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Kiwifruit
From Wikibooks, the
open-content textbooks collection
The kiwifruit (or kiwi,
see footnote) is a fruit. It is the size of a large hens egg,
and a is grown only in temperate climates. Kiwi flesh is
said to taste and feel vaguely like strawberries, but with
a strong green taste. When canned, kiwis become mushy and
lose their color.
Raw kiwifruit is also
rich in the protein-dissolving enzyme actinidin, which is
commercially useful as a meat tenderizer but can be an
allergen for some individuals. Specifically, people
allergic to papayas or pineapples are likely to be
allergic to kiwifruit also.
This enzyme, which is
quickly destroyed by boiling the fruit, makes raw
kiwifruit unfit for use in desserts containing milk or any
other dairy products. The enzyme will start to dissolve
the milk proteins within a few minutes, leaving a very
unpleasant bitter taste. But, sliced kiwifruit may be used
as a garnish atop whipped cream as on one of New
Zealanders favorite desserts, the pavlova, without ill
effects.
Footnote: It should be
noted that to a New Zealander, the kiwi is the flightless
and endangered national bird. So, it is best to avoid
talking about eating a kiwi with them. Also, kiwi is used
as a general term for a New Zealander, that is another
reason why they call the fruit the kiwifruit instead.
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