NERGI® kiwi berries are a new berry fruit I have never seen before, how about you?
They may look like baby kiwis but they are actually an unrelated kind of berry that has been grown in Asia for several hundred years. Since 2013 they have been grown in France, Portugal, Italy and the Netherlands too.
The kiwi berry season runs from September until the beginning of November so they should be arriving in the shops in the UK around about now.
These naturally sweet kiwi berries are handy and easy to eat, as no peeling is required. They have a very thin skin so are perfect for snacking.
When I tried them, I was struck by their delicate flavour, and I decided to pair my NERGI® kiwi berries with lemon zest, light creme fraiche and lemon-flavoured meringues to create a light and zesty dessert. Read on for the recipe for my kiwiberry and lemon mini meringues.
Recipe
Kiwiberry Meringues
Ingredients
For the mini meringues (makes 6):
- 2 large egg whites
- 60 g caster sugar (superfine sugar)
- 50 g icing sugar
- ½ tsp organic lemon extract
For the toppings:
- 1 pack of kiwi berries
- 150 ml light creme fraiche
- zest of a lemon
Instructions
- To make the meringues, whisk the egg whites at medium speed using an electric hand mixer until they form soft peaks.2 large egg whites
- Add the caster sugar one spoon at a time and continue to whisk at high speed. The meringue should be smooth and glossy.60 g caster sugar (superfine sugar)
- Fold in the icing sugar one third at a time.50 g icing sugar
- Add the lemon extract and combine gently.½ tsp organic lemon extract
- Using a large spoon, form 6 small meringue nests on a lined baking tray.
- Bake at 100℃ / 210℉ in a fan oven for 1 hour to 1 hour 15 minutes, until the meringues are firm.
- Leave the meringues to cool.
- Using a fork, mash a few of the kiwi berries gently to make puree.1 pack of kiwi berries
- Spoon creme fraiche onto each meringue nest, followed by a little of the kiwi berry puree.150 ml light creme fraiche
- To finish, slice a kiwi berry in half for each meringue and place on top. Add lemon zest on top of each to serve.zest of a lemon
Disclosure: I received a pack of NERGI® kiwi berries and payment to create a recipe but all views are my own.
Stuart says
They sound very intriguing Lucy! Never heard of them but want to give them a go now. Going to keep an eye out…
bakingqueen74 says
I have spotted some English ones in the supermarket too, they are really good to eat
Angela / Only Crumbs Remain says
I’ve never heard of kiwi berries before either, though they do look like their name sake despite not being related. They even look a bit like a green cherry tomato, or is that just me. I love that you’ve teamed them with a meringue. They sound lovely, I shall have to keep my eyes peeled for some.
Angela x
Rebecca Beesley says
what an interesting and unusual fruit! I love what you have done with them. x
Cat says
These look absolutely amazing! I’ve never heard of kiwi berries but I will definitely be looking out for them now!x
Sarah James @ Tales From The Kitchen Shed says
Your mini meringues look delicious Lucy. I love lemon & I can’t wait to try the new kiwi berries.
Anca says
They look delicious, I would love to try them 🙂
bakingqueen74 says
Thanks Anca
Kate | The Veg Space says
They look lovely Lucy, so pretty. Hadn’t heard of KiwiBerries before but will look out for them!
bakingqueen74 says
Isn’t it strange to find out there is a new fruit we’ve never seen before! They really taste good, hope you find some
Lucy Parissi says
I love the kiwi berries! So sweet and easy to snack on. They are perfect for desserts (although I used mine in a cocktail!)
bakingqueen74 says
Ah yes I remember your cocktail! A lovely use for them too
Jo's Kitchen (@Jos_Kitchen) says
I love kiwis but have never tried kiwiberries. I must try and find them. Your recipe looks delicious
bakingqueen74 says
It is great to find a new kind of berry! Do try them if you can find some
Helen @ Fuss Free Flavours says
These are adorable Lucy, I really enjoyed my kiwiberries – Cannot wait to get some more.
bakingqueen74 says
Aren’t they great, look forward to seeing them in the shops
Diana says
I have never tried kiwiberries before but they sound and look really good! I love meringue with cream looks very delicious!
bakingqueen74 says
You must try them Diana, they are great for snacking on too