The Kiwi Super Fruit...!!!Kiwifruit, also known as Actinidia deliciosa, is a fruit originating from China where it is known as the Chinese gooseberry. Because of the ease of cultivation and its long production cycle, kiwi can be found fresh for the majority of the year…with California providing kiwi in the months of November through May, and places like New Zealand producing crops for market from June through October. The kiwi is small, with the average size being only about three inches long and with a weight of about four ounces. However, what this fruit lacks in size, it makes up for in taste and color. The green flesh of the kiwi has an almost creamy consistency, with the taste similar to that of the strawberry yet with its own unique sweet taste. Because of the size, shape and texture of the kiwi, it is often used as a garnishment and/or decoration on salads and full course meals. When it comes to nutrients, the kiwi can hold its own. Packed with the same amount of vitamin C as that of an orange and its DNA-protecting properties through its phytonutrient properties, kiwifruit has been shown to be more than just a garnishment fruit.
Health Benefits Researchers are constantly looking for new food sources that better aid against the oxygen related damage caused to cells throughout the everyday wear and tear of our bodies’ metabolism. Kiwi has been demonstrated to have not only large amounts of vitamin C, but also a variety of flavonoids and carotenoids that also have antioxidant properties. The kiwi is also a good source of vitamin E, which is fat soluble and aids in the protection of free radicals from both the fat soluble and water soluble fronts. Combined with the fiber qualities found in all fruits, from a health prospective kiwi is worth its weight in gold. Important to note is that vitamin C has been found to not only protect against macular degeneration, which is the leading cause of blindness in older people, but it has also been linked to protect against Asthma in recent studies, a leading form of respiratory illness. More specifically, it has been shown to help relieve the symptoms of asthma, such as shortness of breath and wheezing.
Brief History of the Kiwi The Kiwifruit, which is native to China, was in earlier times commonly referred to as Yang Tao. It was brought from China to New Zealand by missionaries in the early 20th century. Just like in China, the fruit was known by a different name in New Zealand and they commonly referred to the fruit as the Chinese Gooseberrie. The fruit’s unique appearance, texture and taste made it an instant hit in its new world, and it wasn’t long before it became a commercially sought after product. In 1961 the Chinese Gooseberrie found its way to the U.S. as an exotic fruit in restaurants. Once again embraced by everyone because of its unique and exotic appearance, a year later restaurant owners initiated the import of the fruit to keep up with its increasing demand. With import and consumer demand increasing, and to better be able to market such a unique fruit, importers decided to shorten the name to Kiwi in honor of the national bird of New Zealand where the fruit was being grown and exported. However, the fruit is still referred to by both names, with the name Kiwi lending itself to the fruit’s exotic and visually exciting appeal.
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