What is the Origin of Kiwi Plant

The kiwi plant, also known as Actinidia, is a delicious and nutritious fruit that has gained popularity all over the world. But have you ever wondered where this exotic fruit comes from and how it made its way into our grocery stores? In this article, we will explore the origin of the kiwi plant and its journey to becoming a household name.

Native to China

The kiwi plant is native to China, specifically the Yangtze River valley. The plant was first discovered and cultivated by Chinese farmers thousands of years ago. In fact, kiwi plants have been grown in China for at least 700 years. The fruit was initially called “yang tao” or “Chinese gooseberry” due to its resemblance to the gooseberry fruit.

Introduction to New Zealand

While the kiwi plant has its roots in China, it was actually introduced to New Zealand in the early 20th century. In 1904, a school principal named Isabel Fraser brought back some kiwi seeds from China and planted them in her garden in Whanganui, New Zealand. These seeds eventually grew into kiwi plants, marking the first introduction of the fruit to the country.

Commercial Cultivation

It wasn’t until the 1930s that commercial cultivation of kiwi plants began in New Zealand. Hayward Wright, a farmer from Te Puke, started growing kiwi plants on a larger scale and even developed a new variety known as the Hayward kiwi. This variety became incredibly popular due to its sweet and tangy taste, as well as its ability to thrive in New Zealand’s climate.

Renaming to Kiwifruit

While the fruit was originally called Chinese gooseberry, it was renamed to kiwifruit when it was introduced to markets outside of New Zealand. This name change was mainly due to marketing reasons. The fruit was named after New Zealand’s national bird, the kiwi, which is also small, brown, and furry just like the fruit.

Global Expansion

Once the kiwifruit made its way into markets outside of New Zealand, its popularity started to grow rapidly. It was first exported to the United States in the late 1960s and quickly gained a reputation as a healthy and flavorful fruit. Today, New Zealand remains one of the largest exporters of kiwifruit, with Italy and China also playing significant roles in global production.

Cultivation in Different Regions

The cultivation of kiwi plants has expanded beyond New Zealand and China. The fruit is now grown in various countries all over the world, including Italy, Chile, Greece, France, and the United States. Each region has its own unique climate and soil conditions that contribute to the flavor and quality of the fruit.

In New Zealand, where the kiwifruit industry is highly developed, the Hayward variety is still the most commonly grown. However, other varieties such as gold kiwi (also known as yellow kiwi) and red kiwi have also gained popularity in recent years.

Nutritional Benefits

The kiwifruit is not only delicious but also highly nutritious. It is packed with vitamins C and E, dietary fiber, antioxidants, and other essential nutrients. Kiwifruit is known for its ability to boost the immune system, improve digestion, support heart health, and enhance skin health.

Conclusion

The origin of the kiwi plant can be traced back to China, where it was cultivated for centuries before being introduced to New Zealand. From there, it made its way into markets all over the world and became a popular fruit due to its unique flavor and nutritional benefits. Today, the kiwifruit is enjoyed by millions of people worldwide and continues to be cultivated in various regions. So next time you bite into a juicy kiwi, remember its fascinating journey from the Yangtze River valley to your grocery store.