Kiwifruit were first found in the Chang Kiang Valley of China and as they spread to other parts of the world, they were called Chinese gooseberries. They were named 'kiwifruit' in the mid twentieth century. The new name refers to the furry covering that resembles the kiwi bird.
Kiwifruits in the Kitchen
Kiwifruits contain calcium, magnesium, vitamin C, and potassium. One kiwifruit has about 42 calories. They also contain plant chemicals called phenolic acids. Kiwifruits can be served plain or used in recipes such as Chicken Breast with Kiwifruit. You can find kiwifruits in the produce section of most grocery stores. Choose kiwifruits that are firm with no blemishes or cracks in the skin.
Sources:
"History of Kiwifruit." California Kiwifruit Commision. Accessed November 28, 2010. http://www.kiwifruit.org/about/history.aspx
"Kiwifruit, green, raw." USDA National Nutrient Database for Standard Reference. Accessed November 28, 2010. http://www.nal.usda.gov/fnic/foodcomp/search/
