Red kiwis are different from the normal variety not only because of their color, they’re also noticeable sweeter. And as Joseph Kim now reports, now is the perfect time to try them - they’re in season.

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Hwabuk-dong, Jeju City

Ripe kiwi fruit hang from the vines waiting to be picked.

Ignoring fatigue, farmers are harvesting the kiwi they have been growing, with a sense of satisfaction.

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Red kiwis in season
Red kiwi, named after the color of the flesh, are now in season.

Being different from the more ubiquitous green kiwi, they are high in sugar and there is no fuzz on its skin.

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Hyeon Gwang-hoon

The sweetness of red kiwifruit registers around 10 degrees brix, which is higher than green kiwis’ average of just 6 to 7 degrees.

The sale price for the red kiwi is set at 4,300 won per kilogram, also more lucrative for the red kiwi farmer.

[INTERVIEW]
Kang Sung-jin / Kiwi grower
We are pleased that they are becoming more popular, mainly due to their soft, sweet flesh and beautiful color.
"맛이 좋고 색깔도 좋고 육질이 부드러워 소비자 반응이 좋아서 찾는 사람이 많아서 좋습니다."

Also, since the harvest season for the red kiwi is earlier than other kinds of kiwi, the farmers can stagger their workforce and extend the harvest period.

[INTERVIEW]
Kim Hyun-hwan/ Jeju Agricultural Technology Center
The earlier harvesting season of red kiwis makes the farmers’ work easier because the shipment and labor force can be spread out.
"레드키위는 수확시기가 빨라서 출하시기와 노동력을 분산시켜 농가에 도움이 되고 있습니다."

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Joseph Kim

Jeju produces approximately 50% of the red kiwi nationwide.
The second most abundant fruit grown in Jeju, red kiwifruit are contributing to enhance farming incomes.

Joseph Kim KCTV