Kiwi Fruit Facts for Kids

Kiwi fruit are versatile, tasty and healthy.

The kiwi fruit, or "kiwi" for short, is a small bright green fruit with a brown fuzzy exterior. Not only are kiwis delicious, but they also offer many health benefits. Kiwis can be incorporated into recipes for any time of day, and they are also a great healthy snack for kids. Sharing some fun facts about kiwi fruit can help kids get excited about incorporating them into their diet.

History of the Kiwi

Kiwis were brought from China to New Zealand, where they were given their modern name.

The kiwi fruit was first found growing in China, where it was known by the name "Yang Tao". At the beginning of the 20th century, missionaries brought the fruit to the island of New Zealand, where it received it's name "kiwi" after the small flightless bird native to the island. Today, many of the world's kiwis are still grown in New Zealand, as well as in southern Europe, Asia, South America and the United States.

Kiwis are High in Antioxidants

Eating a kiwi can boost your intake of the antioxidants vitamins C and E.

Kiwi fruit are high in antioxidants, which help neutralize free radicals in the body that can lead to any range of health problems including cancer. One kiwi fruit contains 1.5 times the daily recommended dose of vitamin C, a primary antioxidant that experts say can help boost the immune system, prevent heart disease, boost eye and skin health and improve overall wellness. Eating a kiwi is an easy and delicious way to get your daily intake of vitamin C. Kiwis also contain the important antioxidant vitamin E, which can also help prevent sickness and keep your heart healthy.

Kiwis are High in Fiber

Kiwis contain high amounts of dietary fiber, which can help prevent diabetes and heart disease

Just one large kiwi contains about 3 grams of dietary fiber, which is important for digestive health, and helps maintain healthy cholesterol and sugar levels. Having kiwi is a sweet way to maintain healthy sugar levels, and studies have shown that a diet high in fiber can help lower your risk of diabetes.

Ideas for Eating Kiwis

Kiwis can be eaten on their own or mixed with other fruits for a salad or salsa.

Kiwis are delicious on their own, or incorporated into a fruit salad. For breakfast, you can pair kiwis with any fruit, from grapes to oranges and berries. For dinner, kiwis are delicious as part of a tropical fruit salsa served with grilled chicken or fish.