What are the nutritional benefits of golden kiwifruit. How does it compare to green kiwifruit. What makes golden kiwifruit unique in taste and appearance. When is golden kiwifruit in season. How should you store and handle golden kiwifruit.

The Origins and History of Kiwifruit

Kiwifruit, originally native to China, has an intriguing journey to becoming a globally recognized fruit. In 1904, Isabel Fraser introduced kiwifruit seeds to New Zealand, marking the beginning of a horticultural revolution. It wasn’t until the 1960s that New Zealand began commercial cultivation of kiwifruit, which were then known as “Chinese Gooseberries.” The name “kiwifruit” was adopted later, reflecting its association with New Zealand, where the kiwi bird is an iconic symbol.

In the 1970s, New Zealand growers experimented with naturally developing golden kiwifruit varieties using seeds imported from China. This experimentation led to the creation of the golden kiwifruit we know today, offering a distinct alternative to the traditional green variety.

Key Milestones in Kiwifruit History

• 1904: Kiwifruit seeds introduced to New Zealand
• 1960s: Commercial cultivation begins in New Zealand
• 1970s: Development of golden kiwifruit varieties
• Present day: New Zealand exports kiwifruit to over 50 countries under the Zespri label

Golden Kiwifruit: A Sweet Revolution

Golden kiwifruit, also known as Zespri® SunGold™, has carved out its own niche in the fruit market. But how does it differ from its green counterpart? Golden kiwifruit is generally sweeter and lacks the tangy flavor characteristic of green kiwifruit. This unique taste profile has made it increasingly popular among consumers seeking a milder, more tropical flavor.

Can you eat the skin of a golden kiwifruit? Unlike green kiwifruit, golden kiwifruit has a smooth, hairless skin that is entirely edible. This feature not only makes it easier to consume but also adds to its nutritional value, as the skin contains additional fiber and nutrients.

Availability and Handling of Golden Kiwifruit

When is golden kiwifruit in season? The golden kiwifruit season in New Zealand typically runs from April to October. During this period, consumers can enjoy fresh, high-quality golden kiwifruit at its peak.

How should you store golden kiwifruit? To ensure optimal ripeness and flavor, allow golden kiwifruit to ripen at room temperature. Once ripe, store them in the refrigerator to extend their shelf life. Always handle fresh produce with care and wash before consuming.

Nutritional Powerhouse: Kiwifruit’s Health Benefits

Kiwifruit, both green and gold varieties, are renowned for their impressive nutritional profile. They are particularly notable for their high vitamin C content. How much vitamin C is in a serving of kiwifruit? Two kiwifruit (approximately 166g) provide a whopping 180mg of vitamin C, which is 450% of the recommended daily intake for an average adult.

Nutritional Breakdown of Kiwifruit (per 2 fruit serving)

• Energy: 453 kJ / 108 Cal
• Protein: 2.0g
• Total Fat: 0.9g
• Available Carbohydrate: 18.4g
• Dietary Fiber: 3.3g
• Vitamin C: 180mg
• Folate: 56µg
• Potassium: 525mg

Beyond vitamin C, kiwifruit is also a good source of dietary fiber, folate, and potassium. These nutrients contribute to various aspects of health, including digestive function, cell growth, and blood pressure regulation.

Green vs. Gold: A Comparative Analysis

While both green and golden kiwifruit offer substantial nutritional benefits, they differ in several key aspects. Understanding these differences can help consumers make informed choices based on their preferences and nutritional needs.

Appearance

How do green and golden kiwifruit differ in appearance? Green kiwifruit has a fuzzy brown exterior and an oval shape. When cut open, it reveals a vibrant green flesh dotted with black seeds. In contrast, golden kiwifruit has a smooth, hairless, golden-brown skin. Its flesh is a sunny yellow color with a smaller core and fewer seeds.

Taste Profile

What’s the difference in taste between green and golden kiwifruit? Green kiwifruit is known for its fresh, tangy-sweet flavor. Golden kiwifruit, particularly the Zespri® SunGold™ variety, offers a distinctly tropical sweetness. Some describe its taste as a blend of mango and strawberry, making it a unique addition to the fruit world.

Nutritional Variations

While both varieties are nutritional powerhouses, they do have slight differences in their nutrient composition. Golden kiwifruit typically contains more vitamin C and folate compared to its green counterpart. However, green kiwifruit often has a higher content of vitamin K and fiber.

Culinary Applications of Kiwifruit

Both green and golden kiwifruit are versatile ingredients that can be used in a variety of culinary applications. Their distinct flavors and textures make them suitable for both sweet and savory dishes.

Ways to Enjoy Kiwifruit

1. Fresh consumption: Simply cut in half and scoop out the flesh with a spoon
2. Smoothies: Blend with other fruits for a nutrient-packed drink
3. Fruit salads: Add color and flavor to mixed fruit dishes
4. Baking: Incorporate into muffins, cakes, or tarts
5. Savory dishes: Use as a tenderizer for meats or in salsas

For golden kiwifruit, its smooth, edible skin allows for easy consumption, similar to eating an apple or plum. This convenient feature makes it an excellent on-the-go snack option.

Kiwifruit Cultivation: From Vine to Table

The journey of kiwifruit from the vine to your table is a fascinating process that requires specific growing conditions and careful management. How are kiwifruit grown? Kiwifruit vines are cultivated on sturdy support structures in temperate areas with warm summers. The Bay of Plenty region in New Zealand is particularly renowned for its kiwifruit production.

Interesting Cultivation Facts

• Kiwifruit plants are dioecious, meaning they have separate male and female plants
• Bees play a crucial role in pollinating kiwifruit plants
• Only female plants bear fruit
• The main variety of kiwifruit grown in New Zealand is the Hayward

The cultivation of kiwifruit is a testament to the harmony between nature and agriculture. The use of bees for pollination highlights the importance of maintaining biodiversity in agricultural systems.

The Economic Impact of Kiwifruit

Kiwifruit has become a significant contributor to New Zealand’s economy. In 2017, New Zealand exported kiwifruit to over 50 countries under the Zespri label, with exports valued at $1.091 billion. This impressive figure underscores the global demand for kiwifruit and its importance to New Zealand’s agricultural sector.

How has the introduction of golden kiwifruit affected the market? The development of golden kiwifruit varieties, particularly the Zespri® SunGold™, has expanded the kiwifruit market. Its unique flavor profile and smooth skin have attracted new consumers, contributing to the overall growth of the kiwifruit industry.

Kiwifruit’s Global Reach

The success of kiwifruit on the global stage is a result of several factors:

• Consistent quality and taste
• Strong marketing strategies
• Continuous innovation in varieties and cultivation techniques
• Emphasis on sustainable farming practices

As consumer awareness of the health benefits of kiwifruit grows, its popularity is likely to continue increasing, potentially opening up new markets and opportunities for growers and exporters.

Kiwifruit – Gold

Kiwifruit/Huakiwi

Availability

The gold kiwifruit season in New Zealand is from April to October.

Storage and Handling

Ripen at room temperature then store in the refrigerator. Handle all fresh produce with care and wash before eating.

History

The kiwifruit is native to China.  The seeds were introduced to New Zealand by Isabel Fraser in 1904.  In the 1960s New Zealand began growing kiwifruit commercially.

In the 1970s, NZ kiwifruit growers experimented with a natural development of a golden kiwifruit whose seeds were imported from China.  

Facts

• Gold kiwifruit is sweeter and do not have the same tang as green kwifruit
• Kiwifruit were called “Chinese Gooseberries” until the 1960s
• The main variety of kiwifruit grown in New Zealand is the Hayward
• New Zealand exported kiwifruit to over 50 countries in 2017 under the Zespri label, valued at $1. 091 billion
• The skin of kiwifruit is edible
• Kiwifruit are a good source of Vitamin C

Growing Facts

• Kiwifruit is grown on sturdy support structures in temperate areas with a warm summer  
• The Bay of Plenty produces much of New Zealand’s kiwifruit  
• Kiwifruit plants are either male or female, and bees are used to pollinate the plants  
• Only the female plants bear fruit

Nutrition Information

2 kiwifruit = 166 g

	Average Quantity per serving	% Daily Intake per serve	Average Quantity per 100 g
Energy (kJ/Cal)	453/108	5%	273/65
Protein (g)	2.0	4%	1.2
Fat, total (g)	0. 9	1%	0.6
– saturated (g)	0.14	1%	0.08
Available carbohydrate (g)	18.4	6%	11.1
– sugars (g)	18.1	20%	10.9
Dietary Fibre (g)	3.3	11%	2.0
Sodium (mg)	5	0%	3
Vitamin C (mg)	180	450% RDI*	109
Folate (µg)	56	28% RDI*	34
Niacin (mg)	1.2	12% RDI*	1
Vitamin E (mg)	2.2	22% RDI*	1.3
Vitamin K (µg)	16	20% ESADDI**	11
Potassium (mg)	525		316

Percentage Daily Intakes are based on an average adult diet of 8700 kJ

Your daily Intakes may be higher or lower depending on your energy needs

*Recommended Dietary Intake (Average Adult)

**Estimated Safe and Adequate Daily Dietary Intake

Source: FOODfiles

Difference between Green vs Gold kiwi fruit

• Did You Know

What’s the Difference Between Green and SunGold™ Kiwifruit?

