1- Introduction to the Species Actinidia deliciosa - Common kiwifruit or Kiwifruit
1.1- Scientific classification
Kingdom: Plantae
(unranked): Angiosperms
(unranked): Eudicots
(unranked): Asterids
Order: Ericales
Family: Actinidiaceae
Genus: Actinidia Lindl.
Species: Actinidia deliciosa C.F.Liang & A.R.Ferguson.
Kingdom: Plantae
(unranked): Angiosperms
(unranked): Eudicots
(unranked): Asterids
Order: Ericales
Family: Actinidiaceae
Genus: Actinidia Lindl.
Species: Actinidia deliciosa C.F.Liang & A.R.Ferguson.
1.2- Species Actinidia deliciosa - Common Kiwifruit or Kiwifruit
+ Overview
Actinidia deliciosa , Common Kiwifruit, fuzzy kiwifruit or mangüeyo is a fruiting vine native to southern China, the fruit of which has been declared the national fruit of that country. Other species of Actinidia are also found in China and range east to Japan and north into southeastern Siberia. This species grows naturally at altitudes between 600 and 2,000 m.
Synonym:
1- Actinidia chinensis deliciosa
+ Etymology
Early varieties were described in a 1904 nurseryman's catalogue as having "...edible fruits the size of walnuts, and the flavour of ripe gooseberries..." and Europeans called it the Chinese gooseberry.
In 1962, New Zealand growers began calling it "kiwifruit" when exporting, the name becoming commercially adopted in 1974. The word kiwifruit and shortened kiwi has been used since around 1966 when the fruit was first imported from New Zealand to the United States.
Kiwifruit has since become a common name for all commercially grown fruit from the genus Actinidia.
In New Zealand, the shortened word kiwi is seldom used to refer to the fruit, as it usually refers to the kiwi bird or the Kiwi people.
+ Overview
Actinidia deliciosa , Common Kiwifruit, fuzzy kiwifruit or mangüeyo is a fruiting vine native to southern China, the fruit of which has been declared the national fruit of that country. Other species of Actinidia are also found in China and range east to Japan and north into southeastern Siberia. This species grows naturally at altitudes between 600 and 2,000 m.
Synonym:
1- Actinidia chinensis deliciosa
+ Etymology
Early varieties were described in a 1904 nurseryman's catalogue as having "...edible fruits the size of walnuts, and the flavour of ripe gooseberries..." and Europeans called it the Chinese gooseberry.
In 1962, New Zealand growers began calling it "kiwifruit" when exporting, the name becoming commercially adopted in 1974. The word kiwifruit and shortened kiwi has been used since around 1966 when the fruit was first imported from New Zealand to the United States.
Kiwifruit has since become a common name for all commercially grown fruit from the genus Actinidia.
In New Zealand, the shortened word kiwi is seldom used to refer to the fruit, as it usually refers to the kiwi bird or the Kiwi people.
2- Charactewristics of the Species Actinidia deliciosa - Common Kiwifruit or Kiwifruit
2.1- Description
+ The plants
Actinidia deliciosa is a vigorous, woody, twining vine or climbing shrub reaching 9 m.
Almost all kiwifruit sold belong to a few cultivars of fuzzy kiwi (Actinidia deliciosa): 'Hayward', 'Blake', and 'Saanichton 12'. They have a fuzzy, dull-brown skin, and bright-green flesh.
+ The leaves
The leaves are alternate, long-petioled, deciduous, oval to nearly circular, cordate at the base, and 7.5-12.5 cm long. Young leaves are coated with red hairs; mature leaves are dark-green and hairless on the upper surface, and downy-white with prominent, light-colored veins beneath.
+ The flowers
The flowers are fragrant, dioecious or unisexual, borne singly or in threes in the leaf axils, are five- to six-petalled, white at first, changing to buff-yellow, 2.5-5 cm broad, and both sexes have central tufts of many stamens, though those of the female flowers with no viable pollen. The flowers also lack nectar. Male and female flowers appear on different plants (dioecious), and both sexes have to be planted in close proximity for fruit set. Bees are normally used by commercial orchards, although the more labour-intensive hand pollination is sometimes employed. Male flowers are gathered and processed to extract their pollen. This is then sprayed back on to the female flowers.
+ The fruits
The oblong fruits are up to 6.25 cm long. The russet-brown skin of the fruits is densely covered with short, stiff, brown hairs. The flesh is firm until fully ripened; it is glistening, juicy and luscious. The color of the flesh is bright-green, or sometimes yellow, brownish or off-white, except for the white, succulent center from which radiate many fine, pale lines. The flavor is subacid to quite acid; the flavor is suggested to be similar to that of the gooseberry or strawberry.
+ The seeds
Between these fine, pale lines in the flesh are scattered minute dark-purple or nearly black seeds, unnoticeable in eating.
Kiwifruit seed oil contains on average 62% alpha-linolenic acid, an omega-3 fatty acid. Kiwifruit pulp contains carotenoids, such as provitamin Abeta-carotene, lutein and zeaxanthin.
+ The plants
Actinidia deliciosa is a vigorous, woody, twining vine or climbing shrub reaching 9 m.
Almost all kiwifruit sold belong to a few cultivars of fuzzy kiwi (Actinidia deliciosa): 'Hayward', 'Blake', and 'Saanichton 12'. They have a fuzzy, dull-brown skin, and bright-green flesh.
+ The leaves
The leaves are alternate, long-petioled, deciduous, oval to nearly circular, cordate at the base, and 7.5-12.5 cm long. Young leaves are coated with red hairs; mature leaves are dark-green and hairless on the upper surface, and downy-white with prominent, light-colored veins beneath.
