Kiwifruit, often simply called kiwi, are a nutritious fruit grown around the world. There are several different varieties of kiwifruit, which can vary in size, shape, color, texture, and flavor. When it comes to sweetness, some kiwi varieties are naturally sweeter than others. Choosing the sweetest kiwi variety can make for a tastier, more enjoyable experience when eating this healthy fruit. So which kiwi varieties rate as the sweetest? Let’s take a closer look.
What Makes Kiwifruit Sweet?
The sweetness of kiwifruit is primarily determined by the amount of natural sugars they contain. The main sugar in kiwis is sucrose, along with smaller amounts of fructose and glucose. Ripe kiwifruit can have a total sugar content around 15% or higher. Other factors like acidity levels, texture, and aromatic compounds also play a role in the perceived sweetness. Environmental conditions when growing, harvest timing, storage, and ripeness can all impact sugar levels as well. But when comparing kiwi varieties, the inherent genetics of the cultivar generally make the biggest difference.
Hayward
The Hayward kiwi is the most common commercially grown variety. It is named after the Hayward family who first cultivated them in New Zealand in the 1920s. Hayward kiwi plants are vigorous growers and produce large amounts of fruit. The oval-shaped fruit has a fuzzy brown skin and bright green flesh. When ripe, the inner flesh is juicy and soft. Hayward kiwis are mildly sweet with a slight tanginess. On the sweetness scale, Hayward ranks on the lower end compared to other kiwi varieties. While they are the most widely available, they are not the sweetest. Taste testing has shown their total sugar content averages around 12-13%. However, Hayward kiwis can still be a nice sweet snack and their popularity makes them easy to find.
Gold Kiwifruit
Gold kiwifruit are a sweeter variety compared to the common green Hayward. They get their name from the golden-yellow flesh inside. The exterior skin remains fuzzy and brown when ripe. Gold kiwis are oval to egg-shaped like Hayward but tend to be smaller on average. The flesh has a more tropical flavor with hints of mango, pineapple, and banana. Sugar levels are higher, ranging from 14-15%, making gold kiwifruit noticeably sweeter. The enhanced sweetness and tropical flavors make gold kiwis a favorite for many people. They can often be found alongside green kiwis in stores but may cost a little more due to lower production quantities.
SunGold
Sweetest of all commercially grown kiwis, SunGold kiwifruit are a yellow-fleshed cultivar originally developed in New Zealand. They are a cross between the Hayward green kiwi and a wild golden kiwi species. SunGold kiwi plants yield high quality fruit with excellent sweetness, flavor, and nutrition. The fruit is smaller and more oval compared to Hayward, with a thin hairless skin that is sweetest when ripened to an orange-yellow color. The inner flesh is bright yellow or orange and has a juicy, smooth, creamy texture when ripe. SunGold kiwis have the highest sugar content, averaging 15-16%, making them the sweetest kiwi variety. Their tropical mango and citrus flavors also enhance the sweet taste.
Tropical Sweet
Tropical Sweet is an Italian-bred yellow kiwi that lives up to its name. The fruit is oval shaped, medium to large in size, and has no hair on the thin brown skin. When ripe, the skin turns brownish-orange and the inner flesh becomes a vivid golden yellow. Tropical Sweet kiwis are described as having an intensely sweet, tropical flavor. Sugar levels reach up to 16%, at the top end of the sweetness scale alongside SunGold. The fruit also contains slightly less acidity which highlights the rich, candied sweetness. Tropical Sweet kiwis can be hard to find as they have only recently become commercially available in limited quantities. Try them if you can find them to experience an extra sweet kiwi taste.
Issai
Issai is a Japanese kiwi variety noted for its winter hardiness. The plants are extremely vigorous and productive. The fruit is small to medium sized, with smooth thin skin that turns reddish-purple when ripe. Inside, the green flesh has a characteristic ring pattern like Hayward when sliced. Issai kiwis are not as juicy but have a balanced, sweet flavor. Sugar content ranges from 13-15%, at the higher end for green kiwi varieties. The Issai variety is also considered one of the best-tasting kiwifruit for eating firm and fresh, rather than soft ripe. So if you prefer a firm kiwi with a touch of crunchy texture, Issai is a good choice.
