Kiwi is a sweet, refreshing fruit with a mild tartness that complements its sweet taste perfectly. Kiwis are often compared with strawberry and pineapple for their citrus taste and acidic quality.
For most people, the outer skin, though edible, is not very appealing. However, do not let its appearance deceive you because the inner part of the fruit is what makes it stand out.
The flesh inside has a juicy and soft texture. Kiwi is perceived as a dietary Goliath because it has many therapeutic uses and is a powerhouse for many nutrients.
What is Kiwi?
Kiwi is also known as Chinese Gooseberry.
It was originated in China and later on launched in New Zealand. Before kiwi was recognized as a delicious fruit, it was first used for medical purposes in China. Kiwi has a brown outer skin, covered with many thin, dry and fuzzy hairs.
As you slice it, there’s green flesh speckled with tiny edible black seeds. The seeds of kiwi are soft and gelatinous.
There are many varieties of kiwi; some are seedless, smooth-skinned, and have some differences in skin color. The Kiwi fruit grows on a woody vine. It grows in fertile, well-drained soil and is harvested by hand.
There are three most common types of kiwi fruit:
- Grocery store Kiwi fruit:
They are also known as ‘Fuzzy kiwi fruit.’ Hayward is the most common type of kiwi found everywhere in markets.
- Hardy Kiwi fruit:
Hardy kiwi fruits are mostly found in Japan, Korea, and Siberia.
- Super hardy Kiwi fruit:
It has smooth skin, unlike the other types. It resembles grapes in taste and appearance since it also grows in clusters.
How to store kiwi
The longevity of the kiwi depends on how ripe it is. To ripen the kiwi, put it in a ventilated plastic bag and store it for 2 to 3 days at room temperature.
Avoid keeping it at a place where there’s direct exposure to sunlight. Once it ripens, refrigerate it. Do not keep Kiwi near apples, avocados, bananas, pear, and tomatoes since it can trigger further ripening.
Refrigerated kiwi can last for 5 to 10 days. Keep both unripe and ripe kiwi at 32-35 degrees.
How do you know if kiwi has gone bad
You can check if kiwi has gone bad by noticing the change in the texture. For example, if the skin and pulp feel super soft or mushy, it is not ideal for eating. Another indicator is if it smells acidic. Then, you should not use it. Normally, over time, the skin of fruit darkens, and kiwi is no different. If kiwi’s skin is darkened, it is safe to eat, but if the pulp changes its color, throw it away immediately.
Dishes with kiwi
Dishes that you can try with kiwi are:
- Apple Kiwi smoothie:
Add apple, kiwi, milk and blend the ingredients. Put ice cubes and serve it chilled
- Kiwi bread:
Prepare Kiwi puree by blending it. Make a batter similar to banana bread and bake it. Top the kiwi bread with sliced kiwis.
- Kiwi chia pudding:
It is made with coconut milk, Kiwi fruit, and maple syrup.
You might also enjoy: