Kiwi

2024 Author: Jasmine Walkman | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-16 08:29

Abundant in more vitamin C than a similarly sized orange, the bright green fleshy part of the kiwi with the seeds scattered in it adds an incredible tropical flavor to any fruit salad. Kiwi is a small fruit, with an almost creamy consistency and a refreshing aroma reminiscent of strawberries, melons and bananas, but of course with its own unique sweet and slightly sour taste.

Kiwi is a type of angiosperm of the genus Actinidia.

Kiwi comes from China, where it was known as Yang Tao. Much later, around 1960, it was called the Chinese gooseberry fruit, and its current name is due to the similarity in color with the New Zealand bird - Kiwi. In our country this fruit is imported from France and is currently being tested in some parts of the country.

Kiwi is a tall tree-like shrub / perennial liana / that reaches 20 meters. The shrub has many beautiful leaves that fall in the fall. Actinidia is a unisexual dioecious plant, which means that there are both male and female parts that are pollinated by wind and bees. The shrub blooms in June, and the fruits ripen in late October and are fully ready for consumption in December. The fruits have a cylindrical round shape and weigh 50-100 g.

Currently, Italy, New Zealand, Chile, France, Japan and the United States are among the leading commercial producers of kiwis.

Composition of kiwi

Kiwi contains more than 80% water, 18% dry matter, which includes 1% acids, 1.6% protein, 9 to 12% sugars and over 300 mg of vitamin C. Kiwi also contains vitamin A, B1, the enzyme sea anemone, mineral salts of iron, sodium, potassium, phosphorus, calcium, chlorine, sulfur.

100 g of the tasty fruit contains 0 fat, 49 Kcal, 1 g of protein, 2.6 g of fiber and 11 g of carbohydrates.

Types of kiwis

Wild species of kiwi are numerous. Only two cultivated species are known - Actinidia deliciosa and Actinidia chinensis, which are intended for fresh use. They have a brown, hairy and soft shell, and their core is juicy and grassy green. Around the core of the kiwi there are small black seeds that are very rich in vitamins.

Selection and storage of kiwis

When buying kiwis you should choose healthy and firm fruits. They ripen at room temperature for several days, and if stored in the refrigerator, this period is extended to several weeks. During this time, the fruits do not lose their qualities, thanks to their hairy shell.

The kiwi can be left to ripen for a few days by wrapping it in a paper bag along with apples, pears or bananas.

Kiwi it should not be taken long after it has been cut, as it contains enzymes that would make it too soft.

Kiwi in cooking

In cooking, kiwi is used to soften fish and meat, and this quality is due to the enzyme actidine contained in it, which makes the meat more tender. In addition to fresh consumption, kiwi is also processed. It is consumed dried, used to make many syrups, jams, creams, marmalades, salads, ice cream and many other foods and beverages.

Kiwi is part of many drinks. It is combined in various diet juices, non-alcoholic cocktails with other fruits, alcoholic cocktails with bourbon, campari, tequila.

Kiwi is a favorite fruit for decorating cakes, pancakes, fruit salads, creams and more.

Benefits of kiwi

This fruit is a rich source of phytonutrients, vitamins and minerals.

• The phytonutrients contained in kiwi protect DNA. Kiwi has the ability to protect DNA in the nuclei of human cells from oxygen-related damage. A study of 6- and 7-year-olds found that the more kiwis they ate, the less likely they were to have respiratory problems, including wheezing, shortness of breath or night coughing.

• The antioxidants of kiwi give us complete protection of our body. Kiwi is an exceptional source of vitamin C, which neutralizes free radicals that cause damage to our cells and leads to problems such as infections or cancer. In addition to the vitamin C it contains, however, this fruit is a good source of vitamin E, which is an important fat-soluble antioxidant. The combination of these water- and fat-soluble antioxidants gives kiwi the ability to protect us from free radicals in all directions.

• Fiber controls blood sugar levels and takes care of our cardiovascular health and colon health.

• Due to the high presence of vitamin C in kiwi, we acquire natural protection against asthma.

• Kiwi protects us from macular degeneration (damage to vision due to age). Always add sliced kiwi in your breakfast cereal, in your milk at lunch, and in your vegetable or green salads at dinner.

• By taking kiwi you can enjoy the proper functioning of your cardiovascular system. Taking even a few slices kiwi per day can significantly reduce the risk of blood clotting and reduce the amount of fat in it, thus helping to maintain good cardiovascular function.

Harm from kiwi

Kiwis are among the few foods that contain oxylates - natural substances found in plants, animals and humans. When oxylates become too concentrated in body fluids, they crystallize and can lead to health problems. For this reason, some people who have problems with the kidneys or bile, it is good to be careful with the intake of these fruits.

People with allergies to latex often have a cross-allergy to certain foods - avocado, kiwi, banana and others. citrus fruits. So if you suffer from this type of allergy, be careful with kiwi!

Weight loss with kiwi

Kiwi contains enzymes that for the formation of collagen fibers and accelerate the burning of fat. Those who are trying to lose weight can easily eat a few kiwis a day. On the other hand, kiwi is a very suitable fruit for a day of unloading.