Nicole at work pointed me to a Groupon for Water Fresh Farm in Hopkinton, MA. (BTW Hopkinton hosts the starting line for the Boston Marathon) that had fresh hydroponically grown vegetables.  Lyn and I are always looking for new shopping experience and in my younger years while living in the mud flat desert in Temecula CA. I worked on a construction site that was building hydroponic greenhouses and then moved right into the growing end after they were completed. Back then Temecula boasted 101 residents, a one salon, one gas station town.  I hear it has grown quite a bit since my days there a Willy jeep, two horses and miles and miles of open land. We were there during the big gas shortage but never realized because our gas station was only open 2 days a week. Anyway that is a story for another day, but I should tell you this one story which probably dates me but do you remember the commercials we took the Clorox away from XYZ town? Well Temecula was one of those towns and from what I understand only about 20 people used it so it was not such a hard task.

Back to Water Fresh Farms, a nice little grocery store hidden away on route 85 is actually a small group of vendors nestle together in a little cul-de-sac anything from ice cream, gift , crafts  to  gifts. One of the many items we picked up on our first visit was dried kiwi. The only way I can describe them is like a really good gummy bear. So we decided to give it a shot.

Ingredients

• 9-10 Kiwis

How

Peel Kiwis
Slice in ¼” slices – don’t go thinner gets to dry. Lay them out on dehydrator trays. Turn on and wait. The length is tricky it depends on the dehydrator and the Kiwis but maybe around 3 hours Doneness is up to you. Let cool and store in airtight container or bag.

The picture of finished product is not ours, do not do what we did, we forgot and went to see Batman and some food shopping at Whole Food, they are very good but were dried a little too long. Next time we stay around and I will post the pictures and time.

 

 

 

 

Kiwi and its Many Health Benefits

By: Alexandria Hardy, RD

What’s in a Name?

For this fruit, quite a lot! The kiwi, originally called the Chinese gooseberry and later the “sunny peach”, was renamed the kiwi by New Zealand natives after their national bird. There are over 400 varieties of this fuzzy fruit, which grows off of vines on a trellis, much like grapes are cultivated.

Quintessential Kiwi Research

Researchers exploring the potential positive features of the kiwi fruit have conducted several studies involving children and adults. A study in Italy indicated that children had less trouble with wheezing, shortness of breath, and coughing in the night when they consumed 5-7 servings of kiwi or citrus fruit a week. Asthma sufferers were found to derive the most benefit from the kiwi, even when eaten as few as 1-2 times a week. Adults can also benefit from eating the jewel-toned fruit! Another study demonstrated that eating 2-3 kiwi fruits a day can reduce the potential for blood clots and decrease triglycerides. Yet another study cited the kiwi’s ability to protect and repair the body from DNA damage, which could protect against cancer.

Nutritional Nods

From disease prevention to an abundance of vitamins and minerals, the kiwi provides a wide array of nutrition benefits. According to a study at Rutgers University, the kiwi is the most nutrient dense fruit, ounce for ounce. Below is a list of the different ways that the naturally fat-free kiwi can help our health:

•Disease Prevention

Fiber: Kiwi provides 16% of the RDA for fiber and has a role in the prevention of constipation and some cancers.

Phytonutrients: Kiwis have phytonutrients, which repair DNA, act as the body’s protection against some cancers, and function as antioxidants. Learn more about phytonutrients plant powers.

•Vitamins

Folic Acid: Kiwi provides 10% of the RDA for folic acid, which is important for expectant mothers and works to produce red blood cells.

Vitamin C: One serving of kiwi gives the body 230% of the RDA for Vitamin C, which helps heal wounds, increase iron absorption, and boost the immune system.

Vitamin E: Kiwi provides 10% RDA for Vitamin E and decreases the risk of heart disease.

•Minerals

Calcium: Kiwi provides 5.5% of the RDA for Calcium.

Chromium: Kiwi aids in regulating heartbeats.

Copper: Kiwi provides 8% of the RDA for Copper.

Iron: Kiwi provides 4% of the RDA for Iron.

Magnesium: Kiwi provides 6% of the RDA for Magnesium, which  can enhance your energy level.

Potassium: Kiwi aids in fluid maintenance.

Zinc: Kiwi helps keep hair, skin, teeth, and nails healthy.

Selecting, Storing, and Eating a Kiwi

How do I choose a kiwi?

•Look for a fruit that is plump and fragrant with no visible bruising or wrinkles and a slightly firm feel

What if I chose a fruit that isn’t yet ripe?

•Kiwis ripen quickly when placed in either a paper or plastic bag with a banana. However, once they are ripened, store them away from other fruit or they will decompose more quickly!

How long are kiwis good for once I buy them?

•Ripe kiwi fruit can last in the refrigerator for 1-2 weeks.

Can I eat the skin?

•You can, but wash carefully to remove unwanted pesticides! Rub it a bit to minimize the fuzz. The skin actually provides more fiber to your sweet snack. If you’re not fond of the fuzzy exterior, simply “sloop” it out by slicing the kiwi in half horizontally and spooning out each end to enjoy.

What is a serving size?

•A serving of kiwi fruit is ½ cup, or 1 medium-sized kiwi.