+ The flowers
The flowers are fragrant, dioecious or unisexual, borne singly or in threes in the leaf axils, are five- to six-petalled, white at first, changing to buff-yellow, 2.5-5 cm broad, and both sexes have central tufts of many stamens, though those of the female flowers with no viable pollen. The flowers also lack nectar. Male and female flowers appear on different plants (dioecious), and both sexes have to be planted in close proximity for fruit set. Bees are normally used by commercial orchards, although the more labour-intensive hand pollination is sometimes employed. Male flowers are gathered and processed to extract their pollen. This is then sprayed back on to the female flowers.
+ The fruits
The oblong fruits are up to 6.25 cm long. The russet-brown skin of the fruits is densely covered with short, stiff, brown hairs. The flesh is firm until fully ripened; it is glistening, juicy and luscious. The color of the flesh is bright-green, or sometimes yellow, brownish or off-white, except for the white, succulent center from which radiate many fine, pale lines. The flavor is subacid to quite acid; the flavor is suggested to be similar to that of the gooseberry or strawberry.
+ The seeds
Between these fine, pale lines in the flesh are scattered minute dark-purple or nearly black seeds, unnoticeable in eating.
Kiwifruit seed oil contains on average 62% alpha-linolenic acid, an omega-3 fatty acid. Kiwifruit pulp contains carotenoids, such as provitamin Abeta-carotene, lutein and zeaxanthin.
2.2- Origin and Distribution
+ Origin:
This interesting species is native to the provinces of Hupeh, Szechuan, Kiangsi and Fukien in the Yangtze Valley of northern China-latitude 31º N-and Zhejiang Province on the coast of eastern China.
+ Distribution:
Plants and seeds have been distributed from New Zealand to the United States of America (including Hawaii), and to Australia, South Africa, Germany, the Netherlands and Denmark.
In 1962, New Zealand growers began calling it "kiwifruit" to give it more market appeal, and a California-based importer subsequently used that name when introducing the fruit to the American market.
+ Origin:
This interesting species is native to the provinces of Hupeh, Szechuan, Kiangsi and Fukien in the Yangtze Valley of northern China-latitude 31º N-and Zhejiang Province on the coast of eastern China.
+ Distribution:
Plants and seeds have been distributed from New Zealand to the United States of America (including Hawaii), and to Australia, South Africa, Germany, the Netherlands and Denmark.
In 1962, New Zealand growers began calling it "kiwifruit" to give it more market appeal, and a California-based importer subsequently used that name when introducing the fruit to the American market.
2.3- Biological characteristics
+ Climate
The kiwifruit vine grows naturally at altitudes between 600-2,000 m (2,000 and 6,500 ft). The Kwangsi latitude is approximately that of Galveston, Texas; the climate has been likened to that of Virginia or North Carolina, with heavy rainfall and an abundance of snow and ice in the winter.
In the Bay of Plenty region the winter mean minimum daily temperatures are from 4.44º-5.56º C (40º to 42º F); mean maximum, 13.89º-15.56º C (57º to 60º F); in summer, mean minimum is 13.33º-13.89º C (56º to 57º F); mean maximum, 23.89º-25º C (75º to 77º F). Annual rainfall is 130-163 cm (51 to 64 in) and relative humidity 76 to 78%.
In California, the kiwifruit is an appropriate crop wherever citrus fruits, peaches and almonds are successful, though the leaves and flowers are more sensitive to cold than those of orange and peach trees. Autumn frosts retard new growth and kill developing flower buds, or, if they occur after the flowers have opened, will prevent the setting of fruits. Late winter frosts are said to improve the flavor of full-grown fruits.
Kiwifruit vines in leaf are killed by drops in temperature below 29º F (-1.67º C), while dormant mature vines can survive temperatures down to 10º F (-12.22º C). In France, 1-year-old plants have been killed to the ground by frosts. California growers report that the kiwifruit requires a temperature drop to 32º F (0º C) to cause it to drop its leaves and then 400 hours of dormancy, or 40 days of 40º F (4.44º C), in order to set fruit properly. At Pietermaritzburg, South Africa, where there are only 150 to 200 hours of chilling weather, the vines are slow to put out new spring leaves.
Alternating warm and cold spells during the winter will reduce flowering. A seedling selection at the Citrus and Subtropical Fruit Research Institute, Nelspruit, has borne well and appears to be more tolerant of mild winters than other cultivars which are not successful in this warm region of the eastern Transvaal. There have been several attempts to grow kiwifruits in northern and central Florida, and a few vines are growing experimentally in the southern part of the state and even on the Florida Keys but, so far, only the plants at Tallahassee have fruited to any extent.
+ Propagation
In as much as seedlings show great variation, it is not recommended that the vine be grown from seed except in experimental plots for clone selection or to produce rootstocks for budding or grafting. To obtain the small seeds, ripe fruits are pulped in an electric blender and then the pulp is strained through a fine screen. The seeds, mixed with moist sand, are placed in a plastic bag, plastic box or other covered container, and kept in a refrigerator (below freezing temperature) for 2 weeks. Then the seed/sand mixture can be planted in nursery flats of sterilized soil, or directly in the garden or field, no deeper than 3 mm (1/8 in) and kept moist. Germination will take 2 to 3 weeks. The seedlings should be thinned out to prevent overcrowding and can be successfully transplanted when 7.5 cm (3 in) high if the soil is taken up with the root system intact. If intended for rootstocks, they should be set 30-45 cm (12 to 15 in ) apart in nursery rows. When 1-year-old, the plants are ready for budding.
Budwood is taken from the current season's growth and defoliated, leaving only 1.25 cm (1/2 in) of the petiole of each leaf, and is inserted in the rootstock about 10 cm (4 in) above the ground, using the "T" or shield method. When the buds have "taken", the stock is cut back to just above the union.
For grafting, scions are taken from a parent vine while it is dormant and should be trimmed at both ends, leaving 2 or 3 buds. The scion is joined to the stock by either the whip or tongue process about 10 cm (4 in) from the ground.
