Dole Superkids
Kiwifruit
History


Did you know that kiwifruit is more than 700 years old?

The history of kiwifruit began in the Yang-tse river valley in China, where it was called "Yangtao." The fruit Yangtao was considered a delicacy by the court of the great Khans who cherished its delicious flavor and emerald-green color. The small, brown, fuzzy "Yangtao" fruit grew wild on vines that wrapped around trees.

Here's a timeline of kiwifruit's history:

The history of kiwifruit began in the Yang-tse river valley in China, where it was called "Yangtao." The fruit Yangtao was considered a delicacy by the court of the great Khans who cherished its delicious flavor and emerald-green color. The small, brown, fuzzy "Yangtao" fruit grew wild on vines that wrapped around trees.

1600s

Chinese begin cultivating Yangtao (a.k.a. kiwifruit) vines.
1800-1900

Knowledge of the Yangtao fruit spreads to other countries. A collector for the Royal Horticultural Society of Britain sends samples of fruit home, and seeds are sent to England.
1904

Yangtao plant cuttings are brought from China to the United States.
1906

Yangtao seeds are sent to New Zealand, where the fruit is given the name "Chinese Gooseberry."

New Zealand begins to produce a larger and more flavorful variety of the "Chinese Gooseberry" fruit.
1960

California's first commercial kiwifruit vineyard is planted, consisting of nine "Chinese Gooseberry" vines.
1962 New Zealand's "Chinese Gooseberry" variety is first shipped to the United States, where it is re-named "Kiwifruit" after New Zealand's national bird the "kiwi."

The kiwi bird happens to be a bird that cannot fly. The people of New Zealand, the currency and national soccer team are often referred to as Kiwis.
1970

Kiwifruit grown in California is available for the first time in supermarkets throughout the United States.