Our Kiwis

Our kiwis are the most tasty and (im)perfect. Versatile for different kinds of recipes and, surprisingly, you can even eat them unpeeled! We have gathered the best information and cooking tips to make the best use of this delicious fruit. If you want to order your basket filled with (im)perfect kiwis you can do it here.

But where does this fruit come from anyway?

The kiwi is a fruit that originated in China, specifically in Shaanxi province. The fruit was known as "yangtao" in China, but began to be internationally marketed as "kiwi" from the 1960s, in reference to the kiwi birdwhich is native to New Zealand and has a similar appearance to the fruit. New Zealand is now a major producer of kiwis, 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 1960's, in the region of Ribatejo. It is believed that the introduction of the kiwi crop in Portugal was the result of the initiative of some Portuguese farmers who, on trips abroad, had contact with the fruit and decided to try growing it in Lusitanian soil.

Initially, kiwi production in Portugal was focused on the Hayward variety, which is still the most grown in the country today. Over time, new varieties were introduced into Portuguese crops, which allowed for increased production and improved quality of the fruit.

Today, Portugal is an important kiwi producer in Europewith an annual production of about 70,000 tons. The main kiwi 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 kiwifruit such a powerful fruit?

The kiwi is a very nutritious fruit that is rich in vitamins, minerals and antioxidants. These are some of the main properties of this delicious fruit:

Vitamin C: The kiwi is an excellent source of vitamin Cas it provides 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 in reducing the risk of chronic diseases.

Fibers: The kiwi is a rich source of fiber that help promote digestive health and keep blood sugar levels stable.

Potassium: The kiwi is an excellent source of potassiumwhich is important for heart and muscle health.

Antioxidants: The kiwi contains a diverse range of antioxidantsincluding carotenoids and flavonoids, which help protect cells against free radical damage. If you want to know more about free radicals you can find out all about them on our superfoods page.

Low fat and calories: The kiwi is a low-calorie fruitcontaining about 60 calories per serving. In addition, it is a healthy source of carbohydrates and is low in fat and cholesterol.

Other nutrients: The kiwi is also a source of other important nutrients, such as vitamin E, folate, calcium, and magnesium.

Facilitates digestion: Kiwi contains an enzyme called actinidinwhich can aid in the digestion of proteins and improve the absorption of nutrients.

So, in short, what are the effects of the kiwi on our body?

The strengthening of the immune system.
The prevention of disease and infection.
The promotion of digestive health and nutrient absorption
The reduction in the risk of chronic diseases
Maintaining eye health
The reduction of aging

And how can we include the kiwi in our diet?

The kiwi is a delicious and nutritious fruit that can be a wonderful addition to many recipes. Do you want to discover 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 fruit, such as strawberries or grapes!

Sauces: The kiwi can be used in sauces to accompany grilled meat or fish. Peel and dice it, mix it with other fruits, such as mango, and add some coriander and chili peppers to consolidate the flavor.

Desserts: The kiwi can be used in desserts such as pies, cakes or ice cream. Peel and slice it thinly and put it on the dessert as a topping.

Appetizer: The kiwi can also be used in appetizers, such as fruit kebabs. Peel and cut the kiwi into cubes. Then put 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 is a Green Smoothie with kiwi and avocado!

Au naturale!

And how can you store and extend the shelf life of the 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.

Kiwifruit 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 compatible products in storage we have the appropriate post!

If you want to extend the shelf life of your kiwis as much as possible you can put them in the fridge and make them as fresh as possible for longer. If your kiwis start to get ripe and you can't handle it, you can freeze, dehydrate, or can them.

What role does the kiwi play in reducing food waste?

One of the magic tricks of the kiwi is the wonderful possibility that they can be eaten in their entirety, without leaving anything out. Yes, you read that right, you can eat the kiwi with the peel. If you want to know more about the fruits and vegetables you can eat with peel, we have the right post!

Kiwi peels are super nutritious and are actually the part of the fruit with the most fiber and antioxidants! We realize it may be strange given the unique texture of the kiwi, but it's true, just wash it well, take a bite and enjoy. If it's still strange to you, you can scrape the peel off with a spoon and remove the fluffy part of the peel.

If even then the shell doesn't work for you it's okay. We all have different tastes and preferences. If that's the case, no problem! We have another solution for your peels: make tea. Peels contain a lot of antioxidants and other compounds that are beneficial to health. 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 for creating a more sustainable lifestyle, helping to combat food waste, and giving your body some love.

Our baskets have the most delicious and (im)perfect kiwis, and you can place your order here.