Kiwifruit is a berry that grows on woody vines of the genus Actinidia, originally native to central and eastern China where it was known as the Chinese gooseberry. It was introduced to New Zealand in the early twentieth century and later rebranded as kiwifruit for export markets.
The most common variety, Actinidia deliciosa, has brown fuzzy skin and bright green flesh dotted with tiny black seeds. Gold-fleshed varieties (Actinidia chinensis) have become increasingly popular for their sweeter, less acidic flavour. Both types are eaten fresh, often scooped from the halved skin with a spoon.
New Zealand and Italy are the world’s largest exporters, though kiwifruit is now grown commercially across temperate and subtropical regions, including parts of Australia. It is available year-round thanks to staggered northern and southern hemisphere harvests.
How it's produced
Kiwifruit is grown on vigorous climbing vines trained along pergola or T-bar trellis systems in orchards. The plants are dioecious, meaning separate male and female vines are needed, with pollination typically assisted by bees. Vines take three to five years to reach full production and can remain productive for decades with proper management.
Fruit is harvested by hand in autumn when it reaches the correct sugar and firmness levels. Kiwifruit stores well in cool conditions and continues to ripen after picking, which allows it to be shipped long distances. In Australia, commercial production is concentrated in temperate areas of Victoria, New South Wales, and Queensland.
What it costs the planet (per kilo)
≈ Estimated from its category — typical for fruit, not measured for this item yet. Sources & methods →
Keeping it
In the fridge: 3–6 days.
Advice from Cubud’s own keeping notes — how to keep it, not a measured number.
What comes from this
Your household's take
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