The benefits of kiwi

 Vitamin C is an essential element in maintaining the collagen in your skin, which keeps skin firm and supple. According to Ladies’ Home Journal, kiwi contains more vitamin C per ounce than any other fruit. Plus, kiwi’s furry exterior keeps vitamin C from escaping because the nutrient tends to evaporate when exposed to air, water or heat, according to the magazine.

Selecting and storing kiwifruit

You can tell that kiwifruit is ripe when it gives in to slight pressure. If it’s not ripe when you buy it, it’ll ripen quickly when stored in a brown paper bag at room temperature (especially when stored with an apple or banana). If you plan to eat the kiwi within a few days, simply store the fruit at room temperature or keep it in the fridge.

Summer recipe

In honor of summer, try this kiwi-packed recipe for fruit kabobs from David Grotto’s 101 Foods That Could Save Your Life.

Ingredients

2 sliced kiwifruit

1 sliced apple or pear

1 sliced banana

1/2 cup red seedless grapes

1/2 cup sliced strawberries

2/3 cup pineapple chunks

1 cup non-fat yogurt

1/4 cup dried coconut, shredded

4 skewers

Directions

Slide the fruit pieces onto the skewers. Spread the coconut and yogurt on separate large plates. Roll each kebab in the yogurt, and then the coconut. Add raisins, chopped nuts, or granola for added flavor.

Consider adding vitamin C-packed kiwi to your routine — whether you incorporate kiwi into your diet, cook up homemade treatments or buy kiwi-infused formulas.