Hardy Kiwi – Erakina

The fruits are the only thing that is delicious and healthy and lovable by everyone. Hardy Kiwi is a fruit that is smaller in size and tastes good. It looks like a grape but is bigger than it. The hardy kiwi comes under the variety of Kiwi fruits that belongs to Actinidiaceae. They are also called Kiwiberry, baby kiwi, Siberian gooseberry, etc. Let’s see some of the facts and medicinal values of Hardy Kiwi.

Plantation:

Fruits hanging in a tree

Hardy Kiwi is native to Japan, Korea, North China, and the Russian far East. Hardy Kiwi is a fruit that needs an investment of patience. The plantation starts with the process of pollination. The cultivators usually plant a male around 8 female plants for cross-pollination and pollination. Some cultivators use different species for self-pollinating. The plants can able to withstand 6 to 9 zones of climate. But farmers plan to cultivate it in spring after the deadly cold season because later frost can affect the plants and they don’t like to take any risks. Hardy Kiwis are climbers in nature. They require strong support like fences, a trellis system, etc. They are cultivated in well-drained loamy soil and they like sun exposure and shade. The plant grows up to 10 to 30 feet long and requires a ph of 5.5 to 7(acidic to neutral). Irrigating the plants can be done on a weekly basis because the plants don’t like their feet wet. The fertilizer for this doesn’t need more and we can use organic fertilizers. The pruning method is followed here for speedy production. Dense and firm branches remain and the remaining loose branches are cut so that the well-grown branches can grow fast. The harvesting of these plants can take up a time of 5-6 years and some may take even more than that. But the wait is worth it. They are harvested in early fall when the fruits are hardly in touch and seeds in black color. They can be eaten raw without peeling the skin like normal Kiwi. 

Medicinal Benefits:

Inside image of a Hardy Kiwi

Hardy kiwi is a fruit consisting of many nutrients like Vitamin B, C, E, K, folate, potassium, fiber, phytochemicals, etc. Studies show that kiwi increases good cholesterol levels. It helps to clear impurities and reduce aging and stress. Antioxidant, anti-inflammatory properties are found in hardy kiwi. It is helpful in keeping bone strength, immunity, brain development, etc. 

The fruit can show allergic reactions for people allergic to Avocado, fig, birch pollen, hazelnut, rye, poppy seed, wheat, and sesame seed. These are the facts and medicinal benefits of Hardy Kiwi. So let’s eat healthily and maintain proper health and lead a happy life.

Mukesh Kumar U M

10/02/2022