Half grape, half kiwi, and sometimes it looks like an apple. Kiwiberries may be one of the healthiest and most underrated fruits out there.
Until then, very undervalued, but it has been around for more than 20 million years.
Although fossil evidence shows that the plant or its direct ancestors existed in the Far East of Russia, China, Korea, Japan, and Malaysia for at least 25 million years, it took until the 19th century for this mini-kiwi was recognized outside Asia.
It was there, in 1843, that it was described for the first time. By botanicals Philipp Franz von Siebold and Joseph Gerhard Zuccarini.
Actinidia arguta was the scientific name with which it was established. THE kiwiberry belongs to the genus Actinidiawhich is a diverse group in eastern China. Some reports say the genus became extinct in the US around 80 million years ago due to climate change. However, the kiwiberry is back—in some areas as a pest and in others as a commercially viable fruit crop.
“This fruit is capable of growing quickly and can form dense masses that block sunlight and smother native vegetation, possibly causing serious changes to the natural communities it invades,” Long Island Invasive Species Management (USA) told .
A different food
The plant is still widely considered a pest in many parts of the world where it is able to grow naturally, outcompeting native species for resources. which also highlights its great adaptability.
But something that makes this little kiwi unique is that it has existed completely independently of its larger relatives — it has not diminished either in the wild or in the laboratory through selective breeding or genetic engineering.
Contrary to the trend of creating smaller versions of familiar fruits and vegetables to make them more appealing in the ‘snack’ market, kiwiberry remains part of its own ancient lineage.
And with impressive properties
As a 2020 study noted, in Science Direct, A. arguta has been valued as an ornamental vine and used in traditional medicine — until the last decade, when there was growing interest in its commercial potential, especially in Europe and North America.
Scientists are uncovering the true health benefits of this little kiwi — with many more impressive properties than those of its larger cousins.
What we know so far is that kiwiberry is a valuable source of bioactive compounds: “antioxidant, neuroprotective, anticholinergic, antitumor, anti-inflammatory, antidiabetic, antiobesity, as well as antiatherosclerotic properties”according to a scientific article, in November in PumMed Central.
“The information included in this article will be helpful in seeing the mini-kiwi not only as a tasty fruit, but also as a source of bioactive ingredients with beneficial and health-promoting effects on the body”, he adds.
As New Atlas states, studies are still ongoing to confirm its anti-inflammatory properties and the potential to combat type 2 diabetes.
