Kiwis: Treasures With a Split Personality

by David Klein

Shaped like a goose egg and deviously disguised in a fuzzy skin resembling a plain brown wrapper, kiwi fruits seem like one of nature´s best kept secret treasures. Their dull outer appearance belies the sensual magnificence within.

Kiwis are the fruit of vining plants which beautifully adorn many patio fences and canopies in Northern California, the home of Living Nutrition. The fruits mature and drop in the coldest months of the year. they will be slightly soft when ripe and easy to peel. Avoid those which are very soft or mushy - they are over-ripe and bland at best. If you have never tried a fresh, perfectly ripe kiwi, brace yourself! Inside is a delicious tangy lime-green pulp which will energize (or should i say jolt?) the senses.

tiny black seeds bespeckle this green flesh, adding a subtle, slightly crunchy pizzazz of their own. the green flesh envelops a sweet, creamy pith which, although only a bite sized morsel, is a lemony-banana favored treasure into itself...a little slice on Heaven.

The contrasting tanginess and mellowness of the inner and outer parts make kiwi eating a most Quixotic experience! There are few fruits that can match its duality of flavors and textures. Just the anticipation of the next bite can bambooze the brain waves, but the fulfillment is an unforgettable delight.

Then there is the added dimension of the visual show. bite or slice one is half and gaze at it cross-section. the splendid symmetry, rich colors and opulent design may remind one of a supernatural cat´s eye. Or...? Write in and let us know what you see!

As if the exquisite taste sensations were not enough, kiwis rank with dates and bananas as the most nutritionally complete foods on the planet. Peeled by hand and eaten mono, or sliced and eaten in salads, kiwis are many things to the senses and exceptionally good for the body.

California Kiwifruit nutritional values

A serving of kiwifruit has more dietary fiber than a bowl of bran flakes, twice the vitamin C of an orange or grapefruit, and ounce for ounce as much potassium as a banana.

Serving size: 2 typical peeled, 5.3 oz

Calories - 90
Sodium - 0 mg
Protein - 1 g
Potassium - 450 mg
Cholesterol - 0 g
Dietary Fiber - 4 g
Carbohydrates - 18 g
Fat - 1 g

% USRDA
Protein - 2
Vitamin E - 10
Vitamin A - 2
Vitamin B6 - 4
vitamin C - 230
Folacin - 8
Phosphorus - 8
Riboflavin - 2
Magnesium - 6
Niacin - 2
Copper - 8
Calcium - 4
Pantothenic Acid - 2
Iron - 4