Sometimes referred to as a "tree tomato", the tamarillo is an egg-shaped fruit that is pointed at both ends and has a green stem. The fruit has three “layers”. The skin is tough and bitter and may be red, purple, amber, or golden yellow in color. The outer layer of the tamarillo’s apricot-colored flesh is slightly firm while the inside is filled with dark edible seeds that are slightly harder than those of a tomato. This flesh is tangy and tart, but flavorful.

How to buy

Select tamarillos that are firm, unblemished and heavy for their size. When ripe, tamarillos should be fragrant and yield slightly to gentle pressure.

How to store

Tamarillos may be ripened at room temperature, then stored in the refrigerator once they are ripe. They last up to ten days in the refrigerator if wrapped in plastic. Tamarillos may also be frozen if they are peeled and wrapped individually.

How to eat

Tamarillos should be peeled before eating or cooking. Blanch in boiling water for  two to three minutes to easily remove the skin if the fruit is not ripe. When ripe, tamarillos are usually eaten raw.

The easiest way to eat a tamarillo is to cut the fruit in half and scoop the flesh out with a teaspoon; it comes in its own ready-made bowl! Sprinkle with a little sweetener if the fruit is too tart. You can also dip the fruit in orange juice concentrate to sweeten it. 

The feijoa is also an egg-shaped fruit,  but has a thin lime-green skin. The flesh inside is cream-colored. The texture is gritty – similar to that of a pear. The taste is subtle and tropical, often described as a combination of pineapple, guava, and strawberry.

How to buy

Select fruit that is fragrant and gives slightly to gentle pressure. Ripe feijoas are delicate, so take caution not to bruise the fruit. Feijoas are gaining in popularity and are becoming easier to find in supermarkets. 

How to store

Ripe feijoas may be refrigerated, but they don’t have to be. Feijoas can be ripened off the tree in a paper bag at room temperature; to ripen more quickly, add an apple to the bag. Ripe feijoas normally last about 3 to 5 days. Feijoas may be frozen, but only if peeled and cooked into a puree.

How to eat

Feijoas are most often eaten raw. The fruit is ripe when it is slightly soft and the inside is clear. The fruit is unripe when the inside is white and is spoiled when brown. Unfortunately, this test of ripeness may only be determined once the fruit is opened. As with the tamarillo, the skin is not eaten. For easy eating, cut the fruit in half at the center and scoop the flesh out with a teaspoon. Otherwise, peel the fruit.