Kiwifruit

History / Geography The kiwifruit is actually a Chinese gooseberry. It is mainly produced in Tea Puke, New Zealand and Gridley, California with many other locations trying to catch some of the success of this little fruit. Science Actinidia

Varieties There are several varieties, but two colors. The green kiwifruit is the most common. A new gold variety is now available, but is not seen in all markets.

Season November to May

How to Select The kiwifruit looks like a small brown furry egg. Select fruit that gives a little to the touch. Never select any that are too soft, as this is an indication of bruising or rotting. Hard kiwis will ripen in a couple days in a brown bag with holes in it at room temperature.

Storage Store in a refrigerator up to 3 weeks!

Nutritional Qualities Vitamin C and Beta Carotene.

Trivia The name "kiwifruit" comes from the small, brown, flightless bird of New Zealand, called a Kiwi.

If wanting to use kiwis in a gelatin, heat your kiwi to 170 degrees F (77 degrees C) to help destroy an enzyme which will prevent it from geling.

Wine Pairings Sauternes, Vouvray, Moscato D'Asti, Auslesen

Equivalencies 2 kiwifruits = 3/4 cup sliced

Preparation Peel your kiwi before slicing, or scoop out the inside with a spoon.

Additional Information (Web Sites) http://www.kiwifruit.org http://www.zespri.com/

Recipes

Kiwifruit Frozen Yogurt Kiwifruit.org

2 California kiwifruit, peeled and coarsely chopped 1 tablespoon honey 1 pint frozen low-fat or nonfat vanilla yogurt, softened 1 to 2 drops of green food coloring (optional) 1 package (10 ounces) frozen red raspberries in syrup, thawed 2 tablespoons triple sec or other fruit Liqueur 2 teaspoons cornstarch 3 California kiwifruit, ends trimmed and sliced lengthwise Fresh mint leaves Fresh or frozen whole raspberries

In food processor or blender, puree chopped kiwifruit; stir in honey. Place in freezer and freeze until slushy (about 45 minutes). In a stainless steel bowl, quickly combine softened yogurt, kiwifruit mixture and food coloring; refreeze in bowl. With small ice cream scoop (about 2 tablespoons) form 12 balls and place on wax paper-lines tray; refreeze.

Meanwhile, to make sauce, in food processor or blender puree thawed raspberries. Over saucepan, strain berries, through a fine sieve, pressing with back of spoon. Discard seeds. Stir in orange liqueur and cornstarch. Bring to boil, stirring constantly until slightly thickened. Cool; cover and chill. To assemble; spoon about 2 tablespoons on each of 6 dessert plates or shallow bowls. Arrange kiwifruit slices and frozen yogurt balls on sauce. Garnish with mint and whole raspberries.

Make 6 servings.

Kiwi Fruit, Orange and Avocado Salad New Zealand Fruit Company

4 New Zealand kiwi fruit 2 oranges 1 large tomato -- cut in wedges 1/2 avocado -- halved, sliced 1/4 cup red onion -- sliced fresh basil sprigs 1/4 cup orange juice 1/2 teaspoon balsamic vinegar 1/2 teaspoon Dijon mustard black pepper -- to taste

Peel kiwifruit and cut into 1/4-inch slices. Slice the peel from oranges; slice crosswise into 1/4-inch thick rounds.

Arrange kiwifruit, oranges, tomatoes and avocado in a spiral pattern on four salad plates. Top with onion slices and garnish with basil sprigs. Whisk together remaining ingredients until well combined. Drizzle over salads to serve.

Yields: 4 servings

New Zealand Kiwi Cheesecake Public domain recipes

1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs 1/4 cup granulated sugar 1 1/2 pounds cream cheese 1/4 teaspoon salt 1 teaspoon vanilla extract 4 large egg -- slightly beaten 1 cup granulated sugar 1 cup sour cream 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract 2 kiwi fruit -- peeled & sliced 6 tablespoons butter -- melted 2 tablespoons milk 3 tablespoons confectioners' sugar

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.

Place the crumbs in a mixing bowl and add the butter (Not margarine) and sugar. Blend well. Press the mixture onto the bottom and partly up the sides of a greased 9-inch springform pan. Smooth the crumb mixture along the bottom to an even thickness. Bake for 10 minutes in the preheated oven. Cool before filling.

CHEESECAKE: Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. In a large mixing bowl, beat together the cream cheese, milk, salt, and vanilla until well blended. Add the eggs and sugar and continue to beat until light and creamy.

Pour the mixture into the prepared crust and bake for 35 minutes, or until lightly browned; the cake should be set in the middle. Remove the cake from the oven and cool for 10 minutes.

Prepare the topping by mixing together, the sour cream, sugar, and vanilla. Spread the topping over the top of the cake. Return the cake to the oven and bake for 15 minutes more.

Cool to room temperature; then refrigerate until chilled. Just before serving, garnish the top of the cake with slices of Kiwi fruit.

Yields: 10 servings

This article was originally published at Suite 101: http://www.suite101.com/article.cfm/15184/102536

Jennifer Wickes may be contacted at http://home.comcast.net/~culinaryjen/Home.html CulinaryJen@comcast.net

Jennifer A. Wickes is a freelance food writer, researcher and cookbook reviewer. She has written several eBooks, and has had several articles and recipes in printed publications. She is working on her first cookbook.