The composition and nutritional value of kiwifruit

Abstract

Understanding the nutrient composition of kiwifruit is central to discussions of the nutritional value and potential health benefits of kiwifruit. Until recently, there were only limited validated data providing extensive compositional information available as reference values for common commercial cultivars. As a genus, Actinidia is diverse in both form and composition; however, there are several notable compounds that, within the context of fruit, are the signature of Actinidia: vitamin C, actinidin, fiber, vitamin E, and for selected cultivars, the persistence of chlorophyll in the mature fruit. Kiwifruit is also known as a nutritionally dense fruit, based on the level of nutrients present. The high amount of vitamin C in kiwifruit is the primary driver of such nutritional scores. Recently, a new approach to estimating the true energy value of kiwifruit has shown that kiwifruit delivers less available energy relative to other foods than is assumed based on traditional measures of food energy content. This, together with the key nutritional elements of kiwifruit, supports its position as a highly nutritious, low-calorie fruit with the potential to deliver a range of health benefits.