Kiwis (Actinidia chinensis) aka: Chinese gooseberries, are small oval shaped fruits with a thin brown furry skin, light green inner pulp, and little black edible seeds at their center.
Health Benefits of Kiwis:
Health Benefits of Kiwis:
- Increased Immune Function
- Reduced Cancer Risk
- Reduced Risk of Colon Cancer
- Protection Against Heart Disease
- Protection Against Dementia
- Alleviation of Cardiovascular Disease
- Alleviation of Hypertension (High Blood Pressure)
- Promoted Eye Health
- Alzheimer's Protection
- Osteoporosis Protection
- Alleviation of Inflammation Kiwi fruit contains nutrients and antioxidants believed to help protect DNA from damage, it can also be used as a blood thinner. Kiwi fruit has a protein dissolving enzyme called actinidin, thus it can be used as a meat tenderizer, like papaya.
How to choose Kiwis: Kiwis are ready to eat when they yield gently to pressure and have a sweet smell. Avoid kiwis which are overly soft, or withered. Kiwis which are still firm can be bought and kept to ripen till they become soft.
How to store Kiwis: Ripe kiwis can keep in the refrigerator for up to a week, when bought firm they can last for up to eight weeks at room temperature. Store kiwis in a paper bag ripen them quickly.
Climate and origin: Kiwis originated in East Asia, probably China, and in the 1800s spread to most of the rest of the world. The climate they can tolerate depends on type, but most do well in warm temperate climates with a few being able to survive colder areas. (Zones 4-9 in the U.S.)
Taste: Kiwis have a tart taste and a mushy texture.
Miscellaneous information: Although commonly associated with New Zealand, Italy is actually the top producer of kiwi fruit, growing over four hundred thousand metric tons a year. Over one million metric tons are grown each year in the world.
