Is kiwi a berry or a fruit?

Kiwifruit, that exotic and delicious fruit, often raises questions about its classification. Is kiwi a berry or a fruit? The answer to this question is a bit more complicated than one might first imagine. In this article, we will look at the botanical classification of kiwifruit and find out which category it belongs to.

Botanical classification

Botanically speaking, kiwi (Actinidia deliciosa) belongs to berries. Berry is a botanical term that refers to a fruit that develops from a single flower with seeds embedded in the pulp. Kiwi meets these criteria because it develops from a single flower and its seeds are distributed inside the pulp.

Definition of fruit

Fruit is a general name for the part of a plant that contains seeds and develops from a flower. There are many kinds of fruits, such as berries, nuts and legumes. Kiwi is a fruit, but more precisely it is a berry.

Characteristics of kiwifruit

• Skin: Kiwi’s skin is thin and hairy, which distinguishes it from many other berries.
• Flesh: Kiwi fruit flesh is green or yellow and contains small black seeds.
• Taste: Kiwifruit is sweet and slightly sour, which makes it a popular fruit in many desserts and salads.

Nutritional benefits

Kiwifruit is a very nutritious fruit that contains plenty of vitamin C, vitamin K, vitamin E, fiber and antioxidants. It is also a good source of potassium. Eating kiwi can improve digestion, improve the immune system and support heart health.

Summary

Kiwi is botanically a berry, but it is commonly called a fruit. This is because all berries are fruits, but not all fruits are berries. Kiwi meets the definition of a berry because it develops from a single flower and its seeds are inside the pulp. Kiwi is a nutritious and versatile fruit that offers many health benefits.

You can read more information about kiwi and its nutritional benefits, for example, on the Healthline website.