Kiwi fruit: Know its origin, nutritive value, recipes, and goodness for babies and pregnant mothers!

Kiwi fruit is a nutritious fruit that is increasingly making its appearance on the shelves of supermarkets and also fruit shops worldwide. But this was not so a few years back. Though slightly costlier than its contemporary fruits, it nonetheless has its own great flavor and taste. But do you know where the fruit originated from? 

The origin of Kiwi fruit

The word Kiwi makes one feel that the origin of this sweet-tangy fruit was in New Zealand. But this is not true. Though it is produced now in large exportable quantities in New Zealand, it is not a fruit native to that island nation. Yes, kiwi fruit was first grown in the Far East in what is modern-day China. In China, it is called Yang Tao. A principal of a school in New Zealand, Isabel Frazer happened to carry back some seeds of this Yang Tao fruit to New Zealand after she returned from her China travel. This is how it reached the shores of New Zealand. 

Kiwi fruit and kiwi bird (Source: Pinterest) 

Soon it began to grow there and git the nickname of Chinese gooseberries. But gooseberries are not popular in New Zealand and hence the name was changed to kiwi fruit. This was because of the resemblance of the kiwi fruit to their national bird, Kiwi. It was small, brown, and fuzzy like the bird. Aptly named. 

Nutrition and health and recipes 

Kiwi fruit is a rich source of vitamin C, potassium, and anti-oxidants. It also has other vitamins including folate and also fiber. Hence, it is  a healthy fruit that can supplement the diet in health and disease. It is good for skin and makes it beautiful from inside out. Collagen formation is increased and free radical damage is decreased. Regeneration and rejuvenation of skin especially of the rough and dry skin is enhanced. 

Kiwi fruit and health (Source: Pinterest) 

One can cut and eat it fresh or in the form of a juice.  The fruit can be eaten anywhere as an afternoon snack, after an exercise bout, at a picnic, party, or during a walk. One can peel. It and make bites or cut and scoop out the pulp. It can be an important ingredient of salads. It can be put into a burger with or without chicken. It can be part of desserts, smoothies, or ice creams. One can make a lot of creative recipes with kiwi fruit and the list is endless. Kiwi fruit is available in 3 forms: Green, sungold, and organic. 

Read also on sabja seeds and why they are good in summer

Can babies have kiwi fruit? 

Normally, babies start on semi-solid foods by 6 months of age. Since it is a soft and pulpy fruit, one can easily mash it and serve the puree form to infants. Thus it is easy to prepare for kids without teeth. When the baby is old enough to finger feed, small slices could be given in their hands to eat. It is safe and hood for babies. But introduce it in the food singly so that allergy to it can be picked up. If your baby has a history of allergy, start with kiwi fruit later in their life: 8-12 months should be ideal. 

Is it good during pregnancy? 

Pregnant ladies are provided folic acid to prevent development of spina bifida in the fetus. And kiwi fruit has nearly 38 micrograms of folate per 100 g of the fruit. But cooking destroys this folate. Hence eating kiwi fruit uncooked is good. It prevents constipation that is common in pregnant ladies.