Because a kiwi contains more vitamin C than an orange of equal weight. It is also rich in vitamin A and E, calcium, iron and folic acid. Finally, it’s a good source of fiber thanks to the flesh and the seeds, that’s why it improves digestion. Cherry on top, kiwi is low in calories (50 calories per 100 g). It’s all good!
How does kiwifruit grow?
Kiwifruit grow on very robust vines that somewhat resemble grapevines. Actinidia vines (their scientific name) have very vigorous shoots. They can grow 5-10 metres in length in a single season! That's why they must be grown on support structures so that vines can spread better and the harvest can be supported.
Plants can be male or female. In orchards, one male is planted for every six females in order to ensure ideal pollination.
Aside from the wind, bees ensure that pollen is transported to the female flowers. That is why beehives are often installed near kiwi orchards.
Interesting fact: Actinidia vines are not affected by insect or fungal pests, making the use of pesticides and fungicides useless in cultivation.
When should I buy kiwifruit?
Kiwifruit is a winter fruit par excellence. Its main season lasts from November to May. This is when French kiwis are most commonly found.
How do I choose kiwifruit?
Kiwifruit should be lightly supple to the touch in order to have a tender and sweet flesh, or a little firmer for a tart flavour. Which you choose depends on taste. In both cases, kiwifruit should not be soft. That is a sign of over-ripeness that makes it lose its signature tart flavour. Its skin should be smooth and uniform without any marks.
How should I store kiwifruit?
If you're in doubt, it's best to err on the side of a harder kiwifruit, as in the case of avocados and pears, since kiwifruit is a climacteric fruit, meaning that it continues to ripen after being harvested. It can be stored for about 10 days at room temperature and 3 weeks in the vegetable crisper in your fridge. Do you want to enjoy your kiwifruit sooner? Store them next to apples, which give off ethylene. Your kiwifruit will ripen before you know it!
How should I eat kiwifruit?
kiwifruit can be cut into 2 halves and eaten with a small spoon. It can also be peeled - easy to do with a potato peeler - before being cut into thin slices.
Kiwifruit can be consumed raw as a sweet in fruit salads and smoothies, but also as part a savoury snack, with smoked salmon, in a salad with avocado and grapefruit, or as a side with sushi. It all depends on what you like and what you feel like!
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