Fruit

Kiwifruit or Kiwi is thought to have been discovered in China and was considered a delicacy among royals. They were known then as Chinese Gooseberry.

Seeds from China were introduced to New Zealand in the 1900s and were exported to the United States in the 1950s.

Today, the most common variety is the Hayward, grown almost exclusively in California. The fruit grows on a woody vine that can reach up to 30 feet tall. I took these photos using a macro lens to get in close

By helping to maintain a healthy blood pressure and providing a boost of Vitamin C, the Kiwifruit can reduce the risk of stroke and heart disease. Beyond this, Kiwi also contains a high level of dietary fiber. Fiber can reduce risk factors for heart disease by lowering LDL or bad cholesterol.

Our trip to Peru included a steamy, exhilarating push into the Amazonian Jungle. A two hour boat ride took us down the Tambopata River where there were no roads and few people.

We flew into Puerto Maldonado to begin the jungle excursion. This was the second jet plane needed to make it there since the first one experienced engine trouble and we turned back to Cuzco. I knew something was amiss when the pilot came on the intercom and asked us to ” remain calm!” It was a hard landing in Cuzco but we all remained calm….