What Are Kiwi Berries?
The kiwi berry, or Actinidia arguta, is a perennial vine that’s native to several countries in the northern hemisphere, including Korea and China. If you haven’t had the pleasure of sinking your teeth into this delicious fruit, it tastes exactly how you might imagine. They’re basically a teeny tiny version of a kiwi, but without the fuzzy exterior. So, instead of taking the time to tediously peel each piece of fruit, which would be pretty difficult given their small size, you can just pop them in your mouth. Similar to kiwis, the softer they are, the sweeter they taste, so if you like your fruit on the sugary side, make sure your berries are almost squishy.
Kiwi Berry Nutrition
Like all fruit, not only are these berries tasty, but they’re also packed with nutrients. They’re rich in vitamin C, high in fiber, and also contain potassium, magnesium, and vitamin E, according to Hurst’s Berry Farm International. Given that it’s prime time for these bites, we’ve been seeing them pop up on social media recently. Lisa Troutner, who owns Carmel Bella Farm in Carmel Valley, California, actually grows kiwi berries on her farm. On Instagram she showed off a handful of juicy berries that she calls one of her favorite fruits. Natalie Wiser-Orozco, a plant-based blogger who features healthy recipes on her website, The Devil Wears Parsley, writes that she often adds kiwi berries to her salads.
Kiwi Berry Season
The only downside about this bite-sized fruit is its extremely short season. In the United States, they’re only sold in September and part of October, and because of their short shelf life, some grocery stores don’t carry them at all. (However, they have been spotted at some popular grocers, including Trader Joe’s.) Hurst’s Berry Farm International notes they only stay on supermarket shelves for about seven to 14 days, and once purchased, they should be eaten within a week. So if you see them at your local grocer or farmers market, make sure to snag a package or two and eat immediately.
