the origin of the Feijoa, which takes us, the reader from Brasil, Colombia, France, Australia and New Zealand. We Journey with Kate as she introduces us to many Feijoa aficionados around the world.
I’m definitely looking at the 2-3 year old Feijoa trees in the garden with a new-found knowledge and appreciation.
I loved all the reference to Humboldt whose biography I just finished recently, and his connection (through Sellows) with the Feijoa. I also love the mentions of Kinmerman who wrote Braiding Sweetgrass (one of my fave books).
If you love books about plants (as I do) you will love this one!
And did I mention Kate Evans is a friend….Amazing job Kate!

[Sam · Rating 3 out of 5]

A sweet book that’s about a third or a quarter too long. Part travel, narrative, part, natural history,, not enough of the gardening tips for caring for feijoa that I hoped for, but lots of interesting information. Sometimes Kate Evans tries to be everything to all people, and ends up seeming a little bit superficial. When you’re including details about chemistry, classical literature, and neuroscience in the same chapter sometimes I think you’re spreading yourself a bit too thin. The post colonial politics, anticolonial politics, comes on a little little bit heavy at the end, and I feel the story lost its way in the weeds. Some interesting recipes. I’m keen to try next March.

[Barnaby Haszard]

A charming personal history of the most divisive fruit in Aotearoa -- and I say that as one who only recently accepted its gritty, tangy light into my soul. Evans packs in an impressive amount of detail based on years of passionate research. It's the anecdotes that stand out, though, from her pilgrimage to the Festival of the Feijoa in Colombia to the newly planted trees growing up with her children in a regional Kiwi backyard. It's been a treat to follow this project as it's developed, and a delight to finally read the beautifully presented end product, which is even typeset in Feijoa.

[Angela Campbell · Rating 4 out of 5]

Be warned that this book is not as one might imagine - a once-over-lightly review of the life of the very humble feijoa with a few nice recipes included! Rather, it is an in-depth study of the origins of a plant and its fruit which will appeal to serious readers. Tales of investigative travels in South America, California and the south of France come with consideration of our place in a post-colonial world. This a book which demands our attention and rewards close consideration. A great start to New Year reading! And so wish I had room in my garden to plant a row of feijoa trees ......

[Patrick Brookman · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a cracking good read!

Fabulous story, tracking Kate around the world in her search for answers around the provenance of NZ's well-loved feijoa. The tale winds its way through the botanical science, geography and cultural influences and is a must-read for anyone interested in how food is connected with our various cultures.
I literally ready this in 10 days and had trouble putting it down.

[Naomi · Rating 5 out of 5]

A smart, absorbing, meticulously researched, and beautifully written book that belongs to every New Zealander. There is so much depth and care taken in the content which traverses the world! It’s a great example of a book that takes a fascinating second look at a humble yet ubiquitous element of our society. Fans of Michael Pollan will enjoy Feijoa.

[Cerys · Rating 5 out of 5]

Everything about this book was perfect. As is required of non-fiction, the research that went into it was incredible in its depth and varying perspectives.

As was unexpected, the story that Evans told was one of beauty in nature and belonging. The interconnectedness of this wonderful fruit that Evans has penned was not only thought-provoking, but inspiring. Also inducing of feijoa cravings.

[Lauren Csaki · Rating 4 out of 5]

I picked up this book on our recent trip to New Zealand. We didn’t get to try the fresh fruit because it wasn’t in season, but we came across the juice and it piqued my interest. What a delightful mix of history, horticulture, and travel! Plus some interesting food for thought at the end about what it means to belong to a place.

[Megan Clemance · Rating 5 out of 5]

I attended this book launch in Raglan. The author read out the Prologue and was brought to tears. First tick for this book, a gem. Some waxing lyrical about the fejoa; some scientific and historic understanding; mostly very human.

[M · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the diary of a modern adventurer on a quest to find the truth about one of my favourite fruits. The feijoa is truly remarkable and this book provides everything needed to wet your appetite for these fruits. A lovely and informative book.

[L · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful book with tons of history and hard work from Kate. Loved the stories of the people she met and the recipes included too! A special book for me as a plant, history, food, and dedicated feijoa lover.

[Claire · Rating 3 out of 5]

I don't like feijoas and only read this book because it's on the latest Whitcoulls Top 100 list...but...I actually enjoyed it. I even learnt a few things about the world that I didn't previously know - 3 stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️

[Blake Richardson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lots to love even for non feijoa fanatics. This book makes you think about how all the of our plants and possessions came to be and what their hidden histories might hold.

[Emma · Rating 3 out of 5]

Absolutely fascinating story of this weird little fruit.

[Angela Buglass · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fab

[Sophie Meyer · Rating 4 out of 5]

Enjoyed the story telling of history, lessons in botany and horticulture, and reflections on NZ culture.

[Josie Laird · Rating 5 out of 5]

A must-read book for New Zealanders, and feijoa lovers.

[Hannah Carter · Rating 4 out of 5]

I learnt so much, not just about the fruit x

[Gareth Barton · Rating 5 out of 5]

Just a nice, classic natural history book about a very kiwi subject. Very sweet, just like its subject

[Amie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Warning - this book bought out deep cravings for feijoas!

Feijoa: A Story of Belonging by Kate Evans is a rich exploration of the cultural, historical, and botanical journey of the feijoa fruit, from its South American origins to its prominence in New Zealand. Evans’ extensive research led her around the world in search of the oldest feijoa tree, uncovering the fruit's deep-rooted connections across countries, and blending personal discovery with global cultural history.

Evans’ narrative is both a tribute to the feijoa and a compelling journey of obsession and belonging, inviting you to appreciate the connections between people and plants. With recipes from various cultures, detailed end notes, and a beautifully inviting cover, Feijoa is a treat for anyone intrigued by the intersections of food, culture, and identity.