Kiwi berries (Actinidia Arguta), miniature versions of the more well known Kiwi Fruit, are native to China, Japan and Eastern Siberia. Also known as Hardy kiwifruit, kiwi berry, arctic kiwi, baby kiwi, dessert kiwi, grape kiwi, northern kiwi, or cocktail kiwi these little guys are about the same size as grapes and come in different varieties and colours. The most common one that I have seen here in the UK is the green variety with shades of red, as you can see in the image.

They have smooth skin, unlike their larger furry counterpart and are therefore, eaten whole. I reckon they are a touch sweeter than kiwi fruit and less astringent. They certainly don’t irritate my tongue like kiwi fruit and pineapples do.

Kiwi berries are very high in antioxidants, Vitamin C, A, E, Potassium and Magnesium, and like the Cucamelons, are just perfect for lunchboxes, for both kids and adults alike.

They are now being grown commercially here in the UK, just north of London. Have you tried them?