Soft-wood cuttings, trimmed to leave only 2 leaves, are treated with hormones and rooted under intermittent mist. Dormant cuttings have a low percentage of success. In New Zealand, cuttings are not popular because they do not develop a strong root system and are prone to attack by crown-gall. Root-grafting was formerly practiced but abandoned because of susceptibility to crown-gall at the graft union.
Old vines bearing inferior fruits can be reworked by budding or, preferably cleft-grafting, Which must be done before new growth begins or the vine will bleed sap. Some growers graft a branch of a compatible male onto a female vine to promote pollination. The increasing demand for plants of cv. 'Hayward' in South Africa has led to in vitro propagation using vegetative buds of female plants.
+ Climate
The kiwifruit vine grows naturally at altitudes between 600-2,000 m (2,000 and 6,500 ft). The Kwangsi latitude is approximately that of Galveston, Texas; the climate has been likened to that of Virginia or North Carolina, with heavy rainfall and an abundance of snow and ice in the winter.
In the Bay of Plenty region the winter mean minimum daily temperatures are from 4.44º-5.56º C (40º to 42º F); mean maximum, 13.89º-15.56º C (57º to 60º F); in summer, mean minimum is 13.33º-13.89º C (56º to 57º F); mean maximum, 23.89º-25º C (75º to 77º F). Annual rainfall is 130-163 cm (51 to 64 in) and relative humidity 76 to 78%.
In California, the kiwifruit is an appropriate crop wherever citrus fruits, peaches and almonds are successful, though the leaves and flowers are more sensitive to cold than those of orange and peach trees. Autumn frosts retard new growth and kill developing flower buds, or, if they occur after the flowers have opened, will prevent the setting of fruits. Late winter frosts are said to improve the flavor of full-grown fruits.
Kiwifruit vines in leaf are killed by drops in temperature below 29º F (-1.67º C), while dormant mature vines can survive temperatures down to 10º F (-12.22º C). In France, 1-year-old plants have been killed to the ground by frosts. California growers report that the kiwifruit requires a temperature drop to 32º F (0º C) to cause it to drop its leaves and then 400 hours of dormancy, or 40 days of 40º F (4.44º C), in order to set fruit properly. At Pietermaritzburg, South Africa, where there are only 150 to 200 hours of chilling weather, the vines are slow to put out new spring leaves.
Alternating warm and cold spells during the winter will reduce flowering. A seedling selection at the Citrus and Subtropical Fruit Research Institute, Nelspruit, has borne well and appears to be more tolerant of mild winters than other cultivars which are not successful in this warm region of the eastern Transvaal. There have been several attempts to grow kiwifruits in northern and central Florida, and a few vines are growing experimentally in the southern part of the state and even on the Florida Keys but, so far, only the plants at Tallahassee have fruited to any extent.
+ Propagation
In as much as seedlings show great variation, it is not recommended that the vine be grown from seed except in experimental plots for clone selection or to produce rootstocks for budding or grafting. To obtain the small seeds, ripe fruits are pulped in an electric blender and then the pulp is strained through a fine screen. The seeds, mixed with moist sand, are placed in a plastic bag, plastic box or other covered container, and kept in a refrigerator (below freezing temperature) for 2 weeks. Then the seed/sand mixture can be planted in nursery flats of sterilized soil, or directly in the garden or field, no deeper than 3 mm (1/8 in) and kept moist. Germination will take 2 to 3 weeks. The seedlings should be thinned out to prevent overcrowding and can be successfully transplanted when 7.5 cm (3 in) high if the soil is taken up with the root system intact. If intended for rootstocks, they should be set 30-45 cm (12 to 15 in ) apart in nursery rows. When 1-year-old, the plants are ready for budding.
Budwood is taken from the current season's growth and defoliated, leaving only 1.25 cm (1/2 in) of the petiole of each leaf, and is inserted in the rootstock about 10 cm (4 in) above the ground, using the "T" or shield method. When the buds have "taken", the stock is cut back to just above the union.
For grafting, scions are taken from a parent vine while it is dormant and should be trimmed at both ends, leaving 2 or 3 buds. The scion is joined to the stock by either the whip or tongue process about 10 cm (4 in) from the ground.
Soft-wood cuttings, trimmed to leave only 2 leaves, are treated with hormones and rooted under intermittent mist. Dormant cuttings have a low percentage of success. In New Zealand, cuttings are not popular because they do not develop a strong root system and are prone to attack by crown-gall. Root-grafting was formerly practiced but abandoned because of susceptibility to crown-gall at the graft union.
Old vines bearing inferior fruits can be reworked by budding or, preferably cleft-grafting, Which must be done before new growth begins or the vine will bleed sap. Some growers graft a branch of a compatible male onto a female vine to promote pollination. The increasing demand for plants of cv. 'Hayward' in South Africa has led to in vitro propagation using vegetative buds of female plants.
+ Pollination
Most of the plants require a male plant to pollinate a female plant for the female plant to produce fruit (dioecious). For a good yield of fruit, one male vine for every three to eight female vines is required. Other varieties can self pollinate, but they produce a greater and more reliable yield when pollinated by male kiwifruit vines.
Kiwifruit is notoriously difficult to pollinate, because the flowers are not very attractive to bees. Some producers blow collected pollen over the female flowers. Generally, the most successful approach, though, is saturation pollination, where the bee populations are made so large (by placing hives in the orchards at a concentration of about 8 hives per hectare) that bees are forced to use this flower because of intense competition for all flowers within flight distance. This is also increased by using varieties specifically developed for pollination.
