By Janet Vargas Independent Natural Health Researcher 30+ Yrs
Hi Folks, I posted an Article about Kiwis in Mid-March, they are So Good for Us. I just found out they are Good for Our Eyes, in addition to their other Benefits. And when you look at this according to Food Signatures (Key Benefits found in certain foods, referred to as the Doctrine of Signatures by the Greeks many years ago when they resemble a specific part of our Body) a Carrot when sliced resembles the Iris in our Eyes AND so does a Kiwi when sliced, hey? So from that perspective, it is not too surprising to hear a Natural Health Scientist mention Kiwi's Benefit for Our Eyes in a YouTube Video recently, never-the-less pleasantly surprising.
Today, I had a wonderful experience when shopping in one of the Aldi Stores - a discovery that there is a Ruby-Red Kiwi Fruit available from a company called Zepri in New Zealand in addition to Sungold Kiwis. They are selling here in Australia and Internationally now.
Zespri Ruby-Red Kiwifruit
Berry Delicious!
It's Interesting to note that each one of these Kiwi Fruits have different Nutrient Profiles and Benefits (Variation-Wise) in addition to their Colours. I bought a pkt of Sungold ones for the first time today, and Ruby-Red ones because they were described on the packet as "Berry Delicious"......they certainly are too. They taste very similar to Berries. My word, tasting a Sungold one and a Ruby-Red one was a Sumptuous Delicious Experience! And I have to leave the rest of them alone, till I have one tomorrow:)
THE NUTRIENTS and BENEFITS of KIWIS
Here is some Info I wrote years ago from Reference Books I have in my now Extensive Home Library about Kiwi Fruit that will read different to the other Article on them. So together, these two Articles will give you the best of Older Info and Current Info.
Kiwi Fruit Have you ever tried one of these fruits?
They are very popular in Australia, often sold in packets of 8 and by the Kilo. They have one of the highest contents of Vitamin C, accompanied by Vitamin E and Omega 3. That is a unique profile.
Kiwi's Potassium content compares with bananas! And they are a good source of Copper, needed for Collagen Production we are dependent on for healthy skin. They are also balanced with Zinc.
Charlotte Watts, one of my favorite writers, says that the edible seeds in Kiwi s are extremely beneficial – they help to rejuvenate us. This fruit contains about 62% Omega 3 oil that helps to protect our heart and decrease inflammation, inside and outside our body, helping against ailments associated with aging. The vitamin C and E and rehydrating Omega 3 oils make for a skin nourishing combination.
Tania Rheinhard goes on to say more about Kiwi's nutritional profile. She says the are an excellent source of Vitamin K and Folate. They are also a good source of Vitamin B6 and Manganese. Their Potassium content is balanced Calcium, Phosphate and Magnesium. They also contain the carotenes Lutein and Zeaxanthin.
Tania tells us that the Kiwis originated in China and reached New Zealand in the early 1900's. When they started exporting them in the 1950s, they became known as the Kiwi Fruit.
Jonny Bowden Ph D CNS reports to us a study in the Journal of Medicinal Food that studied nine different fruits and juices, and reported that Kiwis exhibited significant ability to reduce oxidative stress (damage by free-radicals) in plasma. This finding is confirmed by another study called Carcingenesis, that not only did Kiwi limit the amount of oxidative damage to DNA but it also stimulated cellular repair of the damage that did occur.
Kiwi also works as a Blood Thinner with none of Asprin's side effects.
Kiwis help to protect our Cardiovascular and Respiratory system.
They provide digestive enzymes to manage our Blood Pressure, remove Excess Sodium, supports Pregnancy, boosts Immune system, helps to prevent Cancer and protect Eyes.
They are high in soluble Fibre.......Vitamin C is 98mg per 100g which is twice that of Citrus. The reinforcement of high content Vitamin C lowers the risk of High Blood Pressure and Cancer, Allergies and Colds. If you take enough Vitamin C fruits in their natural form, this content is a powerful Anti-oxidant.
It acts as a neutraliser to free-radicals from harming the body.......along with other nutrient benefits in Kiwi, can assist with a natural health program for Anti-Aging.
One health writer says that Kiwis help you to break up protein in food – this benefits our digestion. Their fibre content helps to reduce Cholesterol in the blood. Their Copper, Magnesium and Potassium content helps to improve our bones, as well as well as the function of nerves, muscles and organs.
The natural Folate and Vitamin C together, help to strengthen our Immune System, produce more Red Cells and White Cells, that can work in fortifying your body against viruses if other foods you're having are not compromising your Immune System.
The Vitamin C in Kiwis helps you with Iron absorption and may help with Anemia or ensure against it, if you have Mulberries, Raspberries or Blackberries in your diet for Iron content....or....Green Beans, Peas or Butter Beans. Have these in the same meal-time.
It's red, it's raspberry flavoured and it's a kiwifruit.
