Yes, a kiwi is a berry. Botanically speaking, kiwifruit (often called kiwi) are classified as berries. This means they are the fleshy ripened ovaries of flowers. This classification applies to all species of kiwis, as well as other fruits like tomatoes, bananas, grapes, and blueberries.
What Makes a Kiwi a Berry?
The definition of a berry in botany is quite broad. It encompasses fruits that develop from a single flower with one ovary and contain multiple seeds. The kiwi fruit fits this description perfectly.
- Single ovary: The kiwi develops from a single flower's ovary.
- Multiple seeds: Numerous small, edible seeds are embedded within the kiwi's fleshy interior.
- Fleshy fruit: The kiwi's ripened ovary forms the juicy, edible flesh we consume.
There's even a smaller variety called a kiwi berry, which shares the same botanical classification as the larger kiwifruit. The kiwi berry is simply a smaller, grape-sized version of the same fruit, with edible skin.
Some sources even highlight the "ellipsoidal kiwi fruit" specifically as a "true berry" with characteristic features like furry brownish-green skin and firm translucent green flesh.
Different Types of Kiwifruit
It is important to note that while all kiwifruits are berries, there are variations within the kiwifruit family. The most common type is the larger hairy kiwi we typically find in supermarkets. However, smaller varieties like the kiwi berry exist, sharing the same botanical classification. These distinctions relate to size and skin texture, not the fundamental botanical classification.
Conclusion
Kiwifruit, including both the common kiwi and the smaller kiwi berry, are indeed berries. Their botanical structure aligns perfectly with the definition of a berry.