+ Breeding
Often in commercial farming, different breeds are used for rootstock, fruit bearing plants, and pollinators. Therefore, the seeds produced are crossbreeds of their parents. Even if the same breeds are used for pollinators and fruit bearing plants, there is no guarantee that the fruit will have the same quality as the parent. Additionally, seedlings take seven years before they flower, so determining whether the kiwi is fruit bearing or a pollinator is time consuming. Therefore, most kiwifruits, with the exception of rootstock and new cultivars, are propagated asexually. This is done by grafting the fruit producing plant onto rootstock grown from seedlings or, if the plant is desired to be a true cultivar, rootstock grown from cuttings of a mature plant.
Most of the plants require a male plant to pollinate a female plant for the female plant to produce fruit (dioecious). For a good yield of fruit, one male vine for every three to eight female vines is required. Other varieties can self pollinate, but they produce a greater and more reliable yield when pollinated by male kiwifruit vines.
Kiwifruit is notoriously difficult to pollinate, because the flowers are not very attractive to bees. Some producers blow collected pollen over the female flowers. Generally, the most successful approach, though, is saturation pollination, where the bee populations are made so large (by placing hives in the orchards at a concentration of about 8 hives per hectare) that bees are forced to use this flower because of intense competition for all flowers within flight distance. This is also increased by using varieties specifically developed for pollination.
+ Breeding
Often in commercial farming, different breeds are used for rootstock, fruit bearing plants, and pollinators. Therefore, the seeds produced are crossbreeds of their parents. Even if the same breeds are used for pollinators and fruit bearing plants, there is no guarantee that the fruit will have the same quality as the parent. Additionally, seedlings take seven years before they flower, so determining whether the kiwi is fruit bearing or a pollinator is time consuming. Therefore, most kiwifruits, with the exception of rootstock and new cultivars, are propagated asexually. This is done by grafting the fruit producing plant onto rootstock grown from seedlings or, if the plant is desired to be a true cultivar, rootstock grown from cuttings of a mature plant.
2.4- Nutrition of Kiwi fruits
+ Introduction
Kiwis can be eaten as they are or blended into a smoothie. It is best not to cook kiwi so it retains its vitamin C content. It can also be taken as a supplement. Supplements can be in powder, tablet, or capsule form, and are typically made from kiwi extract.
The dosage you take depends on factors like age, health status, and what you’re trying to treat. Eating one to three kiwis a day is enough for most people to get the boost of nutrients from the fruit. A daily dose of some kiwi powders is about 5.5 grams. Follow the instructions on supplements you take, and ask your doctor before starting a new supplement regimen. They’ll be able to tell you how much is safe for you.
+ Nutritional value per 100 g (3.5 oz) of Kiwifruits
+ Introduction
Kiwis can be eaten as they are or blended into a smoothie. It is best not to cook kiwi so it retains its vitamin C content. It can also be taken as a supplement. Supplements can be in powder, tablet, or capsule form, and are typically made from kiwi extract.
The dosage you take depends on factors like age, health status, and what you’re trying to treat. Eating one to three kiwis a day is enough for most people to get the boost of nutrients from the fruit. A daily dose of some kiwi powders is about 5.5 grams. Follow the instructions on supplements you take, and ask your doctor before starting a new supplement regimen. They’ll be able to tell you how much is safe for you.
+ Nutritional value per 100 g (3.5 oz) of Kiwifruits
|
Kiwifruit, green, raw
255 kJ (61 kcal) 14.66 g 8.99 g 3 g 0.52 g 1.14 g : 122 μg 0.027 mg (2%) 0.025 mg (2%) 0.341 mg (2%) 0.183 mg (4%) 0.063 mg (5%) 25 μg (6%) 7.8 mg (2%) 92.7 mg (112%) 1.46 mg (10%) 40.3 μg (38%) : 34 mg (3%) 0.31 mg (2%) 17 mg (5%) 0.098 mg (5%) 34 mg (5%) 312 mg (7%) 3 mg (0%) 0.14 mg (1%) |
Kiwifruit, gold, raw
251 kJ (60 kcal) 14.23 g 10.98 g 2 g 0.56 g 1.23 g : 114 μg 0.024 mg (2%) 0.046 mg (4%) 0.28 mg (2%) 0.5 mg (10%) 0.057 mg (4%) 34 μg (9%) 5 mg (1%) 105.4 mg (127%) 1.49 mg (10%) 5.5 μg (5%) : 20 mg (2%) 0.29 mg (2%) 14 mg (4%) 0.058 mg (3%) 29 mg (4%) 316 mg (7%) 3 mg (0%) 0.10 mg (1%) |
+ Note!
- Units: μg = micrograms • mg = milligrams * IU = International units
- Percentages are roughly approximated using US recommendations for adults.
Source: USDA Nutrient Database - Link to USDA Database entry
- Units: μg = micrograms • mg = milligrams * IU = International units
- Percentages are roughly approximated using US recommendations for adults.
Source: USDA Nutrient Database - Link to USDA Database entry
2.5- Health Benefits of Kiwi fruits
+ Introduction
Kiwi health benefits includes helping with protein digestion, managing blood pressure, boosting the body immune system, aiding blood sugar control, creating acid balance in the body, and promoting healthy kidney function. Other benefits includes relieving constipation, promoting restful sleep, improving skin health, help to prevent cancer and improve respiratory function.
+ The 11 Amazing Health Benefits of Kiwi
1. Help With Protein Digestion
Meeting your daily protein needs is challenging itself, but it is made much harder when that protein cannot be properly broken down into amino acids for absorption. There are only a few naturally occurring protease enzymes (enzymes which break down proteins), and occur in foods such as papaya and pineapples. The active protease enzyme in kiwis is called actinidain, and is included in some varieties of commercially available meat tenderizer products.
2. Can Help Manage Blood Pressure
One of the many forces at play behind the development of high blood pressure is altered electrolyte levels, primarily being elevated sodium and depleted potassium levels. Kiwis do, however, have a fair amount of potassium, which can help to correct salt imbalances that may be negatively affecting blood pressure. Potassium also has a regulatory role on heart contractions but needs to be regulated as too much will result in cardiac dysfunction.
