After taking off in late September, the Southern European kiwi season is now officially in full force. Paving the way for certified European kiwi in Hong Kong, Greek farmers who harvest the fruit flew in recently for an intimate party at Grassroots Pantry (108 Hollywood Road, Sheung Wan).
Organised by Tasting Kitchen, the European Kiwi Party featured “gooseberry” cocktails (kiwi rum punch) by award-winning mixologist Jay Khan, savoury and sweet kiwi canapé and a showpiece kiwi cake designed by Joanna Yuen, cake artist of The Secret Within (thesecretwithin.co).
Kiwi isn’t just delicious, it’s good for you, too. Two kiwis have twice the vitamin C of an orange, as much potassium as a banana and the fibre equivalent of a bowl of whole grain cereal – all for less than 100 calories! They’re also rich in magnesium, potassium electrolytes and amino acids. Even the seeds are packed with Omega-3 fatty acids, which lower the risk of coronary heart disease.
The fuzzy fruit is also a boon for beauty enthusiasts, containing high levels of vitamins A, K and E (for skin cell moisturisation and regeneration) as well as flavonoid antioxidants such as beta carotene, lutein and xanthin. The latter are major antioxidants that can delay the effects of ageing while aiding digestion.
Check out the latest issue of Gafencu’s print magazine or the Gafencu app for easy-to-make DIY kiwi masks, face scrubs and even a recipe for Raw Kiwi Pie!
Text: Julienne C. Raboca