Kiwiberries

Kiwiberries are small fruits that look like miniature kiwis and taste similar. Their botanical name is Actinidia arguta, and they are native to East Asia. Kiwiberries are generally smoother than conventional kiwis and are often referred to as mini kiwis or baby kiwis.

Kiwiberries – Fresh from Pfalzmarkt

Cultivation & harvest

Kiwiberries are frost-hardy, self-fertile climbing plants. The fruits prefer a sunny to semi-shaded position. The root zone should not be exposed to direct sunlight to prevent the plant from drying out, particularly in the case of container-grown plants or in hot, south-facing areas of the garden.

Use

These small kiwis are characterised by a sweet, wild-fruit flavour. They are milder than large kiwis and have low acidity. They are best eaten fresh with the skin on, though there are also various ways to prepare them. Kiwiberries taste delicious fresh with yoghurt or in a smoothie. Like other fruits, they are also well suited for baking aromatic pastries or for making jam. Furthermore, they go well with savoury dishes, such as in salads or briefly braised in sauces to accompany meat.

Storage

The fruit can continue to ripen at room temperature. Ripe kiwiberries will keep in the fridge for up to 2 weeks. They can even be frozen.