Dorothy FarrarKiwi
Kiwi is a popular New Zealand fruit . It is also known as the Chinese gooseberry.
Here’s what you should know about kiwi
The kiwi fruit is one of the berry plants. In addition, the kiwi is a climbing plant that can bear around a thousand berries. The berries are the fruits of the kiwi, which are oval in shape and reach a size of between 2 and 8 centimeters. One of the distinguishing features of kiwiberries is their hairy, thin skin. Depending on which species it is, its color is green or brown.
Inside the kiwi is the juicy light or dark green flesh. The white fleshy fruit axis runs through the fruit. It is surrounded by the dark seeds present in the pulp.
The kiwi is also very popular in Germany, although it was hardly known in this country a few decades ago. Since the kiwi fruits thrive easily and in large numbers, they can often be purchased at low prices in Central Europe. The first exports of kiwis from New Zealand took place in 1952 to Great Britain. Over the years, kiwis have become increasingly popular with the British.
However, it was not until the 1970s that the exotic fruits reached Germany. Later, the kiwi became one of the most popular fruits. At present, the kiwi is one of the offers of all supermarkets.
However, kiwi is not the actual name of the fruit. Until 1959 it was called Chinese gooseberry. New Zealanders then named the berry fruit “kiwi” after the kiwi bird, which is the island’s national symbol.
The kiwi does not have its homeland in New Zealand, but in China. Only there did the fruit thrive until around 1900. From southern China, the Chinese gooseberry finally made its way to New Zealand, where it was renamed kiwi. Today, New Zealand is one of the main exporters of the berry fruit. It is also planted in Italy, Greece, France, Japan and Chile. There the plant prefers a moderate climate.
There is no special season for the kiwi. Therefore, it can be purchased at any time for about the same purchase price. The taste of the berry fruit is considered sweet and sour when it comes to green kiwis. In the case of yellowish kiwis, the sweet taste is somewhat similar to bananas and mangoes.
importance to health
The kiwi is classified as a very healthy fruit. For example, it has a high proportion of vitamin C. The proportion of vitamin C in 100 grams of kiwi is at least 75 milligrams. In this way, almost the entire daily human requirement for vitamin C can be covered with 150 grams of kiwi. Because the kiwi is also high in fiber and low in fat, it is considered ideal for people looking to lose weight.
The health-promoting effects of the kiwi include strengthening the immune system and stabilizing the blood vessels . Kiwis are also helpful for constipation, constipation and general weakness.
Ingredients & nutritional values
In addition to vitamin C, the kiwi also contains other healthy ingredients. These include vitamin A, numerous B vitamins and the important minerals magnesium, phosphorus, calcium, potassium, iron and sodium. The seeds also contain omega-3 fatty acids and omega-6 fatty acids.
| Calories and nutrients (per 100g) | ||
| kilocalories/kilojoules | 61 kcal/ 255 kj | |
| protein | 1,00 g | |
| carbohydrates | 10,77 g | |
| Fett | 0,63 g | |
| Water | 80,53 g | |
| fiber | 3,90 g | |
| beta-carotene | 370 µg | |
| Vitamin E | 500 µg | |
intolerances
Although the kiwi is generally considered a healthy fruit, it can cause allergies and intolerances in some people. These are usually noticeable through diarrhea , nausea and vomiting . Sometimes swelling of the face, lips or tongue occurs after eating a kiwi . In severe cases there is a risk of asthmatic attacks or even anaphylactic shock .
Shopping and kitchen tips
The kiwis are offered either individually or packed in several pieces. Luck also plays an important role in the purchase. The fruits are often presented as hard. There is a possibility that they will still ripen. However, they can also remain hard, which also has a negative effect on their taste. It is best if the kiwi yields a little when you press it lightly with your finger.
Once the kiwi has reached its perfect ripeness, it can be kept at room temperature for a day or two. On the other hand, if the fruit is still unripe, it sometimes takes a few days for it to reach its ideal state. The green fruits will keep in the fridge for about two weeks.
preparation tips
The kiwi, the skin of which is removed before consumption, is excellent as an accompaniment to various dishes. These include exotic coconut desserts , fruit cakes or quinoa casseroles.
Hello and welcome to my Health Guide & Encyclopedia! My name is Dorothy Farrar, and I'm the founder and main author of this platform.
My passion for health and wellness started at a young age when I became interested in the connection between the food we eat and the way we feel. This fascination led me to study nutrition and dietetics in college, where I learned about the importance of a balanced diet and the impact of various nutrients on the body.