Ruby Kiwi

The Ruby Red Kiwifruit is a special variety known for its distinctive appearance and flavor profile, which sets it apart from the common green and gold kiwifruit. Here is a description of its key characteristics: ### 1. Appearance * **Exterior:** The skin is typically a light to dark brown and has the classic oval shape, though it is often **less fuzzy** than the traditional green kiwifruit. * **Interior (Flesh):** This is its most distinguishing feature. The inner core of the fruit is a **vibrant ruby red** color, surrounded by a band of lighter, sometimes greenish-yellow, flesh near the skin. The red color comes from naturally occurring pigments called **anthocyanins**. ### 2. Flavor and Texture * **Taste:** Ruby Red kiwifruit is renowned for its **"berry-sweet"** flavor. It is generally sweeter and less acidic or tart than the green variety. Many people describe the taste as having subtle hints of **mixed berries**. * **Texture:** The flesh is tender and juicy, similar to the Gold kiwifruit varieties. * **Aroma:** It has a pleasant, fruity aroma. ### 3. Availability * **Seasonality:** It is a **limited and seasonal** offering. For major global brands like Zespri, it is typically available for a short period, often in the spring (e.g., April to June in the Northern Hemisphere). * **Delicacy:** Due to its soft flesh and delicate skin, it requires careful handling and tends to have a shorter shelf life than the firmer green kiwifruit. ### 4. Nutrition * Like all kiwifruit, it is a nutritional powerhouse, high in Vitamin C. The red color means it also contains **anthocyanins**, which are antioxidants found in foods like blueberries and raspberries.