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Fuzzy,
fun and healthy: Secrets of the amazing kiwifruit
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[August 24, 2011]
(ARA) -
The first time you saw a kiwifruit in
your grocery store did you think it was a lemon gone wrong? Or
perhaps you thought it was a new, smaller, odd-looking variety of
pear. The truth is the kiwifruit isn't just a fruit, it's one of
nature's most perfect foods - and if your family hasn't yet
discovered the taste, versatility and nutritional punch of
kiwifruit, it's time to give it a try.
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Kiwifruit has a
history every bit as unusual as its appearance. Discovered in
ancient China, the berry (which grows on vines like grapes) was
known as Chinese gooseberry by the mid 1800s. The kiwi arrived in
California in the early 1960s and was nicknamed "kiwifruit" because
it was imported from New Zealand. Today, fewer than 300 family farms
produce more than 98 percent of all the kiwifruit grown in the U.S.
You can view a video about kiwifruit, how it's grown and how to
select, ripen and eat it at www.kiwifruit.org.
Nutritionally, kiwifruit packs a powerful wallop. Low in calories
and naturally fat free, kiwifruit offers:
* Two and a half times the recommended daily allowance of immune
system booster vitamin C.
* More fiber (in two kiwis) than a bowl of bran cereal.
* More potassium than a banana.
* Nearly 10 percent of the recommended daily allowance of folate, a
nutrient vital to fetal development and maternal health before,
during and after pregnancy.
* Vitamin E, a powerful antioxidant that is found in just a handful
of fat-free sources like kiwifruit.
The California Kiwifruit Commission offers a few helpful hints for
enjoying kiwi:
* Kiwifruit should be smooth-skinned (but slightly prickly), without
wrinkles, bruises or blemishes.
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* Like many
fruits and vegetables sold in supermarkets, kiwifruit come in
varying stages of ripeness. When you plan to eat your kiwifruit will
determine what degree of ripeness you choose. If you'll be eating
your kiwifruit after three or more days, choose fruit that are firm
to the touch. If you plan to eat them in just a day or two, select
softer fruit. If you want to eat your kiwifruit right away, choose
ones that give easily when gently pressed.
* To eat your kiwifruit, practice "slooping." First, slice the kiwi
in half lengthwise, and then scoop out the sweet flesh with a spoon
- slooping. You can receive a free slooper from the California
Kiwifruit Commission by visiting their website.
* Kiwifruit are great in a wide variety of recipes and dishes, from
delectable summer smoothies and fresh salads to pies, puddings and
even cocktails.
For more interesting facts, nutritional information and recipes, and
to view the video, visit www.kiwifruit.org.
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