Interesting Facts About the Kiwi Fruit

The kiwi fruit, also known as the Chinese gooseberry, has its origins in Yangtze River valley, and the coastal Zhejiang Province in China, from where it was brought to New Zealand and then to the other parts of the world. It is scientifically known as Actinidia deliciosa, the name kiwi originated from a native bird of New Zealand, which is called kiwi.

Today the fruit is cultivated and consumed in several countries across the world. The kiwi fruit has a hairy, brown skin and contains a white pulpy center surrounded by a refreshing green flesh embedded with tiny black seeds.

These plants are suited for temperate climates and places that have sufficient heat during summers. Kiwi plants are vines and hence need to be grown on sturdy support. Kiwi plants are dioecious, which means that plants are either male or female. The male plants pollinate the female plants and only the female plants bear the fruit.

Not just that, the pollination process is extremely difficult since the flowers are not very attractive for the pollinating agents. The kiwi plants bear fruit after one year; however, the vines require vigorous pruning. The production of the fruits decline as the cane grows old, and hence, canes should be pruned off and restored after third year.

The kiwi fruit is a rich source of several useful nutrient elements, like vitamins, proteins, and fiber. It is a rich source of vitamin C and also contains vitamins A and E. It contains some amount of potassium as well. The peel of the Kiwi fruit is a source of flavonoid antioxidants.

Oil can be extracted from the seeds of this fruit, which contain an average of 62% alpha-linolenic acid. The fruit contains a high amount of dietary fiber, which is one of the probable reasons for its mild laxative properties.

This is a delicious Kiwi and strawberry jam that can be a great spread for your breads and toasts. The goodness of fresh Kiwi fruit combines with the sweetness of strawberry, and the lemony tang makes for a great jam to be enjoyed anytime.

Preparation:

• Take the chopped kiwi fruit, strawberry juice, and pectin in a pan.
• Heat the mixture and slowly add sugar.
• Keep stirring the mixture vigorously until the sugar is completely dissolved.

• Bring the mixture to a boil and keep on removing the foam occasionally.
• Turn off the flame and allow the mixture to cool for about 15-20 minutes.
• Now pour the jam into clean and dry storage jars.
• While pouring make sure that you leave sufficient room at the top and seal the jars carefully.

The goodness of Kiwi combined with some fresh mint, tangy lemon, and sweet honey with a touch of white rum makes for the perfect cocktail!

Ingredients:

• Fresh mint leaves, 12
• Lemon wedges, 2
• Kiwi fruit, 1
• White rum, 55 ml
• Honey, 25 ml

Preparation:

• Slice the kiwi fruit and scoop out small chunks.
• Now put the kiwi fruit, mint leaves, lime, and honey into the cocktail shaker and muddle to combine.

• Now add ice and white rum and shake all ingredients.
• Strain the mixture and pour it into a glass with crushed ice.
• Garnish your kiwi cocktail with a slice of kiwi and mint leaves.

You can also use this delicious fruit to make different jams, jellies, salads, chutneys, chilled soups, etc. Have it in any way you like, as the nutrients will still be the same and the health benefits will still be many!