And it could be the next big thing to take off in New Zealand, once it's released by Zespri to growers in a couple years.
The still unnamed fruit has a tentative title of Zespri Red and is the latest product to come out of a breeding programme jointly run by Plant & Food and Zespri at a 50-hectare research orchard on the outskirts of Te Puke.
Bryan Parkes, operations manager for kiwifruit new cultivar development, says researchers have about 50 red kiwifruit varieties in the advanced development stage.
Read more HERE
You have 8 weeks to try Australia’s new red kiwifruit – here’s what it tastes like
And it tastes like a berry.
Kiwifruit lovers rejoice, there’s a new kiwifruit on the market with one big twist. As well as the green kiwi flesh we’ve come to know and love, this kiwifruit has bright red flesh.
Hitting supermarket shelves for the first time in Australia, Zespri RubyRed is New Zealand’s newest kiwifruit variety, delivering bright-red flesh, berry sweetness, and a full day’s Vitamin C in every bite.
But you have to get in quick, because this variety isn’t in season for long.
What is the Zespri RubyRed kiwi fruit?
Zespri’s ruby red kiwifruit is the latest variant to come through Zespri’s kiwifruit breeding programme in New Zealand. It’s smaller than commercial green and gold varieties, averaging 5.7 to 6.2 centimetres in length and weighing 62 to 87 grams.
The fruit contains antioxidants called anthocyanins, which give it its red colour.
What does it taste like?
Not just for kiwi fruit lovers, RubyRed has a high sugar content and moderate acidity, creating a sweet, berry-like flavour that is sweeter and less tangy than a regular green kiwi.
How long does RubyRed last?
The fruits ripen quickly and can soften at room temperature in 2 to 3 days. It’s recommended to store RubyRed in the refrigerator, where the fruit will ripen in 5 to 7 days and last for up to 10 days.
Is RubyRed genetically modified?
No, it was developed through Zespri’s kiwifruit breeding program
in partnership with Plant & Food Research.
Why is it red?
The vibrant red and pink hues come from the Natural Presence of Anthocyanins in the flesh.
Where can I buy Zespri RubyRed in Australia?
Zespri RubyRed kiwifruits are available to buy from Woolworths.
Better Homes and Gardens HERE
I bought mine in Aldi and expect that Coles has them too!
AI Overview
Zespri Ruby Red kiwifruit, available in Australia, is a nutrient-dense fruit rich in Vitamin C, potassium, fiber, and antioxidant-packed anthocyanins, which give it a unique red flesh. This low-calorie, sweet fruit promotes immunity, digestion, and heart health, often providing more than 100% of daily Vitamin C needs.
Zespri
Key Nutritional Components (Approx. per 100g serving)
- Calories: ~59-90 kcal
- Vitamin C: Very high, often exceeding 200% of daily value
- Antioxidants: High in anthocyanins, providing berry-like antioxidant benefits
- Fiber: Essential for digestion
- Potassium: Helps maintain fluid balance
- Other: Contains Vitamin E, Vitamin A, and folate
Zespri
Health Benefits
- Immune Support: High vitamin C levels
- Digestion: Contains Actindin, a protein-digesting enzyme
- Heart Health: Anthocyanins are linked to improved cardiovascular health
Delicious
Zespri Ruby Red has a sweet berry-like flavor and is available for a limited time in Australian supermarkets, notes a report by Delicious.com.au.
is highly nutrient-dense, notably providing over 100% of your daily vitamin C requirement in a single piece of fruit. In Australia, it is typically available as a limited-season variety for approximately 7–8 weeks starting in March.
Better Homes & Gardens Australia
Key Nutritional Profile (per 100g)
- Energy: Approximately 246 kJ (59 kcal).
- Vitamin C: High levels ranging from 189mg to 297mg, which is more than three times the amount found in oranges.
- Antioxidants: Rich in anthocyanins (approx. 6.8mg), the natural pigments that give the fruit its signature red colour and support cognitive function.
- Potassium: Roughly 338mg to 507mg, comparable to a banana and essential for fluid balance.
- Dietary Fibre: Approximately 1.8g to 3g, supporting digestive health.
Open Food Facts
Detailed Nutrients & Benefits
| Nutrient | Benefit |
| Vitamin E | Protects cells from free radical damage. |
| Folate | Essential for healthy cell growth and function. |
| Anthocyanins | Linked to reduced inflammation and improved heart health. |
| Omega-3s | Found in the edible seeds, supporting heart and brain health. |
| Polyphenols | High concentrations (approx. 220mg) support overall well-being. |
Characteristics
Taste: Known for a berry-like sweetness with less acidity than green varieties.
I trust you Enjoyed - Be quick to find them in the Stores - This Season is almost over for the Ruby-Red but I absolutely love the taste of the Sungold Kiwifruit also. They're both Delectible!!!
Read about the Sungold Kiwis in my recent Article HERE