1. CDFA Home
  2. Kids
Kiwi with California in the middle CDFA logo

Kids Connect with California AG

Want to know about kiwi California grown kiwi?
Test your knowledge on kiwi!
Want to know more about plants and bugs in California?

Explore information about California's Agriculture and CDFA

What is brown and fuzzy on the outside, but green and sweet on the inside? A California grown kiwi! Kiwi plants are in the botanical genus Actinidia and grow as woody vines. They produce beautiful white blossoms that, once pollinated, develop into the kiwi fruit you see in markets. California grows the Hayward variety of kiwi which is the most popular. Around the world there are over 40 known varieties of kiwi fruits.

Kiwi season in California runs from late September through May. Because of its harvest time, it’s considered a winter fruit. California produces 98% of the kiwis grown in the U.S. , which is impressive as there are fewer than 300 kiwi growers in the state. Kiwis are produced in several California counties, including, Tulare, Kings, Fresno, Butte, Yuba, Sutter, Stanislaus, San Joaquin and San Diego.

The kiwi is native to China. It was considered a delicacy and originally called the “Chinese gooseberry.” This fruit was exported and grown in other countries, including New Zealand, where the first Chinese gooseberry commercial vineyard was planted in the early 1940s. The production of this fruit spread rapidly across New Zealand. In 1962, a California produce dealer first arranged to have kiwi fruit imported from New Zealand to California. That same produce dealer also changed the name from Chinese gooseberry to kiwi, or kiwifruit, because the fruit resembled New Zealand's national bird, the kiwi. By the end of the 1960s, California was producing its own kiwi fruit in the northern part of the state. Commercial production of kiwis has increased dramatically since those early years.

Kiwis are high in vitamins C and E, antioxidants, fiber, potassium, folate, magnesium, lutein and zinc. They are an ideal low-calorie, fat-free fruit. Kiwifruit can be found in your local grocery stores, as well as your neighborhood certified farmers markets . The Marketing Branch of CDFA works with the California Kiwifruit Commission to keep consumers informed about kiwifruit production in California.

Kiwi is a refreshing winter fruit. Enjoy!

question mark inside of yellow circle

What do you know about kiwi?

Kiwi with California in the middle
  • Kiwi with California in the middle
    What is the scientific name for a kiwifruit?








    Kiwi with California in the middle
    Is the fuzzy skin of a kiwifruit edible?




    Kiwi with California in the middle
    What country produces the most kiwifruit?









    Kiwi with California in the middle
    The French call kiwifruit souris végétales, which means what?









    Kiwi with California in the middle
    Kiwifruit can be used to do what with meat?











Got all the answers correct?
Let's review and try it again.

Kids CDFA TV

Teen Harvesters

Growing California video series: Teen Harvesters

The next segment in the Growing California video series, a partnership with California Grown, is “Teen Harvesters.” (3:47)
Urban Farmer

Growing California video series: Urban Farmer

A story about an urban community organization working to produce food and educate young people. (3:49)
Young Farmer or Rancher holding microphone

Young CA Farmers & Ranchers

CA State Board of Food and Agriculture held a meeting to discuss young farmers & ranchers. "The most important thing we are growing on our farm is new farmers." (3:41)

Saving Water

Drought for Kids:
What is Drought? ... Kids Can Save (water) Water in Our Lives: Game How Drought Works: Video More Droughts California Drought Information & Resources

In the News

Local Growers Enjoying Successful Pumpkin Harvest - "It's been a great year for us," said Dale Bostrom, of Summerset Farm & Dale's Nursery. "We grew over 20 acres of pumpkins organically. We have 27 varieties of pumpkins, gourds and squash and it's been a really good year for us." - Dave Alley, KEYT Most students get food and beverage marketing at school, study says - from the Los Angeles Times "USDA Releases Farm to School Census" - CDFA Blog "For those thinking about farming – a new website helps the dream become a reality" - CDFA Blog "California’s young farmers break traditional mold" - SF Chronicle California Agriculture Receives More Than $18 Million in Federal Specialty Crop Grant Funds

For Students

State of California Student Employment

Calendar

Avian Health 2015

2015 Avian Health Calendar

(NEW) Click here if interested in submitting pictures for the Avian Health Calendar