Is kiwi a vegetable?
Kiwifruit, that exotic and delicious fruit, often raises questions about its classification. Is kiwi a vegetable or a fruit? This article aims to answer this question as comprehensively as possible.
What is kiwi?
Kiwifruit (Actinidia deliciosa) is a plant belonging to the kiwifruit family (Actinidiaceae) that produces edible fruits. Kiwi is native to China, but today it is widely cultivated in places like New Zealand, Italy and Chile. Kiwi fruit is oval, brown-skinned and hairy, and its interior is green and juicy, full of small black seeds.
Fruit or vegetable?
Botanically, kiwi is a fruit. A fruit is defined as the part of a plant that develops from a flower and contains seeds. In the case of the kiwi, it develops from the flower of the kiwi plant and contains a large number of seeds, making it a fruit. Vegetables, on the other hand, are other parts of the plant, such as leaves, stems, roots or inflorescences, which do not contain seeds.
Nutritional perspective
Kiwifruit is a very nutritious fruit. It contains plenty of vitamin C, vitamin K, vitamin E, fiber and antioxidants. Kiwifruit is also a good source of folate and potassium. Its nutrient profile makes it an excellent addition to a healthy diet.
Using kiwi in cooking
Kiwifruit is used versatile in cooking. It’s great for fruit salads, smoothies, desserts, and even savory dishes like salads and salsa. Kiwi enzymes can also help tenderize meat, so it is sometimes used as an ingredient in marinades.
Summary
Kiwi is not a vegetable, but a fruit. This is based on its botanical definition, which emphasizes the development of a fruit from a flower and containing seeds. Kiwi is a nutritious and versatile fruit that offers numerous health benefits and uses in cooking.
You can read more information about kiwi and its nutritional properties from, for example, the following sources:
