Australia is getting its very first taste of a gorgeous new kiwifruit variety, and it’s nothing like you’ve ever seen – or tasted – before.
Zespri, the world’s largest marketer of kiwifruit, has unveiled its limited-season Zespri RubyRed Kiwifruit – a naturally berry-sweet variety with eye-poppingly bright red flesh.
Now hitting Australian stores for the very first time, more than 600 tonnes of the ruby-red fruit will be available over the next few weeks, offering a whole new alternative for kiwi lovers, as well as those who are looking to add an extra pop of colour and sweetness to salads, smoothies and desserts.
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What does Zespri RubyRed Kiwifruit taste like?
If you’re wondering what red kiwifruit tastes like, expect a much sweeter, less acidic experience than the traditional green variety. According to our Food Director Lucy Nunes, not only are these juicy fruits “very pretty”, they also offer a unique, jammy sweetness.
Other taste-testers have described the Zespri RubyRed flavour profile as:
- Berry sherbet
- Berry candy with a zing
- Cotton candy mixed with berries
Parents take note: because they’re not as tart or tangy as a regular green kiwifruit, these sweet and juicy little numbers are a fantastic way to encourage reluctant kids to eat their daily serving of fruit.
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How did they make a red kiwifruit? Is it genetically modified?
A common question about this striking fruit is whether it’s natural. The short answer is yes – Zespri RubyRed is completely non-GMO.
To create the new variety, Zespri worked with the Kiwifruit Breeding Centre (a partnership between Zespri and the New Zealand Institute for Bioeconomy Science) using natural cross-pollination breeding techniques. While the process of cross-breeding is meticulous, it’s also totally natural. There is absolutely no genetic modification involved in the fruit’s creation.
The health benefits of red kiwifruit
The fruit’s bold red hue isn’t just for show; it comes from anthocyanins – antioxidants that also give berries, cherries and red grapes their rich colour.
Anthocyanins have been linked to a number of health benefits, including:
- Reduced inflammation
- Improved cardiovascular health
- Reduced cancer risk
- Improved cognitive function
On top of the antioxidant boost, Zespri RubyRed Kiwifruit is also a great source of vitamin C.
Where can I buy Zespri RubyRed Kiwifruit?
If you want to try Australia’s new red kiwifruit, you’ll need to get in quick. Zespri RubyReds are only available for an estimated seven-week period. You can find them in the fresh produce section of major Australian stores right now.
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