Zespri® Kiwifruit have these vitamins and minerals, and much more, making it a delicious and nutrient-dense complement to your everyday diet. While green kiwifruit is the long-standing, well-known kiwi classic, here are some details about how it compares to its yellow fruit cousin — Zespri ™ SunGold™ kiwifruit

Appearance

Visually, you’ll see a fairly striking difference between our Green and SunGold™ varieties. The green kiwi has a fuzzy brown skin and oval shape. Gold kiwifruit, in contrast, has smooth, hairless skin that’s a nice golden-brown color.

Slicing the fruit in half reveals even more differences. Green kiwifruit has, as one would expect, a green flesh with black seeds. The flesh of our golden kiwifruit is a vibrant yellow color with a smaller core and fewer seeds.

Taste

Zespri® grows for taste, so you can be sure you’re getting the best-tasting kiwifruit no matter what Zespri® variety you choose! Our green kiwifruit has a fresh, tangy-sweet taste. Zespri® SunGold™ kiwifruit has a totally different taste than the green kiwifruit. The SunGold kiwi, which is unique to Zespri®, has that tropically sweet taste. Some even say it tastes like a cross between a mango and a strawberry. Cutting in half and scooping out the flesh with a spoon is one of the easiest ways to enjoy them. Without the fuzz on the skin, some people are eating this sun-kissed variety just like they would an apple or a plum!

Even though you might see other yellow kiwis in the supermarket, only Zespri® SunGold™ has a sweet tropical taste, and a smooth hairless skin. Other golden kiwis that aren’t SunGold™ will have fuzz and more of a tangy-sweet taste. Find Zespri® SunGold™ at store near you.

Ripening and Storage

Zespri® SunGold™ is usually ripe and ready to eat when you buy it and gets sweeter as it softens. Zespri® Green Kiwifruit can be firmer when purchased, so it is important to let them ripen at room temperature. A ripe kiwi should give to slight pressure like a peach or an avocado. Once kiwifruit is ripe, it can be kept in the refrigerator – about a week for Green Kiwifruit and about 2 weeks for SunGold Kiwifruit.

Want to slow down the ripening process? Simply keep your green or SunGold kiwifruit in the fridge, separated from other fruit. If you need to speed up the ripening process, all kiwifruit variants can be stored at room temperature, in a paper bag with other fruit — like bananas or apples.

Nutrition Benefits

This is one area where both varieties have a lot in common. Both are full of vitamins and minerals, making Zespri® Kiwifruit a perfect choice for a healthful snack. Both Zespri® Green and Zespri® SunGold™ Kiwifruit have little fat and sodium and, no cholesterol. Kiwifruit are both a low Glycemic Index and a low FODMAP food.

Both our Green and SunGold™ kiwifruit are amongst the most nutritious fruits, but there are some slight differences in their nutrition:

Low-Cal. Here are some of their slight differences when it comes to nutrition: One serving (two kiwifruits) of Green has 90 calories, SunGold has 110. Green kiwis contain more potassium than a medium banana, while SunGolds have as much as a banana.

Vitamin C. Zespri Green is an excellent sources of vitamin C, containing more vitamin C than an orange and covering a full day’s requirement per serving. Our SunGold™ Kiwi variety has even more Vitamin C than Green — and three times more than an orange!

Fiber. While green has more fiber than gold kiwifruit, they both contain a rare combination of both soluble and insoluble fiber.

We can talk about the differences between our Zespri® Green and SunGold™ kiwifruit all day. But don’t just take our word for it. Taste the difference for yourself!

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What is useful kiwi fruit. What is the difference between yellow and green kiwi

Have you ever tasted yellow kiwi? If you love kiwi, you will definitely love Kiwi Gold! This is a sweeter tasting variety and a more exotic version of kiwi.

photo: yellow kiwi / publicly available

Yellow kiwi has brown skin without furry skin. Therefore, Kiwi Gold can be eaten in the same way as apples and pears, with a peel.

