Bored Of Regular Kiwis? Ruby Kiwis Are Here

It may not seem like it, but fruit comes in and out of fashion like any other food. We think of it as pure, from the earth, unable to be influenced by modern tastes – but behind its wholesome image is a never-ending churn of product development and selective growing, which produces new varieties of pretty much everything. A few months ago, we were discussing Sunflare apples, which are set to become a new hot fave when they finally hit stores in a few years. Until then, though, we have ruby kiwis to enjoy.

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What’s what, you say? Ruby kiwis? Yes. Ruby kiwis – and they’re available in a store near you. Let’s talk about it.

What Are Ruby Kiwis?

Ruby kiwis are basically exactly what they sound like: Kiwis with a ruby-red interior, as opposed to the classic jade green tone that you usually find when you slice into them. Developed and sold by Zespri, RubyRed Kiwifruit (as they are officially known) contain naturally-occurring anthocyanins which give them their red hue.

Zespri is a New Zealand-based company, and the largest kiwi marketer in the world, and its ruby variety has been developed for several decades now, through considered breeding to enhance the anthocyanin content. The result of this development, too, is that not only do they look different, but they taste different: Customers find that they have a sweeter flavor than regular kiwis. I personally find this fruit to be way too sour sometimes, so this is music to my ears.

Where Can I Find Them?

Ruby kiwis are seasonally grown, and come into their own between April and June – which is, of course, now. In the US, they’re currently being sold in Trader Joe’s and Costco. Costco started stocking them last year, and they’re now back for another spin. Customers have also started reporting back on their TJ’s haul of Zespri’s kiwis on Reddit. They won’t be around for much longer, so if you want to try them, now’s your time – until next year, of course.

And Are They Worth It?

According to customers, they are worth it. “Love these, didn’t know TJs had them. I eat them whole,” said one customer, responding to the Reddit post about their presence at Trader Joe’s. Another person, who bought them at Costco and reported back on their experience on Facebook, said that they were “stunning,” and reaffirmed that they were indeed sweeter than regular kiwis. It’s this season’s must-have fruit, folks!