Kiwi Banana Smoothie and My New Kiwi Love

It's no secret that I love summer fruit and I always have a nice selection on hand.  But I have to admit that the little kiwifruit is not usually one of them.  Oh, I like the taste and always enjoy them when they're served to me on a fruit platter somewhere, but the idea of peeling those furry skins just doesn't appeal to me.  So, did you know that you can just scoop out the flesh without peeling them?  Neither did I.

Image Courtesy of Zespri

Going to a kiwi tasting and educational event sponsored by Zespri may not seem enlightening but I actually learned a lot.  Enough, in fact, to now add kiwis to my basket at the market.  Nutritionist Rebecca Scritchfield was on hand to explain that a serving (2 kiwifruit) has less than 100 calories, more vitamin C than an orange, more potassium than a banana and loads of antioxidants.  And no peeling necessary.  Just cut them in half and run a spoon along the edges until the flesh pops right out.  Knowing that turned a seemingly inconvenient fruit into an extremely portable one.

I also had my first taste of the new SunGold Kiwifruit which is a cross between the green and gold varieties. Rather than the typical hairy skin, the SunGold has a smooth skin that is technically edible...although I think I'll just scoop this one, too.  It has even more vitamin C than the green kiwi and is wonderfully sweet.  I enjoyed a martini made with it and that flavor is still on my mind so I'm pretty sure I know what I'll be drinking next weekend.

I also never thought to use kiwis in any way other than just eating them as a fruit but now I've been educated.  Kiwi cocktails are outrageously good and are definitely going to be made around here.  But the biggest revelation of the party for me was the the kiwi BLT, or rather a KLT.  Yes, slices of kiwi replace tomatoes in the classic sandwich and the combination of sweet fruit and crispy bacon is amazing.  Another must-make recipe in my collection.

I left the party with a little goody bag filled with kiwis that I used to make a fresh smoothie.  As I was doing my weekly online grocery shopping from Fresh Direct, though, I saw they had the new Zespri SunGold available.  Right into my cart they went.  Kiwi cocktails and KLT's coming right up.  Enjoy!











Ingredients
1 Small banana, peeled and frozen
1 Kiwi fruit
1/2 Cup low fat Greek yogurt
1/2 Cup low fat milk
1 Teaspoon honey
Pinch of salt

Combine all the ingredients in a blender or food processor and puree until blended.  Note that kiwi fruit contains an enzyme that can break down dairy products so this smoothie is best consumed when it's first made.

For more information about Zespri, their growing practices, the varieties of kiwifruit and plenty of kiwi recipes, please visit their web site and their Facebook page.

I was compensated for writing this post but the recipe and opinions are my own.  Thank you for supporting the products I love and use regularly in my kitchen.