The
kiwifruit or Chinese Gooseberry is the fruit of a large
woody vine of the genus Actinidia (order Ericales, family
Actinidiaceae) that grows in temperate climates. It is
marketed worldwide as kiwifruit but is more commonly called
kiwi in North America. The most common type of kiwifruit,
Actinidia deliciosa, is about the size of a hen's egg
(about 6 cm long and 4.5 to 5.5 cm around), and is often
not perfectly round. It has a hairy, dull-brown skin that
is not usually consumed. Inside, the flesh is bright green
with rows of small, black, edible seeds. The texture of
the fruit is soft and the flavour is sometimes described
as a mix of strawberry, banana, and pineapple. The fruit
gets its name from the short straight hairs on its skin,
which closely resemble the feathers of the kiwi bird of
New Zealand. |