The term “kiwi” was not used until 1970. This is a New Zealand word that originally referred only to the bird. *Kiwis are chicken-sized birds that live only in New Zealand and are considered a symbol of this country.

^{Photo: The kiwi bird is a genus of flightless birds.}
Later, this name was given to the berry, which was previously known as “Chinese gooseberry” (because of the pulp, similar to the taste of gooseberries).

The kiwifruit originates from China, although the kiwifruit was first mentioned in New Zealand. Thanks to teacher Isabelle Fraser who brought kiwi seeds (yang tao) from China in 1904. In New Zealand, gardener Alexander Ellison began growing and breeding completely new kiwi varieties.

Kiwi Gold – This variety was bred in New Zealand by breeder Russell Lowe. Officially, the yellow kiwi variety that was patented as a cultivar was named Hort 16a, and for the trademark, the yellow kiwi cultivar was named ZespriGold.

^{Photo: Kiwifruit with green, yellow and red flesh/public sources.}
Over 4,000 hectares of Gold kiwi have already been planted worldwide. Even though the yellow kiwifruit is native to New Zealand, in fact Italy grows and imports more kiwifruit than any other country in the world. Kiwis today grow all over the world, and most of all in places such as China, New Zealand, North America, South Africa, Turkey, Australia, Italy, Chile and Japan.

Yellow kiwifruit, unique in taste and color, is also very beneficial due to its many properties. Describing the taste of kiwi, they talk about a combination of gooseberry, strawberry, banana, melon, apple, cherry and pineapple flavors.

4 Amazing Benefits of Kiwi Gold

Kiwi Gold contains beneficial nutrients for the skin.

Kiwi Gold is high in vitamin C, a nutrient with many skin benefits. Vitamin C plays an important role in the formation of collagen – a substance that makes the skin smooth and contributes to its elasticity. Kiwi Gold contains more than three times more vitamin C than oranges, currants and cabbage. With over 161mg per 100g, Kiwi Gold is one of the fruits and vegetables that contains the highest amount of vitamin C, which helps boost natural defenses. And especially relevant during seasonal diseases.

Kiwi Gold helps you keep your figure.

Kiwi Gold is ideal for a balanced diet. Kiwi Gold contains only 79 kcal per 100 g, which is very low compared to other sweet fruits. With the constant use of kiwi, weight, cholesterol and blood sugar levels decrease, blood pressure and blood clotting normalize, digestion and brain activity improve, and immunity increases. ^{Photo: Kiwi salad.}
Low glycemic index.

Kiwi Gold has a low glycemic index, which means that it does not cause a spike in blood sugar, which is very convenient for diabetics.

The consumption of kiwi fruit in diabetics, thanks to the enzymes it contains, contributes to the burning of the lipid layer, which helps to reduce excess weight. Positive is the low calorie content and the high content of antioxidants.

Potassium content.

Potassium is an important mineral that helps in the proper functioning of nerves and muscles. This is why potassium-filled bananas are often associated with an anti-depressant, but not many people know that kiwi contains the same amount of potassium as a banana. Kiwi Gold is rich in potassium and fiber, elements that help normalize blood pressure, because it counteracts the effects of sodium. Another benefit of potassium is that it prevents muscle loss and slows down osteoporosis.

Useful properties of kiwi.

Kiwi is also rich in vitamins C, E, K, folic acid, carotenoids, phytochemicals. One kiwi contains an impressive amount of fiber. Due to the antioxidants it contains, its regular consumption prevents the onset of cardiovascular disease and some types of cancer.

Oxidative damage to DNA is one of the possible causes of some types of cancer.
In studies, they observed a decrease in DNA oxidation and an increase in the antioxidant capacity of the blood in people who ate 1 kiwi fruit per day for 3 weeks. The researchers also found that cell DNA from people who consumed 500 ml (2 cups) of kiwi juice was more resistant to oxidation. It has been found to be more effective than vitamin C (known for its antioxidant capacity) in protecting against oxidative DNA damage. This suggests that the antioxidant power of kiwi fruit is related to more than just its vitamin C content.

Cardiovascular diseases.
Researchers have noticed that eating two to three kiwi fruit a day for about 1 month lowers triglyceride levels, inhibits platelet aggregation, normalizes blood pressure and reduces plaque cholesterol in the blood.