3. Kiwi Bolster Immune Health
Kiwis are extremely rich in Vitamin C, with just a 100g size supplying over 150% of your recommended daily intake. While taking in too much of a particular vitamin is not necessarily good advice, Vitamin C is water soluble and does not harm the body, since excess is passed out in urine. High Vitamin C intake is essential for the optimal functioning of your immune system, allowing it to proactively remove threats that may be dangerous to your health. Kiwis also have numerous other anti-oxidants, which act in concert with Vitamin C to protect the body from harm.
4. Kiwi Support Diabetic Health
Diabetics need to ensure that they still consume a fair amount of carbohydrates, even though selection of those foods requires more thorough vetting. The kiwi can easily be included however, as it has a low glycemic index, as well as excellent fiber content. This slows the pace at which sugar enters the blood stream significantly, being sure not to overwhelm dysfunctional insulin. When sweet cravings strike, (and they almost certainly do) kiwis can offer a tasty solution that will not negatively affect blood sugar control.
5. Help Create Acid Balance In The Body
The vast majority of people have blood pH that is more on the acidic side, a scenario that is far from ideal. Our normal blood pH lies in the neutral to slightly alkaline zone, which is where cells function best. Many of the foods we consume, especially those that are processed, are acid forming and cause our blood chemistry to follow in a similar direction. This is not good, as acidic balance promotes development of cancer, growth of yeast and negative changes to skin. Kiwis are among the most alkaline promoting foods on the planet, helping little by little to correct years of poor eating. Vegetables and most fruits also help restore normal pH, so be sure to get more in your diet.
6. Kiwi Promote Healthy Kidney Function
The kidneys filter blood non-stop every day, removing waste and ensuring blood stays clean. As the years go by, an amount of insoluble waste may being to accumulate in the kidneys “filter” apparatus, causing blockages and discomfort. This is called a kidney stone, and is usually composed of various calcium salts. Potassium helps reduce the likelihood of this salt accumulating, which then prevents stone formation. Not drinking enough water on a daily basis increases the likelihood of stones forming, along with hypernatremia (excessive sodium levels in blood).
+ Introduction
Kiwi health benefits includes helping with protein digestion, managing blood pressure, boosting the body immune system, aiding blood sugar control, creating acid balance in the body, and promoting healthy kidney function. Other benefits includes relieving constipation, promoting restful sleep, improving skin health, help to prevent cancer and improve respiratory function.
+ The 11 Amazing Health Benefits of Kiwi
1. Help With Protein Digestion
Meeting your daily protein needs is challenging itself, but it is made much harder when that protein cannot be properly broken down into amino acids for absorption. There are only a few naturally occurring protease enzymes (enzymes which break down proteins), and occur in foods such as papaya and pineapples. The active protease enzyme in kiwis is called actinidain, and is included in some varieties of commercially available meat tenderizer products.
2. Can Help Manage Blood Pressure
One of the many forces at play behind the development of high blood pressure is altered electrolyte levels, primarily being elevated sodium and depleted potassium levels. Kiwis do, however, have a fair amount of potassium, which can help to correct salt imbalances that may be negatively affecting blood pressure. Potassium also has a regulatory role on heart contractions but needs to be regulated as too much will result in cardiac dysfunction.
3. Kiwi Bolster Immune Health
Kiwis are extremely rich in Vitamin C, with just a 100g size supplying over 150% of your recommended daily intake. While taking in too much of a particular vitamin is not necessarily good advice, Vitamin C is water soluble and does not harm the body, since excess is passed out in urine. High Vitamin C intake is essential for the optimal functioning of your immune system, allowing it to proactively remove threats that may be dangerous to your health. Kiwis also have numerous other anti-oxidants, which act in concert with Vitamin C to protect the body from harm.
4. Kiwi Support Diabetic Health
Diabetics need to ensure that they still consume a fair amount of carbohydrates, even though selection of those foods requires more thorough vetting. The kiwi can easily be included however, as it has a low glycemic index, as well as excellent fiber content. This slows the pace at which sugar enters the blood stream significantly, being sure not to overwhelm dysfunctional insulin. When sweet cravings strike, (and they almost certainly do) kiwis can offer a tasty solution that will not negatively affect blood sugar control.
5. Help Create Acid Balance In The Body
The vast majority of people have blood pH that is more on the acidic side, a scenario that is far from ideal. Our normal blood pH lies in the neutral to slightly alkaline zone, which is where cells function best. Many of the foods we consume, especially those that are processed, are acid forming and cause our blood chemistry to follow in a similar direction. This is not good, as acidic balance promotes development of cancer, growth of yeast and negative changes to skin. Kiwis are among the most alkaline promoting foods on the planet, helping little by little to correct years of poor eating. Vegetables and most fruits also help restore normal pH, so be sure to get more in your diet.
6. Kiwi Promote Healthy Kidney Function
The kidneys filter blood non-stop every day, removing waste and ensuring blood stays clean. As the years go by, an amount of insoluble waste may being to accumulate in the kidneys “filter” apparatus, causing blockages and discomfort. This is called a kidney stone, and is usually composed of various calcium salts. Potassium helps reduce the likelihood of this salt accumulating, which then prevents stone formation. Not drinking enough water on a daily basis increases the likelihood of stones forming, along with hypernatremia (excessive sodium levels in blood).
7. Kiwi Promote Regularity
Most people have no issue with regular bowel movements, but there are also a significant number of people that suffer from chronic constipation. Usually, dietary insufficiencies are at the root of the problem, which include not consuming enough water daily, along with not meeting fiber requirements. This is why fiber powders seem to work so well, and also why kiwis are an excellent fruit to do this as well. Kiwis are rich in fiber and also contain high water content, helping you correct two inadequacies at the same time. Kiwis are even purported to have a mild laxative effective, as the soluble fibers helps to make feces looser and more easily excreted.
