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Tuesday, December 21, 2010

National Kiwifruit Day
December 21, 2010




National Kiwi Day 
sponsored by the California Kiwifruit Commision.

The Kiwifruit Video


History of the Kiwifruit.
Originally discovered in the Chang Kiang Valley of China, kiwifruit was considered a delicacy by the great Khans who enjoyed the emerald green color and wonderful flavor. By the mid 1800s, the fruit had found its way into other countries and was nicknamed the Chinese gooseberry. New Zealand growers started to export this exotic fruit to specialized markets around the world.

Then in 1962, a California produce dealer began importing New Zealand gooseberries. The dealer renamed the product "kiwifruit" because of its resemblance to the fuzzy brown kiwi — New Zealand's funny-looking national bird. By the late 1960s, California began producing its own kiwifruit in the Delano and Gridley areas.

How to Eat A Kiwi

There's no "right" or "wrong" way to eat California Kiwifruit. But since most people find that slicing and scooping is a good way to get the most from their kiwifruit, we coined the word "slooping" to describe it! Here's how to sloop your kiwi:

Using a sharp knife, slice the kiwifruit lengthwise to create two identical halves. Then use a spoon to scoop the sweet, delicious meat of the kiwifruit from each half. Looking for maximum fiber and nutrition? Don't throw that skin away! It's loaded with nutrients and fiber, so rinse it off and bite right in! Follow the link to get a free slooper.



One Large Kiwifruit, weighs about 3.5 ounces (100 grams) and provides the following nutrition:
(The percentages noted use the Reference Daily Intake or Recommended Daily Intake(RDI) for Adults.)

The kiwifruit is a rich source of Vitamin C, Vitamin B6, Vitamin K and Fiber. It is low in calories, low in sodium, has no cholesterol and only a small amount of fat. The kiwifruit also contains many other important nutrients, as shown below.

Calories                            61 kcal

Protein                              1.1 g
Carbohydrates                 14.5 g
Dietary Fiber                    3.0 g (11.9%)
Sugars                              8.99 g
Fat                                     0.52 g
Cholesterol (mg)               0.0 (0%)
Thiamine (Vit. B1)            0.027 mg (2%)
Riboflavin (Vit. B2)           0.025 mg (2%)
Niacin                                0.341 mg (2%)
Vitamin B6                        0.63 mg (48%)
Folate                                25 μg (6%)
Vitamin C                          92.7 mg (155%)
Vitamin E                          1.5 mg (10%)
Vitamin K                          40.3 μg (38%)
Calcium                             34 mg (3%)
Iron                                     0.31 mg (2%)
Magnesium                       16.9 mg (4.2%)
Manganese                       0.1 mg (4.9%)
Phosphorus                       34 mg (5%)
Potassium                         312 mg (7%)
Sodium                              3 mg (0%)
Zinc                                    0.14 mg (1%)


Recipe provided by the California Kiwifruit Commision.
Mint Lemonade, Makes 4 servings 
If you don't have mint, try fresh lemon balm. The lemonade is also delicious without the herbs.
Ingredients
1 cup (250 mL) water
 ½ (125 mL) cup granulated sugar
 ½ (125 mL) cup packed fresh mint leaves
 3 California kiwifruit
 2 to 3 lemons
 Sparkling water

Directions
1. In a medium saucepan, heat water with sugar over medium-high heat, stirring occasionally until sugar is dissolved. Simmer, uncovered, 5 minutes. Remove from heat and stir in mint leaves. Let stand 20 minutes.

2. Meanwhile, peel kiwifruit and cut into chunks. Puree in a food processor. Place puree in a pitcher. Strain cooled syrup into pitcher, pressing on mint, then discard leaves. Refrigerate until cold. Squeeze juice from 2 lemons. Stir into kiwifruit mixture. Taste, squeeze in juice from remaining lemon for a tarter lemonade.


3. Pour into glasses. Top with sparkling water. Serve garnished with a slice of kiwifruit. Makes about 2¼ cups (550 mL) without sparkling water, enough for 4 drinks.


Nutrition per serving (using 3 lemons)
Calories (kcal) 144.8
Protein (g) 0.5
Carbohydrates (g) 36.9
Dietary Fiber (g) 2.5
Fat (g) 0.4
Cholesterol (mg) 0.0
Vitamin A - IU 173.4
Vitamin C (mg) 73.0
Potassium (mg) 187
Sodium (mg) 5.0

For more recipes, visit the California Kiwi Commision.


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