Kiwi fruit, and often called the Chinese gooseberry, is a nutrient-dense fruit with a unique flavor profile and a vibrant, green flesh.
The history of kiwi fruit
Despite the common association with New Zealand, kiwi fruits originated from China, with the first recorded description dating back to the 12th century. In the early 20th century, cultivation of the kiwi spread from China to New Zealand, where the first commercial plantings took place. It gained popularity among British and American servicemen stationed in New Zealand during World War II, and later became commonly exported, first to California, in the 1950s.
As of 2023, world kiwi production was 4.4 million tons, with China accounting for 55% of production, making it the largest global producer. In China, kiwi fruit is grown mainly in the mountainous area upstream of the Yangtze River, as well as Sichuan.
The kiwi has a natural protective layer of fuzz on its skin, which helps protect them from pests and diseases and means less pesticide is required in cultivation. Did you know the skin is actually edible? You just need to give it a good wash!
Health benefits
Kiwi fruit is packed with health-boosting nutrients, containing more vitamin C per serving than the average orange. They are also a great source of potassium, magnesium, fiber and folic acid. Adding kiwi to smoothies or juices is a delicious way to increase their nutritional value.
Flavor and fragrance profile
The kiwi has a distinctive, sweet-tart flavor that combines elements of strawberries, melons and citrus fruits, making it a unique and refreshing addition to beverages and desserts. Depending on the variety, green kiwis tend to have a more pronounced tartness and golden kiwis are often slightly sweeter, sometimes with tropical notes of mango.
Kiwi fruit doesn’t have an overwhelming sugariness like a ripe mango, but instead, a more delicate sweetness makes it more refreshing. The tartness is often described as citrusy, like a cross between lime and gooseberry. This tartness prevents the sweetness from becoming cloying and adds a lovely complexity to the flavor profile.
As the kiwi reaches peak ripeness, delicate floral or slightly perfumed aromatics can be detected. Kiwi fragrance has many uses in the cosmetics and home fragrance industry and is often incorporated into candles, lotions, soaps and shower gels. It is not currently possible to extract essential oil directly from kiwi fruit for perfume but a kiwi note can be synthetically developed using esters, which emulate the tangy, green aroma of the fruit, making it an ideal ingredient for light and fruity fragrances.
Kiwi in beverages
Kiwi’s bright acidity makes it a popular choice for beverages. The bright green, vibrant color also makes drinks look visually appealing. Kiwi's tartness cuts through the richness of other fruits like bananas and mangoes, preventing them from becoming too heavy. It adds a refreshing lift to green smoothies, tropical juices and even creamy, yogurt-based blends.
Kiwi can also bring a unique interpretation to both alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages. Muddled kiwi adds a burst of fresh flavor to classic cocktails like margaritas, mojitos and daiquiris and its tartness pairs well with spirits like vodka, rum and tequila. Kiwi puree or juice can create a great base for refreshing non-alcoholic drinks and are delicious when combined with sparkling water, mint, lime or strawberries.
For a refreshing kiwi iced tea, add kiwi juice or muddled kiwi to iced green or black tea for a fruity and invigorating twist.
Culinary versatility
Kiwi’s juicy tartness and tropical tones makes it a crowd pleaser in desserts. Kiwi can be found in everything from sorbets and ice-cream to pastries, cheesecake, muffins and fruit tarts, where it often pairs beautifully with the sweetness of apricots.
On the savory side, the tanginess of kiwi fruit makes it a great addition to salsas, marinades and salads, and it can even be used to tenderize meat, thanks to the enzyme ‘actinidin’. For a more fun application, frozen, diced kiwi makes delicious, aesthetically-pleasing ice cubes.
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