8. Can Promote Restful Sleep
A good mood correlates with good sleep right? As it turns out, this is significantly true, since it was found that by altering levels of the neurotransmitter serotonin, persons would sleep better or worse. By increasing the levels of serotonin in the brain, mood improves and so does sleep quality. Kiwis contain serotonin, which can improve your mood and quality of sleep.
9. Improves Skin Health
The skin is one of our body’s first line of defense, protecting us against things we come in contact with every day that may otherwise harm us. As such, the skin can take quite a beating, especially from the sun. Over time, the skin loses its elasticity and “youthfulness” and becomes saggy and listless. Vitamin C is integrally involved in collagen production, a protein that we need for structural health of tissue such as joints and the skin. Other vitamins and phytonutrients found in kiwis also help to reflect UV damage and preserve skin health for longer.
10. Kiwi Can Help Prevent Cancer
The anti-oxidants contained in kiwi help offset DNA damage, a major contributor of cancer and also prevent actual cellular damage which may result in unwanted changes to the cell. Anti-oxidants make harmful free radicals stable, reducing their potential for damage and allowing them to be excreted by the body. Kiwis are especially well-poised to prevent cancers of the stomach, intestines and colon, since the inclusion of fiber and its numerous phytochemicals promote normal physiology of these organs. High fiber content also helps love waste quickly through the digestive tract, minimizing the contact time waste spends in contact with healthy cells.
11. Kiwi Improve Respiratory Function
It is a little known fact that respiratory health benefits from consumption of citrus like bioflavonoids, which in this case includes kiwi’s Vitamin C and related compounds. Bioflavonoids have been used in asthmatics to reduce frequency and severity of attacks, as well as boosting resistance to picking up common infections of the respiratory tract. In addition to asthma, kiwi and its bioflavonoids also boost pulmonary recovery and breathing function in otherwise healthy individuals, and can reduce wheezing from exertion.
Source: 11 Amazing Health Benefits of Kiwi - Natural Food Series
Most people have no issue with regular bowel movements, but there are also a significant number of people that suffer from chronic constipation. Usually, dietary insufficiencies are at the root of the problem, which include not consuming enough water daily, along with not meeting fiber requirements. This is why fiber powders seem to work so well, and also why kiwis are an excellent fruit to do this as well. Kiwis are rich in fiber and also contain high water content, helping you correct two inadequacies at the same time. Kiwis are even purported to have a mild laxative effective, as the soluble fibers helps to make feces looser and more easily excreted.
8. Can Promote Restful Sleep
A good mood correlates with good sleep right? As it turns out, this is significantly true, since it was found that by altering levels of the neurotransmitter serotonin, persons would sleep better or worse. By increasing the levels of serotonin in the brain, mood improves and so does sleep quality. Kiwis contain serotonin, which can improve your mood and quality of sleep.
9. Improves Skin Health
The skin is one of our body’s first line of defense, protecting us against things we come in contact with every day that may otherwise harm us. As such, the skin can take quite a beating, especially from the sun. Over time, the skin loses its elasticity and “youthfulness” and becomes saggy and listless. Vitamin C is integrally involved in collagen production, a protein that we need for structural health of tissue such as joints and the skin. Other vitamins and phytonutrients found in kiwis also help to reflect UV damage and preserve skin health for longer.
10. Kiwi Can Help Prevent Cancer
The anti-oxidants contained in kiwi help offset DNA damage, a major contributor of cancer and also prevent actual cellular damage which may result in unwanted changes to the cell. Anti-oxidants make harmful free radicals stable, reducing their potential for damage and allowing them to be excreted by the body. Kiwis are especially well-poised to prevent cancers of the stomach, intestines and colon, since the inclusion of fiber and its numerous phytochemicals promote normal physiology of these organs. High fiber content also helps love waste quickly through the digestive tract, minimizing the contact time waste spends in contact with healthy cells.
11. Kiwi Improve Respiratory Function
It is a little known fact that respiratory health benefits from consumption of citrus like bioflavonoids, which in this case includes kiwi’s Vitamin C and related compounds. Bioflavonoids have been used in asthmatics to reduce frequency and severity of attacks, as well as boosting resistance to picking up common infections of the respiratory tract. In addition to asthma, kiwi and its bioflavonoids also boost pulmonary recovery and breathing function in otherwise healthy individuals, and can reduce wheezing from exertion.
Source: 11 Amazing Health Benefits of Kiwi - Natural Food Series
4.3- Growing
+ Site Preparation:
Kiwifruit plants need a substantial trellis, patio cover, or other permanent place to grow upon. For the trellis system, either a single wire or T-bar system can be installed. Both have a 4 inch by 4 inch redwood post of 8 feet. For the T-bar, a 2 inch by 6 inch crossarm about 4 feet long is bolted in place. Bury the post 2 feet into the ground and cement in if at all possible. At each end of the system, a cemented deadman should be in place. Run wires across the posts and anchor tautly to the deadman. When using a patio cover, no extra trellising needs to be in place. Simply run the plant up a corner post to the top and allow the plant to then form a spoke work of shoots which would resemble an umbrella.
+ Soils:
Kiwifruit prefer somewhat acid (pH 5 - 6.5), well-drained soils that are rich in organic matter. The leaves may show nitrogen deficiency if the soil is too basic. The plants do not tolerate salty soils.
+ Irrigation:
Kiwifruit plants need large volumes of water during the entire growing season but must also be in well-drained soils. Watering regularly in the heat of the summer is a must. Never allow a plant to undergo drought stress. Symptoms of drought stress are drooping leaves, browning of the leaves around the edges, and complete defoliation with regrowth of new shoots when the stress is continuous. More plants probably die from water related problems than any other reason.
