Imagine biting into a juicy kiwi, an explosion of sweet and tangy flavours filling your mouth, setting your taste buds alight. Now, elevate that experience with the anticipation of trying the EnzaRed – a new variety of kiwi, set to grace French stalls from next year. This red kiwi promises a sweeter, less acidic bite than its green counterpart, loaded with as much Vitamin C and bound to make you blush with pleasure.
Discovering and Selecting the Perfect Kiwi
Spotting the EnzaRed
This exquisite fruit hails from China but has found a home in New Zealand’s fertile soil. The EnzaRed harvest season typically occurs in October-November, but consumers will have to wait until early 2025 for its commercial unveiling. Keep in mind that although this newcomer shares the same Vitamin C content as traditional green kiwis, it won’t come cheap – expect prices slightly above average.
Selecting Quality Kiwis
Size does not determine flavour. Instead, gently squeeze the kiwi: a good one yields under pressure without being overly mushy. Also remember that EnzaRed’s skin is not edible unlike some varieties of green kiwi.
With knowledge on how to spot and select quality kiwis under our belt, let’s explore how to keep them fresh for longer.
Maintaining Optimum Freshness of Kiwis
Fridge vs Room Temperature
You can store ripe kiwis at room temperature for several days or in the fridge to extend their shelf life by about a week. Unripe ones should be kept at room temperature until they ripen.
Keep Them Separate
- Kiwis produce ethylene, a gas that can speed up ripening in other fruits. To prevent this, store them separately.
Storing kiwis properly ensures their freshness when you decide to introduce them to your culinary adventures.
Kiwi in the Kitchen: tips and Tricks for Tasty Recipes
Peeling and Cutting Kiwis
A simple method is to cut the kiwi in half and scoop out the flesh with a spoon; perfect for those who prefer not to eat the skin.
Cooking Kiwis
While traditionally eaten raw, kiwis can also be used in cooking. Try adding diced kiwi to your salsa or use it as a meat tenderizer due to its natural enzymes.
Kiwis are delicious all year round, but knowing their seasons can enhance your enjoyment of this exotic fruit.
Kiwi Seasons: knowing When to Savour This Exotic Fruit
In Season
Green kiwis are typically harvested between May and October, offering optimal flavour and nutritional benefits during this period. As for red kiwis, anticipate their arrival from February onwards.
Now that we’ve covered when to enjoy these fruits at their prime, let’s delve into the health benefits they offer.
Exploring Nutrition and Health Benefits of Kiwi
Nutrient Dense
Kiwis pack an impressive punch of Vitamin C – more than oranges ! They’re also rich in dietary fibre that aids digestion and potassium which is great for heart health.
Benefits of Consuming Kiwis Regularly
| Benefit | Description |
|---|---|
| Boosting Immunity | The high Vitamin C content helps support the body’s immune system. |
| Digestive Health | Kiwis contain an enzyme known as actinidin that can aid in digestion. |
| Heart Health | Kiwis are rich in potassium, which is key for maintaining cardiovascular health. |
Eating kiwis alone is a treat, but pairing them with other foods can create a culinary masterpiece.
Gourmet Pairings: kiwi’s Best Culinary Companions
Fruit Salads and Desserts
Add kiwis to your fruit salads for a tropical twist or pair them with strawberries and cream for a classic dessert combination.
Savory Dishes
Slice them onto pizzas or blend into sauces to add an unexpected burst of sweetness. Kiwi also pairs well with seafood dishes like prawns or scallops.
As versatile as they are delicious, kiwis can be used to jazz up everything from salads to smoothies.
The Versatility of Kiwi: from Fruit Salad to Refreshing Smoothie
Fruit Salads and Beyond
Basket of fruits ? Make it more interesting by adding slices of kiwi. Their vibrant green (or red ! ) hues will definitely enhance the presentation and taste.
In Your Glass: kiwi Smoothies
For a refreshing drink, blend kiwis with your favourite fruits and some yoghurt or milk. The result ? A healthy, protein-packed smoothie that’s great any time of the day.
To wrap up, the journey of discovering the kiwi fruit takes us through selecting the perfect one off the shelf, ensuring its freshness, experimenting with it in our kitchens, and savouring it at its seasonal best. With the red kiwi making its way to France soon, we have even more reasons to enjoy this vitamin-packed fruit. So whether you prefer them in your salads or sipping them from a glass, there’s no denying that kiwis are indeed a treat to make you blush with pleasure.
