Jaguar - photo from www.houstonzoo.org
I took the family to the Houston Zoo last Friday, and a great time was had by all, especially Boy #1. While he was enjoying seeing the elephants and giraffes, I was really enjoying seeing how many edible plants have been worked into the landscape. I saw nice loquat trees everywhere, and I'm told they have some very nice jujube trees, although I didn't spot them while I was there. I'll have to look more closely next time.
One plant I recognized immediately was the feijoa, also known as the pineapple guava. There are 5-6 of them planted right next to the jaguar exhibit. I had always been told that the flower petals were edible, and tasted like cotton candy. While they aren't as sweet as cotton candy, they really do have a very similar texture and flavor. Boy #1 and I were getting some strange looks from the other zoo patrons as we ignored the jaguar and ate flowers!
I recently received a Coolidge feijoa from One Green World that I plan to plant in a shady corner of the yard. There are several named varieties out there, and just as many opinions on which is the best. Some people say they all taste pretty much the same, and others say Nazemetz and Trask are the best tasting (albeit the hardest to find). I ordered a Coolidge because it is supposed to produce a nice tasting fruit, and is also self-fertile. It has been happily growing in a 3-gallon pot for now, and I look forward to eating more flower petals and trying the fruit. I know Boy #1 does too.
One plant I recognized immediately was the feijoa, also known as the pineapple guava. There are 5-6 of them planted right next to the jaguar exhibit. I had always been told that the flower petals were edible, and tasted like cotton candy. While they aren't as sweet as cotton candy, they really do have a very similar texture and flavor. Boy #1 and I were getting some strange looks from the other zoo patrons as we ignored the jaguar and ate flowers!
I recently received a Coolidge feijoa from One Green World that I plan to plant in a shady corner of the yard. There are several named varieties out there, and just as many opinions on which is the best. Some people say they all taste pretty much the same, and others say Nazemetz and Trask are the best tasting (albeit the hardest to find). I ordered a Coolidge because it is supposed to produce a nice tasting fruit, and is also self-fertile. It has been happily growing in a 3-gallon pot for now, and I look forward to eating more flower petals and trying the fruit. I know Boy #1 does too.
Feijoa planted near jaguar exhibit.
Feijoa blossoms.
Feijoa blossoms.
Riding the carousel.
