When it comes to kiwis, one thinks of their tender, smooth texture, refreshing taste, and high vitamin C content. However, it was a bit of a surprise to hear many experts hold kiwi in such high regard, listing it as one of the most frequently eaten fruits. This issue focuses on the kiwi, let's hear from the experts.
Eat it raw for the most nutrition
Associate Professor Fan Zhihong, College of Food Science, China Agricultural University: I'm very fond of kiwis and just eat them raw. The timing is important; it's best not to eat them on an empty stomach because the protease in kiwis is highly active and can irritate the stomach. Eating kiwis after a meal can aid digestion, and having one between meals can provide a boost of energy.
A common misconception is that some people say kiwis are cooling in nature and should not be eaten by people with a 'deficient and cold spleen and stomach.' In fact, I have this constitution, and eating one or two causes no discomfort as long as I don't overindulge. Sometimes, I even mash kiwi with starch and spread it on raw meat slices; this makes the cooked meat more tender and flavorful.
Making a salad is more refreshing
Director Wang Yumei, Department of Nutrition, First Affiliated Hospital of Tsinghua University: In many Western cold dishes, kiwi is often sliced and arranged in decorative patterns. This is not only because of its vibrant color but more so because of its smooth, refreshing texture. In fact, it's also great for salads.
I particularly enjoy pairing kiwi with sashimi. I blend the kiwi into a puree, pour it over salted fish slices, and garnish it with greens, carrot slices, or more kiwi slices. It's both beautiful and refreshing. This dish is low in calories, offering high-quality protein and abundant vitamins. Additionally, the kiwi puree helps to remove any fishy taste, making it even more delicious. It can also be paired with other meat dishes.
Juicing is great for chapped lips
He Xiaoqin, Director and Deputy Chief Physician, Department of Nutrition, Taizhou Hospital, Zhejiang Province: During the dry autumn season, lips can easily become chapped, and sometimes even drinking water doesn't provide relief. When this happens, I recommend drinking some homemade juice—cucumber and kiwi juice.
Place 200 grams of cucumber (deseeded and cubed) and 30 grams of kiwi (peeled and cubed) into a juicer. Add about 200ml of cold water and blend. Finally, add two small spoonfuls of honey and drink it one hour before a meal. Cucumber is sweet and cooling, known for clearing heat, detoxifying, and promoting urination. Kiwi is sweet, sour, and cooling, and helps to relieve heat and quench thirst. The combination of the two is excellent for moisturizing the lips.
In addition, kiwi can be juiced with other fruits and vegetables, such as tomatoes or pomelos, to help relieve constipation.