Fruit of the month: Kiwifruit

The Chinese gooseberry — more commonly known as kiwifruit or simply kiwi — is a brown, fuzzy, egg-sized fruit with bright green flesh. You can sometimes find gold kiwis, which have yellow flesh, or kiwi berries, which are the size of a grape and have smooth, green skin. Sweet yet slightly tart, kiwi's flavor has been described as a cross between a strawberry and a banana with a hint of citrus.

One kiwi provides nearly all (about 80%) of an adult's daily vitamin C requirement. It's also a good source of fiber, potassium, and vitamin K.

Although the skin of a kiwi is edible, you may prefer to remove it. Or just also slice the fruit in half and scoop the flesh out with a spoon. Kiwis provide a nice color contrast in fruit salads. Green smoothie fans might enjoy one made with a blend of kiwi, spinach, apple, and pear.

For a warm-weather treat, try making kiwi sorbet: Blend frozen pieces of several very ripe kiwi in a food processor, along with a little lime juice and honey to taste, if desired. Pour into a loaf pan, smooth into an even layer, and freeze for two hours. Scoop into a bowl to serve.

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