Fruit Fact Thursday: the KIWI

• When googling Kiwi, it’s best to go with “kiwi fruit,” or “kiwifruit,” or else you’ll get the bird. And this is FRUIT facts, not Animal Facts. That’s the facts.
• Kiwi is considered a berry, and in fact was once known as the Chinese Goose Berry.
• Kiwifruit is furry—er, “fibrous”—on the outside and bright green on the inside, with tiny black seeds.
• Kiwi is the national fruit of China.
• It’s grown in China, New Zealand, Chili, France, Greece, Japan, and certain areas of the United States.
• The “gold kiwifruit” is sweeter, less tart, pointy on one end, and less furry. You can eat it whole after simply rubbing off the skin.
• Kiwis are so GOOD for you! They contain vitamins C, A, and E, potassium, omega-3’s. They are also high in fiber.
• Kiwi also contains a protein-dissolving enzyme called actinidin, which can be an allergen. So, people allergic to latex, papayas, and pineapples will probably be allergic to the kiwi, too.
• Kiwi is a natural blood-thinner.
• You can actually eat the skin, which makes it taste even more tart… but ew. Texture issues. I shudder a bit just thinking of it.
• Otherwise, just peel or cut that skin off, slice it up, and voila. Kiwis are extremely yummy and I recommend them highly. They are also, of course, uber-cheap at the ol’ Costco. I know you’re shocked.
• And if you’re lucky, maybe you have an antique spoon with which to fully enjoy the kiwi. I’m sad to say I do not.