Originally from China, the kiwi was refined by New Zealand breeders and introduced to Europe. Today, alongside New Zealand and Chile, European countries such as Italy, France and Greece are the largest exporters.
Kiwi (lat. Actinidia deliciosa) is a berry fruit of the cultivated radiate pen. The fruits are oval, about 6-8 cm in size, and have a brown, hairy skin. They grow in large numbers on a high climbing, twining shrub and are harvested immature. They continue to ripen during transport and storage.
Climate requirements of the kiwi plant
To thrive, the kiwi plants need nutrient-rich soil, lots of sun and sufficient rainfall. The kiwis can grow wherever there is
- very warm summers,
- mild winters and
- there is no frost in spring.
In China, the areas of Changjiang and Sichuan are where kiwis are mainly grown. On New Zealand's North Island, the Bay of Plenty has a decades-long tradition as a kiwifruit growing area. In Italy, these are the central Italian regions of Emilia-Romagna and Latium.
growing countries worldwide
The hardy kiwi shrub is grown not only in China and New Zealand, but also in Europe. France, Italy, Greece and Spain supply the other European countries with the vitamin-rich kiwi fruit. Chile is another big supplier for European supermarkets. Kiwis from Taiwan, Japan, South Korea or the USA are not exported to Europe.
Where do kiwis come from in Germany?
In Germany, kiwis are in season all year round. The fruits are part of the standard range of German supermarkets, including discounters. In the period from April to November they come to us from the southern hemisphere, from Chile and New Zealand. In September, the harvest begins in Italy, Greece and France.
tips and tricks
The kiwi bush has meanwhile found its way into German gardens. The frost-resistant mini kiwis with a smooth, edible skin are particularly reliable.
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