French-grown green kiwis (Actinidia deliciosa) from La Pinède, a family-run grower based in the Quercy region of south-west France. France is the fifth-largest kiwi producer in the world, with the majority of its crop concentrated between Aquitaine and Midi-Pyrénées — exactly where La Pinède's orchards sit. The combination of oceanic climate, long growing season and well-drained soils produces kiwis with a notably well-balanced ratio of sweetness to acidity and a dense, emerald-green flesh.

What sets kiwi cultivation apart from most other fruit is how little intervention it requires. Kiwi vines face virtually no insect pest pressure, so no insecticide treatments are needed. La Pinède applies only a single copper-based fungicide (bouillie bordelaise, approved for use in organic farming) in autumn and early spring. The result is fruit grown with minimal chemical input — as close to organic as conventional certification gets. All La Pinède growers are GlobalGAP certified. Kiwis may arrive firm; leave at room temperature to ripen until they yield slightly to gentle pressure, then eat or refrigerate.

Producer: La Pinède, Belfort-du-Quercy, south-west France

Ingredients: Green kiwis (Actinidia deliciosa)

Storage: Store firm fruit at room temperature to ripen. Once ripe (yielding slightly to the touch), refrigerate and consume within a few days.