Kiwi, Actinidia, Chinese Gooseberry

Scientific Name:  Actinidia

Family Name:  Actinidiaceae

Actinidia deliciosa (A. chinensis or A. sinensis)

Actinidia arguta

A plant of Chinese origin, Actinidia sinensis, usually called Actinidia or Chinese gooseberry, has only recently in Italy, aroused interest for its fruits.  In other European countries, particularly England and France, it has been known for some times, while California and New Zealand have the largest cultivations.   The climate in Italy is favorable for the production of the Actinidia, whose fruits, according to recent studies, are thought to have considerable medicinal properties.  The fruit contains protein, iron, calcium, and phosphorus salts, and also a large amount of vitamin C, as much as is found in ten lemons.  The fruit ripens at the beginning of winter and can be stored until spring.  It may be eaten with the skin which, however, must be rubbed free of the hairs or, better, peeled.   The taste is pleasantly sour, but those who do not like such a flavor can improve it with some sugar or a few drops of liqueur.  [Bianchini, Francesco, Corbetta, Francesco, Pistoia, Marilena, The Complete Book of Fruits and Vegetables, United States Translation: Crown Publishers, New York, 1976; Originally published in Italy as I Frutti della Terra, Arnoldo Mondadori Publisher, Italy, 1973]

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