Gold kiwis distinguish themselves from common kiwis in color, texture and flavor. The Gold kiwi has bronze toned, smooth, hairless paper-thin skin. The golden flesh is dotted with the trademark edible black seeds. Its flavors are sweet and tropical with notes of pineapple and mango. Its shape is oval, coming to a blunted point at its stem end. The entire Gold kiwi fruit is edible.
The Gold kiwi fruit is an edible berry. While all other kiwi fruit are cultivars of Actinidia deliciosa, the Gold kiwifruit is a distinct and independent species, Actinidia chinensis.
Gold kiwis can replace green kiwis in any given recipe calling for kiwis. They will have less acid-forward flavor, though which should be considered if attempting to using an acidic fruit to cut the richness of fats in dairy or meats. Gold kiwis can lend themselves to preparations both sweet and savory, cold and warm in cold soups, decadent desserts including pies and ice creams, granitas and fruit tarts. Gold kiwis bring a tropical flavor to salads and cocktails. Gold kiwis pair well with acidic and creamy fruits alike such as passion fruits and bananas, bright herbs such as mint and cilantro, nuts such as cashews and macadamias, and mild fruits such as apples and cucumbers. Within savory preparations, Gold kiwi can enhance many ethnic foods from Asian to Latin. Gold kiwis stand up well to the richness of stewed meats, avocados, the boldness of peppery flavors, chutneys and the aged flavors of sheep's and goat' cheeses.
Kiwis are native to China, though their development would thrive in New Zealand during the 20th Century thanks to teacher, Isabel Fraser, who brought kiwi seeds (yang tao) to New Zealand from China in 1904. Horticulturist, Alexander Allison planted those seeds and Hayward Wright would continue the cultivation and development of an entirely new variety which is responsible for what is now considered the common kiwi fruit. The Gold Kiwi is a patented variety which was naturally bred in New Zealand from one seedling by breeder Russell Lowe. Though the cultivar's technical name is Hort 16a, its commercial name name is Zespri® Gold. Over 4,000 hectares of Gold kiwi fruit are planted around the world. Although kiwis are commonly associated with New Zealand, in fact, Italy produces more kiwi fruit than any other country in the world. Gold kiwi fruits thrive in fertile soils and mild temperate climates, typical of many coastal and Southern regions throughout Italy.
