KIWI FRUITS ( KIWIS)

The kiwifruit or Chinese gooseberry (sometimes shortened to kiwi) is the edible berry of a woody vine in the genus Actinidia. The genus Actinidia contains around 60 species. The most common kiwifruit is the fuzzy kiwifruit, from the species A. deliciosa. Other species that are commonly eaten include golden kiwifruit (A. chinensis), Chinese egg gooseberry (A. coriacea), baby kiwifruit (A. arguta), Arctic kiwifruit (A. kolomikta), red kiwifruit (A. melanandra), silver vine (A. polygama), purple kiwifruit (A. purpurea).

The most common cultivar group of kiwifruit is oval, about the size of a large hen's egg (5–8 cm (2.0–3.1 in) in length and 4.5–5.5 cm (1.8–2.2 in) in diameter). It has a fibrous, dull greenish-brown skin and bright green or golden flesh with rows of tiny, black, edible seeds. The fruit has a soft texture and a sweet but unique flavor, It is a commercial crop in several countries, such as Italy, New Zealand, Chile, Greece, and France.

Kiwifruit is native to north-central and eastern China. Cultivation of the fuzzy kiwifruit spread from China in the early 20th century to New Zealand, where the first commercial plantings occurred. Kiwifruit can be grown in most temperate climates with adequate summer heat.

Kiwifruit may be eaten raw, made into juices, used in baked goods, prepared with meat or used as a garnish.The whole fruit including the skin is suitable for human consumption, but the skin is often discarded due to its texture.