One word, two wonders
From fuzzy fruit to flightless bird — discover the story behind the name.
Originally known as Chinese gooseberry, the kiwifruit got its catchy name in the 1960s when New Zealand growers began exporting it. The fuzzy brown exterior hides bright green flesh dotted with tiny black seeds — and it’s packed with vitamin C, fiber, and a sweet-tart flavor.
Most kiwifruit today comes from New Zealand, Italy, and China. Slice it, scoop it, or eat it skin and all — the choice is yours.
New Zealand’s national symbol is a flightless bird about the size of a chicken, with soft brown feathers, a long beak, and strong legs. Kiwis are nocturnal, lay one of the largest eggs relative to body size in the bird world, and have a keen sense of smell — rare among birds.
They’re endemic to New Zealand and sadly threatened by habitat loss and predators. Conservation efforts are helping protect these unique creatures.
One kiwifruit has more vitamin C than an orange. The skin is edible and adds extra fiber.
Kiwis can live 25–50 years. They mate for life and are fiercely territorial.