• Article Author: Laura Rojas
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Kiwifruit is a delicious exotic winter fruit that has a stunning interior perfect for brightening up even the dullest looking plates. However there is probably a lot about the kiwi fruit you didn’t know. Not only does it have an interesting history but it likely has both excellent pluses but equally ugly minuses you haven’t been told about.

 

Kiwifruit is most popularly associated with New Zealand where it got it’s name after the nickname for the locals and the small flightless bird of the same name. However it is now commonly commercially grown in much of the southern hemisphere from Italy to Chile and Brazil. In Asia you will also discover the Golden Kiwi that has a sweeter, yellow colored flesh. However the Kiwifruit wasn’t always called the kiwi. It has also been known as the Macaque Peach, Vine Pear, Wood Berry and Hairy Bush Fruit.

 

The kiwi is actually a very difficult fruit to grow. Apparently the flowers of the kiwi plant are not very attractive to bees which requires growers to either spread collected pollen over the female flowers or place many hives withing the orchard to force the bees to pollinate them as they have no other choice. SO probably not a fruit you want to try growing at home unless you enjoy being chased by hoards of angry stinging insects.

 

Kiwi is packed with good vitamins and antioxidants as well as omega 3 fatty acids. However it does contain a potential allergen which can affect those allergic to pineapples, papaya and latex. Allergic reactions can include sore throat and mouth, swollen lips, face and tongue, stomach ache, heartburn, vomiting and even breathing difficulties. So watch who you are serving it too.

 

One of the chemicals in kiwi,  actinidin is a protein dissolving enzyme which makes it unusable for desserts that contain gelatin or dairy products unless they are to be served right away. However it does make kiwi an excellent, natural meat tenderizer. This makes it an interesting addition and flavor enhancer for barbecue dishes like ribs and roasts. Though the ways that you can use it are almost endless from pairing it with turkey to putting a new twist on Thai salsa with lime and chilies to a range of cool cocktails and drinks from kiwi margaritas to sorbets and a range of desserts including tarts and fruit salads. Plus of course a few slices of kiwi are perfect for brightening up the presentation of any meal.