MINNEAPOLIS — Delicious things come to those who wait. Zespri® Kiwifruit are arriving in stores now and will be available through early fall.
Zespri® Kiwifruit are grown exclusively in New Zealand, where the little brown fruit that packs a flavor and nutritional punch has been beloved for more than a century. The Zespri® network of growers has developed a unique system for growing, monitoring, packing and shipping fruit to ensure every kiwifruit arrives in grocery stores at the height of its flavor and with minimal impact on the environment.
“That’s why Zespri® Kiwifruit are widely known as the best tasting kiwifruit available,” said Michele Hoard, senior marketing manager for Zespri® Kiwifruit North America. “Our growers really care about great kiwifruit, and they’re always developing ways to improve orchard practices and processes.”
Every Zespri® Kiwifruit is closely monitored and picked at just the right moment, guaranteeing optimal shelf life and taste. The result is a kiwifruit with a consistently delicious, tangy-sweet flavor.
While many people enjoy the taste of kiwifruit, most are unaware of the array of nutritional benefits packed into the small but mighty fruit. Zespri® Kiwifruit are nutritional powerhouses. Two medium-sized Zespri® Kiwifruit have fewer than 100 calories, more vitamin C than an orange and more potassium than a banana. Kiwifruit are low in fat, saturated fat and sodium, and free of cholesterol. They are also high in fiber and a great source of micronutrients including folate, vitamin E and antioxidants, which promote health and vitality. One large kiwifruit has a low glycemic index of 39. This means it does not rapidly raise blood glucose levels.
“Nearly 70 percent of Americans don’t eat the daily recommended amount of fruit,” said Rebecca Scritchfield, registered dietitian and spokesperson for Zespri® North America. “Kiwifruit packs a nutritional punch and is a delicious and healthy way to boost fresh fruit consumption.”
Kiwifruit are as versatile as they are flavorful. They’re perfect for everything from on-the-go snacks and smoothies to salsas and salads. Kiwifruit are even tasty in grilled fruit kabobs, making them a delicious choice for summer barbecues.
“The best thing about kiwifruit is that they are a nutritious, easy-to-pack snack,” said Scritchfield. “Many people make a habit of bringing a Zespri® Kiwifruit with them every day while they are in season and adding them to their favorite foods from breakfast to dinner.”
New Zealand-grown Zespri® Kiwifruit are available in the United States and Canada for a limited time, from June through October. The fruit can be found at local grocery stores; if fruit is unavailable in your market, ask the store manager for Zespri® Kiwifruit by name. For more information, visit ZespriKiwi.com.
Zespri® International Limited (www.ZespriKiwi.com) is the marketing subsidiary of the New Zealand Kiwifruit Marketing Board. Zespri® is the official brand name for New Zealand kiwifruit. Zespri® International is owned by the 2,500-plus kiwifruit growers of New Zealand, who collectively produce more than 100 million trays of fruit each year.
Source: Zespri® International Limited
