Our Kiwis

Our kiwis are the tastiest and most (im)perfect. Versatile for different types of recipes and, surprisingly, they can even be eaten with the skin on! We've put together the best information and cooking tips to make the most of this delicious fruit. If you want to order your basket filled with (im)perfect kiwis, you can do so here.

But where does this fruit come from?

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 marketed internationally 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 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 initiative of some Portuguese farmers who, while traveling 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 grown in the country today. Over time, new varieties were introduced to Portuguese crops, which allowed production to increase and the quality of the fruit to improve.

Currently, Portugal is an important kiwi producer in Europewith an annual production of around 70,000 tons. The main kiwi producing regions in Portugal are Ribatejo, Beira Litoral and the 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 fruit is very nutritious and rich in vitamins, minerals and antioxidants. These are some of the main properties of this delicious fruit:

Vitamin C: Kiwi fruit is an excellent source of vitamin Cas it provides around 70% of the recommended daily amount per serving. Vitamin C is important for the immune system as it helps fight oxidative stress and can help reduce the risk of chronic diseases.

Fibers: Kiwi fruit is a rich source of fiber which helps promote digestive health and keep blood sugar levels stable.

Potassium: Kiwi fruit is an excellent source of potassiumwhich is important for heart and muscle health.

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

Low in fat and calories: Kiwi is a low-calorie fruitcontaining around 60 calories per portion. It is also a healthy source of carbohydrates and is low in fat and cholesterol.

Other nutrientsKiwi fruit is also a source of other important nutrients such as vitamin E, folate, calcium and magnesium.

Facilitates digestion: Kiwi fruit contains an enzyme called actinidinwhich can help digest proteins and improve the absorption of nutrients.

So, to sum up, what are the effects of kiwi fruit on our bodies?

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
Reducing ageing

And how can we include kiwi fruit in our diet?

Kiwi fruit 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 fruit 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: Kiwi fruit can be used in sauces to accompany grilled meat or fish. Peel it and cut it into cubes, mix with other fruits, such as mango, and add a little coriander and chili peppers to consolidate the flavor.

Desserts: Kiwi fruit can be used in desserts such as pies, cakes or ice cream. Peel it and cut it into thin slices and put it on the dessert as a topping.

Appetizer: Kiwi fruit can also be used in appetizers, such as fruit kebabs. Peel and dice the kiwi. Then put it on sticks with other fruit!

Smoothies: Kiwi is a juicy fruit that brings a sweet taste 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 kiwi fruit?

There are different ways to store kiwis and extend their shelf life, which can last up to two weeks. To do this, it's important to store them in a cool, dry place, away from sunlight. In addition, kiwis should not be washed before storing, as excessive moisture can speed up the deterioration process.

Kiwis emit ethylene, which means they shouldn't be stored with other fruits, as they accelerate the ripening process of fruits and vegetables susceptible to ethylene. 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 them, dehydrate them or make preserves.

What role does kiwi fruit play in reducing food waste?

One of the magic tricks of kiwi fruit is 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 on. If you want to know more about the fruits and vegetables you can eat with the 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 understand that it might 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 skin with a spoon and remove the fuzzy part.

If the shell still doesn't work for you, that's fine. We all have different tastes and preferences. If that's the case, no problem! We have another solution for your peels: making tea. The peels contain a large amount 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 love.

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