Tag: Zespri rubyred

A single medium-sized green kiwi contains around 42 calories, and while red kiwi varieties are sweeter, their calorie count is comparable. This vibrant fruit offers a low-calorie, nutrient-dense option for those looking to enjoy a healthy snack, with the added benefit of a sweet, berry-like flavour.

According to Zespri, all varieties of kiwifruit, including the newly introduced ruby red kiwi, have edible skins once properly washed. For those wondering if you can eat the skin of a ruby red kiwi, the short answer is yes, and it offers significant nutritional advantages over consuming the flesh alone. Its delicate, smooth skin makes it a far more appealing choice for eating whole than the classic green variety.

Over 55% of the world's kiwifruit production now comes from China, where the origin of red-fleshed kiwis can be traced back to a natural mutation in the 1980s. These fruits are the result of selective breeding and natural hybridization, not genetic engineering.

Red kiwis are not genetically modified but are the result of natural breeding programs, with the signature red hue coming from beneficial plant pigments called anthocyanins. So, what does it mean when a kiwi is red? It often signifies a premium, sweeter variety, different from what you might typically expect from a traditional green kiwi.

The ruby kiwi, a relatively new addition to the kiwifruit family, was first discovered in Japan before being commercially developed. Its striking internal appearance, featuring a vibrant red core, is a visual clue that its taste is unlike its more common green and golden cousins, offering a delightful and unique flavor experience.

First identified in China in the early 1980s, red kiwifruit was initially a naturally occurring variant of the gold-fleshed kiwi species, *Actinidia chinensis*. This sweet and vibrant fruit has since been developed and commercialized through natural cross-breeding programs to enhance its desirable qualities.

Scientific studies and consumer taste tests reveal that red kiwifruit has a different flavor profile from its green and gold cousins. So, does red kiwi taste different? Absolutely, with a much sweeter, less acidic profile and a noticeable berry-like flavor that sets it apart from other varieties.