Rainbow Red Kiwi
As their name implies, red kiwifruit have vibrant red flesh inside the skin. They offer both visual appeal and sweet taste. Red kiwis originated as a natural mutation of Hayward kiwi plants. The skin is thin, smooth, and turns dark red-purple when ripe. Inside, the flesh has a bright magenta red color and white core. Flavor is described as berry-like and intensely sweet. The red pigments are also rich in antioxidants. Red kiwis have average sugar levels around 15%, making them among the sweetest. Additionally, they have slightly higher acidity which balances the sweetness nicely. Red kiwifruit are not as widely available yet but are becoming more commercialized.
Comparison Table of Kiwi Varieties by Sweetness
Kiwi Variety | Sugar Content | Sweetness Level |
---|---|---|
Hayward (green) | 12-13% | Mildly sweet |
Gold | 14-15% | Sweet |
SunGold | 15-16% | Very sweet |
Tropical Sweet | Up to 16% | Very sweet |
Issai (green) | 13-15% | Balanced, moderately sweet |
Rainbow Red | Around 15% | Intensely sweet |
Growing Conditions Impact Sweetness
It’s important to note that growing conditions can also affect the sugar levels in kiwifruit. The same variety grown in different regions or climates may exhibit variations in sweetness. Factors like warm sunny days, adequate watering, and fertile soil usually boost sugar content in kiwifruit. Proper harvesting, handling, and storage are also key to preserving optimum sweetness until eating. So even among the sweetest varieties, sweetness potential needs to be reached through careful cultivation practices. But in general, yellow, orange, and red fleshed kiwi varieties offer a sweeter, more tropical tasting experience than traditional green kiwifruit.
How to Pick Sweet Kiwi in the Store
When shopping for the sweetest kiwis, there are a few signs to look for on the exterior to judge optimal ripeness:
– The kiwi should feel slightly soft when gently squeezed, like an avocado that’s ready to eat. A firm kiwi will not have fully developed sweetness yet.
– Fuzzy brown kiwi skin should peel back slightly from the stem end when ripe.
– Smooth skinned varieties will appear wrinkled or deflated when ripe.
– Color is a cue on hairless varieties – yellow/orange (gold kiwi), reddish purple (red kiwi), or brownish orange (tropical sweet).
– Avoid any kiwis with bruising, damp spots, or shriveled tips.
Storing Kiwis for Maximum Sweetness
Proper storage after purchasing kiwifruit is also essential for enjoying them at peak sweetness:
– Keep kiwis refrigerated to slow the ripening process.
– Place them loose in the produce drawer, not in an airtight container or plastic bag.
– Separate any ripe kiwis from firm ones to avoid over-ripening.
– Enjoy ripe kiwis within a few days for sweetest flavor.
– Let firm kiwis sit at room temperature up to a week to continue ripening.
– Once sliced, kiwis can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge up to 5 days.
How to Enjoy Sweet Kiwi
Now that you know how to select the sweetest kiwifruit, here are some tips for enjoying them:
– Eat them fresh and raw for maximum natural sweetness.
– Slice in half crosswise and scoop out with a spoon, or peel and slice into rounds.
– Add them to fruit salads, yogurt, oatmeal, or cottage cheese.
– Blend into smoothies, sorbets, or frozen treats.
– Mix diced kiwi into pancake or muffin batters.
– For dessert, serve sliced kiwi with whipped cream or ice cream.
– Grill kiwi halves lightly to caramelize their natural sugars.
– Candy whole peeled kiwis by poaching briefly in sugary syrup.
– Use as a meat tenderizer and colorful garnish for roast chicken or fish.
– Mix with other fruits for sweet salsa to accompany spicy dishes.
Conclusion
While all kiwifruit varieties offer healthy nutrients like vitamin C and fiber, some are naturally sweeter than others. Seeking out yellow, golden, and red kiwi cultivars at your grocery store is a good bet for maximum sweetness. SunGold and Tropical Sweet kiwis rank highest in sugar content and juicy tropical flavors. Issai and Rainbow Red also rate as very sweet options. Even the popular green Hayward kiwis can provide decent sweetness when optimal ripeness is achieved. With proper selection, storage, and use, kiwis can deliver plenty of natural, nutritious goodness in both savory and sweet applications. Let your taste preferences guide you to find and enjoy the sweetest kiwi varieties.