Baby kiwis, or the fruit of happiness.

Have you ever considered trying a kiwi without its skin? No need to peel it, a quick snack for work, or an easy way to get your kids to eat fruit at school? It's time to meet the baby kiwis from Joana Pereira, our regional producer from Vila Nova de Cerveira!

But before that, what is the origin of the kiwi fruit?

Kiwis are incredible sources of nutrients originating from Asia. Most varieties come from China. The most widely cultivated variety in Portugal, however, originates from the interior of China.

Although native to that area, it was in New Zealand that kiwi cultivation became international in the early 20th century. Currently, kiwi is a fruit cultivated in both hemispheres, and in our hemisphere, its harvest takes place between October and November.

Although China is the largest producer (over 50%), followed by Italy and New Zealand, kiwi cultivation in Portugal has increased significantly in terms of area and productivity.

However, our kiwis are different. And why?

Our kiwis come from a young producer, Joana Pereira, who invested in cultivating them on land in Vila Nova de Cerveira, her hometown. The kiwis she grows are called berry kiwis or baby kiwis, a smaller kiwi that weighs between 10 and 14 grams.

Joana's baby kiwis adapt quite well to her region, since there is no significant frost due to the proximity to the river.

It has no hairs, and can be eaten like our grapes or blueberries, which is amazing, since they can be quick snacks for work or easy and simple snacks for children.

Joana relies on the help of her father, José, in maintaining the 2-hectare plot of land with a privileged view of the Minho River. Currently, most of her product is exported, but our new partnership aims to also begin promoting this product more nationally.

The nutrients in kiwi

Kiwi is very rich in vitamin C, vitamin K, and vitamin E. In addition to its vitamins, it contains potassium, folic acid, fiber, and other important nutritional benefits for our bodies.

In addition to these nutrients, kiwis are excellent sources of organic compounds that have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects on our bodies. Several studies suggest that the antioxidant capacity of kiwis is higher than other more popular fruits, such as apples, grapefruit, or pears.

For example, kiwis contain carotenoids, such as lutein or zeaxanthin, which have beneficial properties for our health.

Studies show that a diet rich in carotenoids can help protect us from various diseases. For example, a diet rich in carotenoids, vitamin C, and vitamin E may reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease or cancer, according to an American study . And what food has all these characteristics? Yes, kiwi!

Furthermore, a study Studies related to a diet rich in carotenoids indicate that there may be a lower risk of depressive symptoms. Ingesting a high level of vitamin C also demonstrates how kiwi can improve our mood overall, increasing our energy and enthusiasm, making kiwi the "mood fruit."

And the baby kiwi?

In general, being similar to kiwi, baby kiwi has 5 times more vitamin C than an orange, twice the vitamin E of a banana, and the same vitamin B6 as spinach. Baby kiwi berries contain about 20 different nutrients.

Baby kiwi was widely used in Asian countries to treat digestive problems, rheumatism, and hemorrhoids. Several treatments using kiwi still exist in China.

And how can we incorporate these kiwis into our diet?

Most people love to enjoy baby kiwis in a quick and easy way, such as as a snack for school or work. But there are other ways to enjoy these kiwis.

These kiwis can be mixed with other berries and/or bananas to create a nutritious salad. They can also be used as a topping on various yogurt bowls for breakfast, or in a protein smoothie in the morning.

There are countless ways to enjoy kiwis, and we'd love to know yours! But regardless of how you eat them, kiwis will always be powerful fruits ready to give you an energy boost and a great mood!