What Is The Origin Of Kiwifruit? - Zespri

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What is the origin of kiwifruit?

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What is the origin of kiwifruit?

Vitamin C
Potassium
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Zespri Green kiwifruit
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Fans of epic adventure stories full of discovery and excitement, listen up! Today kiwifruit is a regular feature of supermarket shelves, but it wasn’t always that way. The original fruit is from the Far East, having been grown in what is now modern-day China for many centuries. It was only at the turn of the 20th Century, in 1904, that it arrived on New Zealand shores, when New Zealand school principal Isabel Fraser brought some kiwifruit seeds back from her travels.

What is the origin of the kiwifruit’s name?

Being of Chinese origin, kiwifruit originally had a Chinese name, yang tao. But when the fruit was first grown in New Zealand, their sweet/sharp flavour and green colour quickly earned them the nickname ‘Chinese Gooseberries.’ Gooseberries not being the most popular fruit, in 1959 it was decided to change the name to kiwifruit, after New Zealand’s national bird. Not many fruits are named after animals but, setting them side by side, they are both small, brown and fuzzy!

The origins of kiwifruits health benefits

The name of kiwifruit may have changed, but their nutritious deliciousness hasn’t! With Zespri Green kiwifruit, also known as Hayward, you are always guaranteed taste and freshness. Not only is the fruit high in vitamin C and antioxidants, but it is also a source of potassium and folate.

Ancient origins, modern recipes

The kiwifruit might have been around for centuries, but we’re still inventing new ways to enjoy it. One popular recipe at the moment is for a Kiwifruit Chicken Burger. A combination of Zespri Green kiwifruit and chicken, it is a delicious way to kick-start a new health regime. And once you’ve mastered that recipe, why not get creative and invent your own? Kiwifruit tastes great blended with a whole range of ingredients – the only limitation is your imagination!

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