Feijoa Fortune: Turning Backyard Gluts into Beer Money (No Commercial Orchards Needed!)

Alright, it’s feijoa season in New Zealand, and for many of us, that means one thing: an absolute glut. You’ve eaten them fresh, you’ve made crumble, you’ve even tried the feijoa wine (with questionable results). But your tree is still dropping fruit like it’s going out of fashion. Don’t let those beauties go to waste! There’s a true Kiwi art to turning your backyard bounty into a bit of “beer money”—or at least, enough for a decent cuppa and a scone.

The Mighty Feijoa: A True Kiwi Icon

Before we get into the hustle, let’s appreciate the star of the show. The feijoa (pronounced “fey-jo-ah”) is a humble, green, egg-shaped fruit with a unique, aromatic flavour – a blend of pineapple, guava, and mint. It’s absolutely beloved in New Zealand, despite its short season and tendency to overwhelm with its abundance.

No Commercial Orchards Needed: Just Mates, a Bucket, and Some Hustle

You don’t need a massive orchard to turn a profit. If you’ve got a decent-sized tree (or a neighbour with a big one who’s happy to share the excess), you’re in business.

Method 1: The Roadside Stall – The Classic Kiwi Hustle

This is the OG feijoa fortune method. Simple, effective, and charmingly honest.

Gather Your Glut: Get your mates, your kids, and a stack of buckets. Collect as many ripe feijoas as you can.
Price It Right: Common pricing is by the bucket or bag. Think $5-$10 for a decent-sized bucket. You’re selling convenience and fresh, local produce.
Set Up Your Stall: A small table, a cardboard box, or even just a chilly bin (cooler) will do. Put it at the end of your driveway.
The Honesty Box: Crucial for the genuine Kiwi experience. A sturdy box or container with a slot for cash. Put a sign: “Feijoas – $X per bucket. Honesty Box.”
Visibility: Make sure your stall is visible from the road. A simple, hand-drawn sign saying “Feijoas!” is often all you need.

Method 2: Local Facebook Groups & Neighbourhood Apps

The digital age version of the roadside stall.

Snap a Pic: Take a good, clear photo of your glorious feijoa bounty.
Post It Up: Join local community Facebook groups or use neighbourhood apps like Neighbourly. Post a friendly message: “Feijoa glut! Fresh from the garden, $X a bag/bucket. PM me to arrange pickup.”
Offer Delivery (optional): For a small extra fee, you could offer local delivery if you’re feeling ambitious and have time between your tramping weekends!

Method 3: Barter and Trade

Sometimes, beer money isn’t just about cash. It’s about value.

Offer feijoas to neighbours in exchange for eggs, home baking, gardening help, or even a couple of cold ones.
Trade with local cafes or small businesses for coffee vouchers or other goods.

Beyond Selling: Other Ways to Maximise Your Feijoa Fortune

Even if selling isn’t your jam, don’t let those feijoas go to waste. You can still save money or create treats!

Feijoa Jam/Chutney: Classic preserving. Great for gifts or stocking your pantry.
Feijoa Freezing: Simply scoop out the pulp, portion it into freezer bags or ice cube trays, and freeze. Perfect for smoothies, crumbles, and baking year-round.
Feijoa Crumble: A no-brainer. Top with ice cream or custard. Heavenly.
Feijoa Cake/Muffins: Incorporate the pulp into your favourite baking recipes.
Feijoa Infused Gin/Vodka: For the more adventurous, a little spirit infusion can make for a unique tipple!

The feijoa season is short but sweet. Whether you’re earning a bit of extra dosh, trading with mates, or just stocking your freezer, making the most of your feijoa glut is a true Kiwi hustle. It’s practical, it’s resourceful, and it embraces the abundance of our beautiful country.

Got a secret feijoa recipe or a clever way to sell your backyard fruit? Share your tips in the comments below!