National Kiwi Fruit Day

A cheerful young girl in a kiwi-print dress, surrounded by lush greenery, holding a kiwi fruit basket with colorful fruits.. — National kiwi fruit day illustration

Hey there! Did you know there's a day dedicated to one of the most adorable fruits out there? That's right, it's National Kiwi Fruit Day! Get ready for some fruity fun as we dive into the internet and actual national history behind this delightful day.

When is Kiwi Fruit Day?

It's national kiwi fruit day on the 21st December.

The Whirlwind of Kiwi Fruit on the Internet

Every year, on December 21st, the internet buzzes with excitement for National Kiwi Fruit Day. It's a day where kiwi fanatics from all over the world come together to celebrate this fuzzy fruit in all its glory. From mouthwatering recipes to interesting facts, the online community leaves no kiwi stone unturned.

Back in 2016, the inte32net exploded with 19 mentions of National Kiwi Fruit Day. It seems like that was the year that really put this fruity holiday on the map. People couldn't get enough of the tangy sweetness and vibrant green color!

A Slice of Kiwi History

Though the internet rejuvenated the celebration of National Kiwi Fruit Day, the holiday has a deeper history that predates the digital age. The origins of this day can be traced back to the love and admiration people have for this whimsical fruit.

The kiwi fruit, also known as the Chinese gooseberry, hails from the land of the kiwi itself, New Zealand. The story goes that in the early 20th century, this small, brown, fuzzy fruit caught the attention of some clever marketing minds. Determined to give the fruit a more marketable name, they chose to name it after New Zealand's iconic national bird: the kiwi.

From that point on, the kiwi fruit soared in popularity, both domestically and internationally. It became a symbol of New Zealand's unique and diverse agricultural industry. And let's not forget to mention its incredible health benefits! Packed with vitamin C, fiber, and antioxidants, the kiwi fruit is a true powerhouse of nutrition.

Did You Know?

Did you know that kiwi fruit got its start as a humble snack along roadsides in China? Farmers would peel these fuzzy wonders and sell them by the road to tired travelers in need of a pick-me-up. Little did they know that this simple act of kindness would catapult the kiwi fruit to international stardom!

History behind the term 'Kiwi Fruit'

1904

Discovery of the 'Chinese gooseberry'

In 1904, a British-born, New Zealand plant nurseryman named Alexander Allison discovered a unique fruit in China. He sent a few seeds back to New Zealand, where they were grown into plants known as 'Chinese gooseberries.'

1959

The shift to 'kiwi fruit'

In 1959, New Zealand started exporting the 'Chinese gooseberries' to the United States. However, due to the political tensions between China and the United States at the time, the name 'Chinese gooseberry' was not appealing to American consumers. As a marketing strategy, the name 'kiwi fruit' was coined, associating the fruit with New Zealand's national bird, the kiwi. This shift in name helped to increase the popularity of the fruit in the US market.

1974

Official renaming to 'kiwifruit'

In 1974, the New Zealand government made a decisive move in officially renaming the fruit to 'kiwifruit.' This action was taken to not only avoid confusion with the bird 'kiwi' but also to create a distinct identity for the fruit in international markets.

1990s

Global popularity and cultivation

Throughout the 1990s, the kiwifruit gained immense popularity around the world due to its unique taste, vibrant green color, and health benefits. New Zealand remained one of the largest producers and exporters of kiwifruit, while other countries like Italy, China, and Chile also started cultivating it on a significant scale. Today, the kiwifruit is one of the most widely consumed fruits globally.

Present

Versatile and nutritious fruit

The kiwifruit is not only known for its refreshing taste but also for its health benefits. Packed with vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, kiwifruit is considered a superfood. It is known to boost the immune system, support digestion, and improve heart health. The versatility of the kiwifruit is showcased in various culinary creations, from salads to smoothies and desserts.