Laxative.
Kiwifruit can be effective for patients with intestinal problems, including kiwifruit can be taken by patients after surgery to improve digestion. Kiwi perfectly fights constipation problems, also a frequent companion of diabetes. Pregnancy and lactation .
It is a good source of folic acid, which is considered beneficial for the development and health of the fetus. Also when breastfeeding.

Having become acquainted with the countless positive qualities of a tasty and healthy fruit in various conditions and circumstances, only one question remained unanswered: are there any contraindications to the use of kiwi?

Contraindications for use.

Undoubtedly, kiwi is very useful and nutritious, but it should not be abused, as well as any other berries. Indeed, in some cases, kiwi can completely affect the human body negatively. Kiwi is one of the berries that can provoke allergies. Its use by people who suffer from or are predisposed to allergies can cause severe allergic reactions. For this reason, it is not recommended to introduce kiwi into the diet of children under the age of one year.

Very sour kiwi, should also be limited to people suffering from high acidity, having stomach ulcers, with exacerbations of gastrointestinal diseases.

Kiwi contains quite a lot of acids, that is, it can have a negative effect on tooth enamel. Doctors will recommend rinsing your mouth with water after eating kiwi fruit.

What time of the day is best to eat kiwi

Again, kiwi is a berry with a low glycemic index, but nutritionists recommend eating them as a dessert, for example, 10-15 minutes after breakfast or lunch.

The healthiest way to eat kiwi

Fresh. Can be added to fruit salads (it is recommended to add kiwi just before serving, otherwise it will soften the rest of the fruit). Remember, vitamin C – the main companion of kiwi – does not tolerate temperature well, that is, jams or preserves are canceled.

Kiwi fruit is mainly used in smoothies. Nutritionists recommend mixing them with spinach and cucumber, for example. You can add vegetable protein. But remember, if you have problems with the gastrointestinal tract, this is not your dish.

In addition, kiwi contains the enzyme actinide, which makes dairy products bitter. Well suited as a marinade for barbecue, the meat is tender.

Post.factum previously wrote about 10 natural products that reduce appetite.

Sunny exotic with kiwi Gold

Juicy exotic delicacy – the fruit of the New Zealand kiwi is known all over the world. Sweet and sour taste combined with juicy pulp is unmatched by any other tropical fruit. Kiwi has found application in cooking, dietary nutrition and cosmetology. Its price is not much different from other exotic fruits – tangerines, grapes and persimmons. The classic fruit with dark green velvety skin is not the only variety you can buy in Russia. Yellow Kiwi Gold is a relatively new variety of a tropical plant. The inner part of the lemon-yellow fruit is especially valued in the confectionery business. Fully ripe, golden fruits, similar in appearance to lemon, but much softer and sweeter.

How to choose a quality kiwifruit?

Before buying a kiwi, it is advisable to evaluate the external signs of freshness: color, elasticity, shape and smell of the entire batch. In supermarkets, frozen or too soft fruits (repeatedly tested by customers) are often found, which, although sweet, are completely unsuitable for complex confectionery cutting and dessert decoration. A high-quality batch of kiwi is distinguished by selected fruits without cracks, dents and wrinkles on a thin peel, as well as the absence of foreign odors and pollution. To buy fresh and high-quality fruits, it is more convenient to use the services of an online store of natural products.

Yellow kiwi in cooking

Taste and smell of kiwi Gold vaguely resembles a green variety. Ripe yellow flesh is several times juicier and not sour, and a moderate amount of organic acids makes the taste not so astringent. Fresh kiwi perfectly complements the festive table, served as a cut, decorates a chilled smoothie or is added to a meat garnish. Thin slices are ideal for making jelly cakes and cakes. Confectioners prefer yellow kiwi fruits for making curd desserts not only due to their rich taste, but also due to their original appearance. The thin skin is easy to peel off, and the juicy flesh does not contain large seeds, which often have to be removed in other fruits. Kiwi goes well with mint, yogurt, cheese, orange sauce and other healthy foods. Sweet fruits are added to ice cream, savory desserts, casseroles and smoothies.

Useful properties of kiwi Gold

Yellow kiwi differs in its useful properties from the traditional green variety. While the green flesh is rich in antioxidants and organic acids, the light yellow fruit is good for the gastrointestinal tract and cerebral circulation due to omega-3, and its fruit acids do not irritate the stomach walls. The nutritional properties of Gold Kiwifruit are highly valued and the low-calorie composition is recommended in many diets.