Get Them Before They're Gone: Zespri SunGold Kiwifruit
After 10 years of development, Zespri's SunGold kiwifruit are here. Grown in New Zealand through a natural, non-GMO process of cross-breeding, these golden kiwifruit have made their debut at select stores in the United States.
Zespri kiwifruit are widely recognized as some of the most delicious, largely due to their emphasis on quality. Grown by a network of more than 2,400 growers, Zespri kiwifruit are checked for everything from the color of their seeds to their sugar content before being picked and shipped to retail locations; this helps to ensure that the kiwifruit arrive in stores at the height of their flavor. Michele Hoard, senior marketing manager for Zespri Kiwifruit North America, says, "Our growers really care about great kiwifruit, and they're always developing ways to improve orchard practices and processes."
I had an opportunity to taste Zespri's new SunGold kiwifruit. Here are a few things you should know about the brand, the fruit, and the new variety:
Zespri Cares About The Environment
New Zealand is the perfect location for growing kiwifruit and, according to Glenn Arrowsmith, Global Marketing Manager at Zespri, the growers are determined to keep it that way. With regular tests to measure Zespri's carbon footprint and water usage, recyclable packaging, and new bio-plastic stickers on the SunGold variety, Zespri aspires to make the process of growing and shipping quality kiwifruit as responsible and sustainable as possible.
Kiwifruit are Nutritional Powerhouses
Two medium-sized kiwifruit have fewer than 100 calories and more potassium than a banana. The SunGold variety is high in vitamin C, with four times the recommended daily allowance in one serving. Kiwifruit are also low in fat, high in fiber, and a great source of antioxidants.
Kiwifruit are Easy To Use
Nutritionist Rebecca Scritchfield has lots of great ideas for using this delicious fruit; during the summer you can freeze them and then scoop the fruit out for a frozen, sorbet-like treat or add kiwifruit slices to kid's nut butter sandwiches instead of jelly. Baking? Substitute pureéd kiwifruit anywhere a recipe calls for applesauce and toss the whole kiwi in the blender (skin and all) for extra fiber and nutrients when you're making smoothies.
Sungold Kiwifruit Are Super Delicious
Juicer and more refreshing than green kiwifruit, this variety is a must-try for anyone who doesn't like kiwi; SunGold will change your mind!
Zespri Kiwifruit are available in the United States and Canada for a limited time, from June through October. For more information visit Zespri's website.
Kristie Collado is The Daily Meal's Cook Editor. Follow her on Twitter @KColladoCook.