Kiwi Love

Kiwi is a fantastic fruit to enjoy during the fresh days of spring. The vibrant green flesh practically screams spring. Kiwi is originally from China where it was known as the Chinese Gooseberry. It was introduced to New Zealand around 1906 where it picked up its current name. Today, California actually provides 95% of the US supply of kiwi.


What's So Good About a Kiwi?

They are loaded with Vitamin C and also offer folate, potassium, fiber, carotenoids, polyphenols, chlorophyll, glutathione, and pectin. They even contain Vitamin E which is usually found in nuts and oils. Another great thing about the kiwi is that it is low on the glycemic index.


How to Find the Perfect Kiwi

There are several different types of kiwi including gold kiwis, and baby kiwis. The most common variety is the Hayward which has the classic brown fuzzy skin covering the green flesh. When shopping for kiwis look for plump fruits that yield slightly to the touch. Avoid fruits that are shriveled, moldy or have soft spots.


If your kiwifruits aren't quite ripe yet, you can leave them at room temperature for a few days before eating. If you simply can't wait that long you can put them in a paper bag with an apple or a banana and that will speed up the ripening process.


Kiwi in the Kitchen

Believe it or not, you can eat the skin of a kiwi. Simply rub off the fuzz and dig it. Like most fruits and vegetables there are a lot of nutrients to be found in the skin. You can of course peel the kiwi as well. When I first started getting kiwis I used to dread having to peel them. It seemed to take so long and with 5 boys I had a lot of kiwis to peel. And the I found the secret to peeling a kiwi. It is so simple and it changed my life.

1. Cut off both ends of the fruit
2. Take a spoon and insert into the fruit along the edge of the skin with the curve following the natural curve of the spoon. The back of the spoon with be facing the outside of the fruit.
3. Glide the spoon along the edge of the skin all the way around the fruit until the flesh is free from the skin.
4. Pop out the flesh and enjoy.

How to Add Kiwis to Your Diet

• Add some chopped kiwi to your salad
• Throw into your smoothie.
• Mix into a fruit salad
• Use in a tuna or chicken salad in place of grapes
• Add to salsa