Kiwiberries from Saxony at the Home-Garden-Leisure Fair - Leipzig Fair Spotlights the Hardy Kiwi as Europe's New Garden Star

This year's Haus-Garten-Freizeit fair in Leipzig is putting the kiwi in the spotlight. The small but nutritious fruit, packed with vitamins C and E, is gaining attention for its hardy nature and sweet flavour. Visitors can explore its cultivation and benefits from January 31 to February 8.

The kiwi resembles a tiny kiwi, growing to just two or three centimetres long. Its oblong shape and smooth skin hide a sweet, fruity taste—something between a kiwi and a gooseberry. Unlike its tropical cousin, this plant thrives in Central Europe, surviving temperatures as low as -25°C without fuss.

Experts at the fair will explain how easy it is to grow kiwis at home. They adapt well to gardens, balconies, or even pots, needing little care and resisting common pests. Ripening between September and October, they offer a low-effort harvest for hobby gardeners.

The fair itself runs alongside the Central German Trade Fair, drawing around 680 exhibitors from 24 countries. Among them is the Kiwiri nursery from Niederwiesa, Saxony. Founded during the GDR era, the business—now run by Richard Hamann, grandson of original owner Werner Merkel—specialises in breeding and selling kiwi plants.

The kiwi's hardiness and simplicity make it an appealing choice for gardeners. With its growing popularity, the fair provides a chance to learn about cultivation and taste the fruit firsthand. The event continues until February 8 at the Leipzig exhibition grounds.