+ Site Preparation:
Kiwifruit plants need a substantial trellis, patio cover, or other permanent place to grow upon. For the trellis system, either a single wire or T-bar system can be installed. Both have a 4 inch by 4 inch redwood post of 8 feet. For the T-bar, a 2 inch by 6 inch crossarm about 4 feet long is bolted in place. Bury the post 2 feet into the ground and cement in if at all possible. At each end of the system, a cemented deadman should be in place. Run wires across the posts and anchor tautly to the deadman. When using a patio cover, no extra trellising needs to be in place. Simply run the plant up a corner post to the top and allow the plant to then form a spoke work of shoots which would resemble an umbrella.
+ Soils:
Kiwifruit prefer somewhat acid (pH 5 - 6.5), well-drained soils that are rich in organic matter. The leaves may show nitrogen deficiency if the soil is too basic. The plants do not tolerate salty soils.
+ Irrigation:
Kiwifruit plants need large volumes of water during the entire growing season but must also be in well-drained soils. Watering regularly in the heat of the summer is a must. Never allow a plant to undergo drought stress. Symptoms of drought stress are drooping leaves, browning of the leaves around the edges, and complete defoliation with regrowth of new shoots when the stress is continuous. More plants probably die from water related problems than any other reason.
+ Fertilization:
Plants are heavy nitrogen feeders which should be applied in abundance during the first half of the growing season. Late season applications of nitrogen will enhance fruit size but are discouraged as the fruit then tends to store poorly. In basic soils, a citrus and avocado tree fertilizer should be broadcast about the vine and watered in well in early March. Follow up the initial fertilizing by supplemental additions to early summer. In other areas, use a high nitrogen fertilizer which contains trace elements unless it is known that the particular soil is deficient in another nutrient. Mulching with manures and/or straws is very beneficial. However, do not put the mulch directly in contact with the vine as crown rot will occur.
+ Pruning:
For best fruit production, pruning in the winter is a must. All pruning techniques are usually based on a "cane replacement" and differ only based on the trellising method used. Kiwi vines need to be supported and this is usually done in one of three ways: single wire, 3-5 wire on a T-bar system, or onto a patio cover. In all cases, one stem is trained up to a wire at six feet and then allowed to grow along the wire. When growth ends in a "pig-tailing" of the shoot, it is cut behind the entanglement and new a shoot allowed to grow from a leaf base. After two years multiple shoots will now emerge from the lateral mainline. During the growing season, each lateral cane will send out a new shoot about 1/3 of the way from its own starting point. The next winter, prune off the older cane at the point that it connects with last summers new shoot. Repeat this every year.
+ Control Pests and diseases
Pseudomonas syringae actinidiae (PSA) was first identified in Japan in the 1980s. This bacterial strain has been controlled and managed successfully in orchards in Asia. In 1992, it was found in northern Italy. In 2007/2008, economic losses were observed, as a more virulent strain became more dominant (PSA V). In 2010 it was found in New Zealand's Bay of Plenty kiwifruit orchards in the North Island.
Scientists reported they had worked out the strain of PSA affecting kiwifruit from New Zealand, Italy, and Chile originated in China.
Plants are heavy nitrogen feeders which should be applied in abundance during the first half of the growing season. Late season applications of nitrogen will enhance fruit size but are discouraged as the fruit then tends to store poorly. In basic soils, a citrus and avocado tree fertilizer should be broadcast about the vine and watered in well in early March. Follow up the initial fertilizing by supplemental additions to early summer. In other areas, use a high nitrogen fertilizer which contains trace elements unless it is known that the particular soil is deficient in another nutrient. Mulching with manures and/or straws is very beneficial. However, do not put the mulch directly in contact with the vine as crown rot will occur.
+ Pruning:
For best fruit production, pruning in the winter is a must. All pruning techniques are usually based on a "cane replacement" and differ only based on the trellising method used. Kiwi vines need to be supported and this is usually done in one of three ways: single wire, 3-5 wire on a T-bar system, or onto a patio cover. In all cases, one stem is trained up to a wire at six feet and then allowed to grow along the wire. When growth ends in a "pig-tailing" of the shoot, it is cut behind the entanglement and new a shoot allowed to grow from a leaf base. After two years multiple shoots will now emerge from the lateral mainline. During the growing season, each lateral cane will send out a new shoot about 1/3 of the way from its own starting point. The next winter, prune off the older cane at the point that it connects with last summers new shoot. Repeat this every year.
+ Control Pests and diseases
Pseudomonas syringae actinidiae (PSA) was first identified in Japan in the 1980s. This bacterial strain has been controlled and managed successfully in orchards in Asia. In 1992, it was found in northern Italy. In 2007/2008, economic losses were observed, as a more virulent strain became more dominant (PSA V). In 2010 it was found in New Zealand's Bay of Plenty kiwifruit orchards in the North Island.
Scientists reported they had worked out the strain of PSA affecting kiwifruit from New Zealand, Italy, and Chile originated in China.
+ Harvesting
Ripening depends both on cultivar grown and local climatic conditions. Commercially, the fruit is harvested mature-ripe when its soluble sugars reach 6.5 brix on a refractometer. For the home grower it is best to wait for harvest until at least November 1, but November 15 would be preferable. Seed inside should be fully black by this time. If available, a specifically designed fruit ripening bowl can be used to quickly ripen a few fruit to see if the rest of the crop is ready to be picked. Once harvested, place the hard fruit into plastic bags and put into the refrigerator for keeping. When needed, the fruit can be taken out of the refrigerator and ripened on the counter for a few days in a plastic bag. Well stored fruit can last for several months. The long keeping qualities of the fruit made world wide shipment possible and heavy planting of the Hayward variety brought the fruit into recognition.
