The Key to Kiwi

Our mom was a huge fan of kiwi – it was her favorite fruit.  She always had a few lurking in her fruit bowl on her kitchen counter.  And I know why.  When fully ripened, it’s one of the sweetest, tastiest fruits around – yet this little brown fuzzy ball gets passed over time and time again for more traditional fruits.

Here’s why you shouldn’t overlook this wonderful fruit.  It’s relatively inexpensive and houses a barrage of health benefits.   The best part is, you don’t have to do anything to it other than peel off the skin.  Have one as a snack, add it to a smoothie or to your fruit salad.  Toss a few kiwi slices into your water (by themselves or pair them with lime or lemon slices) to give your water a zing.  Mix kiwifruit into strawberry, vanilla or plain yogurt.  And frankly, no fruit tart would be respectable without the inclusion of kiwi.

Kiwifruit and strawberries were made for each other.  Mix both of them as a topping for vanilla ice-cream (dynamic over French Vanilla), Butter Pecan ice cream or vanilla pudding.

The kiwi is considered to be a berry (a rather large one) and is fairly low in sugar.  Just look at what this overlooked fruit has to offer:

• Loaded with antioxidants that protect against free radicals
• An outstanding source of Vitamin C
• Helps protect against diseases by promoting a healthy immune system
• Great source of daily fiber
• Aids in digestion
• Can help with regulating blood pressure
• Has MORE potassium than a banana and TWICE as much Vitamin E as an avocado (but less calories)
• Fights inflammation
• Helps promote good eye health

Kiwifruit is best eaten raw (to preserve the nutrients).  Be aware that some folks can actually be allergic to kiwi, so if you’ve never had them, use caution. 

Clark Kent with his nerdy glasses was boring – but hidden inside was the powerhouse of Superman. The same with the lowly kiwifruit – boring and drab on the outside, a powerhouse waiting to be unleashed on the inside!

EASY FRUIT TART

Bake a sheet of your favorite store bought filo pastry as directed.

When cool, brush a thick coating of lemon curd over the pastry (leaving a half inch border around the edges), top with sliced strawberries and kiwi fruit.   Optional:  add blueberries

Cut in squares and serve.

Add kiwifruit and lime or lemon slices to water for an extra zing!

Liven up a boring fruit salad with fresh kiwi slices.