Our Kiwis
Our kiwis are the tastiest and most (im)perfect. Versatile for different types of recipes and, surprisingly, you can even eat them with the skin on! We have gathered the best information and cooking tips to help you make the most of this delicious fruit. If you want to order your basket full of (im)perfect kiwis, you can do so here .
But, after all, where does this fruit come from?
Kiwifruit is a fruit native to China, specifically the Shaanxi province. The fruit was known as "yangtao" in China, but began to be marketed internationally as "kiwi" in the 1960s, in reference to the kiwi bird , which is native to New Zealand and has a similar appearance to the fruit. New Zealand is now a major producer of kiwifruit, but the fruit is also grown in other parts of the world, including Italy, Chile, Greece, France and the United States.
And in Portugal?
The first kiwi plantations in Portugal appeared in the 1960s, in the Ribatejo region. It is believed that the introduction of kiwi cultivation in Portugal was the result of the initiative of some Portuguese farmers who, while travelling abroad, came into contact with the fruit and decided to try growing it on Portuguese soil.
Initially, kiwi production in Portugal focused on the Hayward variety, which is still the most widely cultivated in the country today. Over time, new varieties were introduced into Portuguese crops, which allowed for increased production and improved fruit quality.
Portugal is currently a major producer of kiwifruit in Europe , with an annual production of around 70,000 tonnes. The main kiwifruit producing regions in Portugal are Ribatejo, Beira Litoral and Algarve. The fruit is exported mainly to other countries in the European Union, but also to other destinations around the world.
But what makes our kiwis such a powerful fruit?
Kiwi is a very nutritious fruit, rich in vitamins, minerals and antioxidants. Here are some of the main properties of this delicious fruit:
Vitamin C : Kiwifruit is an excellent source of vitamin C , providing about 70% of the recommended daily amount per serving. Vitamin C is important for the immune system, as it helps fight oxidative stress and may help reduce the risk of chronic diseases.
Fiber : Kiwi is a rich source of fiber that helps promote digestive health and keep blood sugar levels stable.
Potassium :Kiwi is a great source of potassium , which is important for heart and muscle health.
Antioxidants : Kiwifruit contains a diverse range of antioxidants , including carotenoids and flavonoids, which help protect cells from damage caused by free radicals. If you want to know more about free radicals, you can read all about them on our superfoods page .
Low in fat and calories : Kiwi is a low-calorie fruit , containing about 60 calories per serving. It is also a healthy source of carbohydrates and is low in fat and cholesterol.
Other nutrients : Kiwi is also a source of other important nutrients such as vitamin E, folate, calcium, and magnesium.
Aids digestion : Kiwi contains an enzyme called actinidin , which can aid in the digestion of proteins and improve nutrient absorption.
So, in short, what are the effects of kiwi on our body?
- Strengthening the immune system.
- The prevention of diseases and infections.
- Promoting digestive health and nutrient absorption
- Reducing the risk of chronic diseases
- Maintaining eye health
- The reduction of aging
And how can we include kiwi in our diet?
Kiwi is a delicious and nutritious fruit that can be a wonderful addition to many recipes. Want to find out the best way to enjoy it?
- Fruit salad: Kiwi is a delicious addition to fruit salads. Simply peel the fruit into cubes and mix with other fresh fruits, such as strawberries or grapes!
- Sauces : Kiwi can be used in sauces to accompany grilled meat or fish. Peel and cut it into cubes, mix it with other fruits, such as mango, and add a little coriander and pepper to consolidate the flavor.
- Desserts : Kiwi can be used in desserts such as pies, cakes or ice cream. Peel and cut it into thin slices and place on the dessert as a topping.
- Appetizer : Kiwi can also be used in appetizers, such as fruit kebabs. Peel and cut the kiwi into cubes. Then place it on sticks with other fruits!
- Smoothies : Kiwi is a juicy fruit that brings a sweet flavor to smoothies. Our favorite recipe is on our Instagram page and it’s a Green Smoothie with kiwi and avocado!
And how can you store and extend the shelf life of kiwi?
There are different ways to store and extend the shelf life of kiwis, which can last up to two weeks. To do this, it is important to store them in cool, dry places, away from sunlight. In addition, kiwis should not be washed before storing, as excessive moisture can accelerate the deterioration process.
Kiwis emit ethylene, which means they should not be stored with other fruits, as they speed up the ripening process of ethylene-susceptible fruits and vegetables. If you want to find out all about ethylene and which products are compatible for storage, we have the right post for you!
If you want to extend the shelf life of your kiwis as much as possible, you can put them in the fridge and keep them as fresh as possible for longer. If your kiwis start to get too ripe and you can't keep up with them, you can freeze, dehydrate or preserve them.
What is the role of kiwi in reducing food waste?
One of the magic tricks of kiwi is that it can be eaten whole, without leaving anything out. Yes, you read that right, you can eat kiwi with the skin on . If you want to know more about the fruits and vegetables that you can eat with the skin on, we have the right post for you !
Kiwi peels are super nutritious and are actually the part of the fruit with the most fiber and antioxidants! We realize that this may sound strange given the kiwi’s unique texture, but it’s true. Just wash it well, take a bite, and enjoy. If you still find it strange, you can scrape the skin with a spoon and remove the fuzzy part of the skin.
If the peel still doesn’t work for you, that’s okay. We all have different tastes and preferences. If that’s the case, that’s okay! We have another solution for your peels: making a tea. The peels contain a large amount of antioxidants and other health-benefiting compounds. To make kiwi peel tea, simply boil the peels in water for a few minutes and then strain the liquid.
Kiwis are an excellent fruit to help you create a more sustainable lifestyle, help combat food waste and give your body some love.
Our baskets have the most delicious and (im)perfect kiwis and you can place your order here .