+ Storage
Fruits harvested when firm will not ripen when stored properly for long periods. This allows fruit to be sent to market up to 8 weeks after harvest.
Firm kiwifruit ripen after a few days to a week when stored at room temperature, but should not be kept in direct sunlight. Faster ripening occurs when placed in a paper bag with an apple, pear, or banana. Once a kiwifruit is ripe, however, it is preserved optimally when stored far from other fruits, as it is very sensitive to the ethylene gas they may emit, thereby tending to over-ripen even in the refrigerator. If stored appropriately, ripe kiwifruit normally keep for about one to two weeks.
Ripening depends both on cultivar grown and local climatic conditions. Commercially, the fruit is harvested mature-ripe when its soluble sugars reach 6.5 brix on a refractometer. For the home grower it is best to wait for harvest until at least November 1, but November 15 would be preferable. Seed inside should be fully black by this time. If available, a specifically designed fruit ripening bowl can be used to quickly ripen a few fruit to see if the rest of the crop is ready to be picked. Once harvested, place the hard fruit into plastic bags and put into the refrigerator for keeping. When needed, the fruit can be taken out of the refrigerator and ripened on the counter for a few days in a plastic bag. Well stored fruit can last for several months. The long keeping qualities of the fruit made world wide shipment possible and heavy planting of the Hayward variety brought the fruit into recognition.
+ Storage
Fruits harvested when firm will not ripen when stored properly for long periods. This allows fruit to be sent to market up to 8 weeks after harvest.
Firm kiwifruit ripen after a few days to a week when stored at room temperature, but should not be kept in direct sunlight. Faster ripening occurs when placed in a paper bag with an apple, pear, or banana. Once a kiwifruit is ripe, however, it is preserved optimally when stored far from other fruits, as it is very sensitive to the ethylene gas they may emit, thereby tending to over-ripen even in the refrigerator. If stored appropriately, ripe kiwifruit normally keep for about one to two weeks.
4.4- Production of Kiwifruits on the World
+ Introduction
Kiwifruit exports rapidly increased from the late 1960s to early 1970s in New Zealand. By 1976, exports exceeded the amount consumed domestically. Outside of Australasia, all New Zealand kiwifruits are now marketed under the brand-name label Zespri.
In the 1980s, countries outside New Zealand began to export kiwifruit. In Italy, the infrastructure and techniques required to support grape production have been adapted to the kiwifruit. This, coupled with being very close to the European kiwifruit market, led to Italians becoming the leading producer of kiwifruit. The growing season of Italian kiwifruit does not overlap much with the New Zealand or the Chilean growing seasons, therefore direct competition between New Zealand or Chile was not much of a factor.
Although kiwifruit is a national fruit of China, until recently, China was not a major producing country of kiwifruit, as it was traditionally collected from the wild. In China, it is grown mainly in the mountainous area upstream of the Yangtze River, as well as Sichuan.
China is now the largest producer of kiwifruit, growing almost four times as much as second-placed Italy in 2013. Other major producers include New Zealand, Chile and Greece.
+ Introduction
Kiwifruit exports rapidly increased from the late 1960s to early 1970s in New Zealand. By 1976, exports exceeded the amount consumed domestically. Outside of Australasia, all New Zealand kiwifruits are now marketed under the brand-name label Zespri.
In the 1980s, countries outside New Zealand began to export kiwifruit. In Italy, the infrastructure and techniques required to support grape production have been adapted to the kiwifruit. This, coupled with being very close to the European kiwifruit market, led to Italians becoming the leading producer of kiwifruit. The growing season of Italian kiwifruit does not overlap much with the New Zealand or the Chilean growing seasons, therefore direct competition between New Zealand or Chile was not much of a factor.
Although kiwifruit is a national fruit of China, until recently, China was not a major producing country of kiwifruit, as it was traditionally collected from the wild. In China, it is grown mainly in the mountainous area upstream of the Yangtze River, as well as Sichuan.
China is now the largest producer of kiwifruit, growing almost four times as much as second-placed Italy in 2013. Other major producers include New Zealand, Chile and Greece.
+ Top kiwifruit-producing countries in 2013 (in metric tons)
Country Production (Tonnes)
1- China 1,765,847
2- Italy 447,560
3- New Zealand 382,337
4- Chile 255,758
5- Greece 162,800
6- France 55,999
7- Turkey 41,635
8- Iran 31,603
9- Japan 29,225
10- United States 27,300
World 2,865,118
Source: UN Food & Agriculture Organization
Country Production (Tonnes)
1- China 1,765,847
2- Italy 447,560
3- New Zealand 382,337
4- Chile 255,758
5- Greece 162,800
6- France 55,999
7- Turkey 41,635
8- Iran 31,603
9- Japan 29,225
10- United States 27,300
World 2,865,118
Source: UN Food & Agriculture Organization
Edited by Ho Dinh Hai
Long An - Vietnam
References
1- http://www.worldwidefruits.com
2- http://www.worldwidefruits.com/orders-of-plants.html
3- http://www.worldwidefruits.com/order-arecales.html
4- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Arecales
5- http://www.mobot.org/mobot/research/apweb/orders/arecalesweb.htm
6- http://www.worldwidefruits.com/genus-actinidia.htm
7- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kiwifruit
8- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Actinidia_deliciosa
Long An - Vietnam
References
1- http://www.worldwidefruits.com
2- http://www.worldwidefruits.com/orders-of-plants.html
3- http://www.worldwidefruits.com/order-arecales.html
4- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Arecales
5- http://www.mobot.org/mobot/research/apweb/orders/arecalesweb.htm
6- http://www.worldwidefruits.com/genus-actinidia.htm
7- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kiwifruit
8- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Actinidia_deliciosa
See Video about: Kiwi Fruit Growing
See Video about: Actinidia KIWI BERRY - Species, Varieties, Applications - Part 1