KIWI

Take a guess as to what this might describe and GOOD LUCK: Kingdom: Plantae - Division: Magnoliophyta - Class: Magnolipsida - Order: Ericales - Family: Actinidiaceae - Genus: Actinidia - Species: A. Deliciosa. That is, of course, the scientific nomenclature for a kiwi. I guess the picture gave the game away, no? It just goes to show how something that looks so simple can get complicated. Anyway, even though the actinidia plant is native to China, Italy is the biggest producer of kiwifruit. It used to be called a Chinese gooseberry but I think Kiwi sounds a lot better.

Tropical Fruit Salad

For this to work, I’m afraid you’re going to have to buy the cacao nibs at a health food store, unless you always keep some in your pantry. The best part of this salad recipe is, of course, the simple directions. I had something resembling this fruit salad many years ago while in Germany. It was served with some incredibly delicious glaze and exquisite cookies on the side.

INGREDIENTS
1. 1 cup banana, peeled and cut into 1/2-inch slices (from about 1 large banana)
2. 1 cup kiwi peeled and cut into medium dice (from about 3 medium kiwis)
3. 1 cup mango, peeled and cut into medium dice (from about 1 very large mango)
4. 1 1/2 cups papaya, peeled, seeds removed, and cut into medium dice (from about 1 medium papaya)
5. 1/4 cup hazelnuts, toasted, skins removed, and coarsely chopped
6. 3 tablespoons cacao nibs
7. 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lime juice
8. 1 tablespoon agave nectar



DIRECTIONS – serves 4
Place all ingredients in a large bowl and gently mix to combine.