The history of kiwi began in China more than 700 years ago, where it was very well appreciated in Great Khan’s empire for its delicious taste and emerald-coloured pulp. It began to be widespread in the rest of the world in the 19th century, when a collector of the Royal British Society of Horticulture sent to his homeland some fruits and seeds. It was imported in Italy in the 70s, and nowadays it is the second world’s largest producer, thanks to its climate and the passion of its farmers. Cooking time: 13-15 minutes.

Originally from Asia Minor (Persia and Afghanistan), pomegranate (Latin name “Punica granatum”) and its fruits were brought in Europe by Phoenician merchants. Italian word derives from “mela” (apple), for its shape and colour, and “grana” (grain), for the consistency of its internal seeds, very similar to corn. It is one of the main subjects in many stories and legends, and it was a sacred plant to Juno and Venus in ancient Greece. In ancient Rome, brides used to put pomegranate branches in their hair, symbol of fertility and richness. It was very widely represented in works of art and culture during the Renaissance, main subject in the works of Caravaggio. Nowadays, this fruit is used to make Italian and European dishes simply unique! Cooking time: 13-15 minutes.

The Pineapple is originally from South America. Indios used to call it ANANA, from the word NANA (perfume), while Conquistadores used to call it PINE CONE OF THE INDIES or ROYAL PINE CONE. The pineapple is a symbol of welcome and hospitality and has a delicious sweetness on the inside. The amount of vitamins and natural constituents make the pineapple a healthy fruit. Cooking time: 13-15 minutes.

Peach and Apricot are the summer fruits par excellence. Apparently, Chinese emperors used to consume them already 4000 years ago. Originally from Central Asia, these fruits were brought to the Mediterranean area after the conquests by Alexander the Great. In ancient Egypt, they were sacred fruits to Arpocrate, god of silence and childhood: in fact, children’s cheeks nowadays are usually compared to these fruits, for their velvety softness. After a period of oblivion, Arabs reintroduced their plantation, for gastronomy and pharmacological use. Many famous artists such as Caravaggio, Renoir, Arcimboldo and Monet often painted them in their works, thanks to their beauty and colour. Cooking time: 13-15 minutes.