Kiwifruit lovers rejoice, there’s a new kiwifruit on the market with one big twist. As well as the green kiwi flesh we’ve come to know and love, this kiwifruit has bright red flesh.
Hitting supermarket shelves for the first time in Australia, Zespri RubyRed is New Zealand’s newest kiwifruit variety, delivering bright-red flesh, berry sweetness, and a full day’s Vitamin C in every bite.
But you have to get in quick, because this variety isn’t in season for long.
KEY TAKEAWAYS
- Zespri RubyRed is a brand-new kiwifruit variety with striking, bright-red flesh and a natural berry sweetness
- It’s sweeter and less tangy than regular green kiwi, making it a great option for berry lovers, too
- One RubyRed provides 100% of your daily recommended Vitamin C intake
- The red colour comes from anthocyanins — natural antioxidant pigments that also support mood and wellbeing
- It’s hitting Australian stores for the first time this season — but only for around eight weeks, so get in quick
What is the Zespri RubyRed kiwi fruit?
Zespri’s ruby red kiwifruit is the latest variant to come through Zespri’s kiwifruit breeding programme in New Zealand. It’s smaller than commercial green and gold varieties, averaging 5.7 to 6.2 centimetres in length and weighing 62 to 87 grams.
The fruit contains antioxidants called anthocyanins, which give it its red colour.
What does it taste like?
Not just for kiwi fruit lovers, RubyRed has a high sugar content and moderate acidity, creating a sweet, berry-like flavour that is sweeter and less tangy than a regular green kiwi.
When does it hit shelves?
RubyRed has just hit supermarket shelves. Due to its short shelf life, the fruit will only be available for up to eight weeks, so you’ll have to get in quick.
What do the experts say?
Discussing autumn superfoods, nutritionist Susie Burrell said, “Boasting natural berry sweetness, antioxidants, and vitamin C, you cannot go past adding a few Zespri RubyRed Kiwifruit to your shopping trolley at this time of year.”
Zespri RubyRed kiwi fruits FAQS
The flesh has saturated pink and red hues with a dark red, crimson ring surrounding a yellow oval centre. The dark red ring is also speckled with tiny, edible black seeds.
It’s smaller than commercial green and gold varieties, averaging 5.7 to 6.2 centimetres in length and weighing 62 to 87 grams.
The fruits ripen quickly and can soften at room temperature in 2 to 3 days. It’s recommended to store RubyRed in the refrigerator, where the fruit will ripen in 5 to 7 days and last for up to 10 days.
No, it was developed through Zespri’s kiwifruit breeding program in partnership with Plant & Food Research.
The vibrant red and pink hues come from the natural presence of anthocyanins in the flesh.
Zespri RubyRed kiwifruits are available to buy from Woolworths.
