The kiwi, also known as the Chinese gooseberry, is a berry fruit, just like lemons, oranges etc. Botanically, the kiwi is not related to citrus fruits. The kiwi surpasses the lemon in vitamin C content.
Apart from their high vitamin C content and the fact that kiwis and citrus fruits are berry fruits, these two types of exotic fruit don't have much in common. While citrus plants belong to the rue family, kiwi plants belong to the ray family. In addition to lemons, citrus fruits include:
- Mandarins,
- Oranges,
- Grapefruits,
- Lime,
- Kumquats.
Similarities and differences
The deciduous kiwi bushes and evergreen citrus trees are thermophilic and thrive in regions with subtropical and tropical climates. Both plants are sensitive to frost and require winter protection in these latitudes or must be overwintered frost-free. In contrast to the robust kiwi plants, citrus plants are more susceptible to disease and pests.
Citrus fruits are a special form of the berry. The kiwi originally came to New Zealand from Asia as the Chinese gooseberry, where it was later renamed by New Zealand fruit growers because of its similarity to the native bird. In addition, Actinidia deliciosa and all types of citrus are united by their delicate, sour taste and high vitamin C content. In contrast to citrus fruits, kiwi fruits are harvested unripe and ripen during storage.
What makes kiwis he althy
The kiwis are he althy and an ideal source of vitamins for the cold season when fresh locally grown fruit is no longer available. The kiwi fruits contain few calories, have hardly any fat and a lot of vitamin C. 100 g of kiwi cover 95% of an adult's daily vitamin C requirement. They also contain the protein-splitting enzyme actinidin, which promotes the digestion of meat meals.
Tips & Tricks
Kiwi can also be eaten with the peel on. It should be washed thoroughly beforehand and rubbed off so that the fine hairs are no longer a problem.
