Kiwi onion dip facts for kids
Kiwi onion dip is a super popular dipping sauce from New Zealand. People often call it 'kiwi dip' or 'onion dip'. It's really easy to make! You just mix a packet of onion soup powder with a can of special reduced cream. Then, you let it chill in the fridge to get thick and yummy. Sometimes, people add a little lemon juice or parsley on top for extra taste.
The "Kiwi" part means it's from New Zealand, not that it has kiwifruit in it! People love to eat this dip with potato chips, crackers, or chopped vegetables. It's a favorite at parties, barbecues, and other fun get-togethers. You can even add a tiny bit of vinegar or lemon juice to make the flavor pop!
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Who Invented This Yummy Dip?
The idea for Kiwi onion dip came from Rosemary Dempsey. She was a home economist working for Nestlé New Zealand. She created this famous dip sometime in the 1950s or 1960s.
Why Kiwi Dip is a New Zealand Icon
Kiwi onion dip is more than just a snack in New Zealand. It's become a true symbol of Kiwiana, which means it's a classic part of New Zealand culture.
A Classic for Generations
In February 2019, Nestlé even launched a special campaign called "Kiwi as." This campaign showed how the dip fits into many famous moments in New Zealand life. A food writer named Lauraine Jacobs called Kiwi onion dip an "all-time classic." She said her mother made it, and now her son and his wife make it too. This shows how the dip has been loved by many generations.
A Taste of Home for Kiwis Abroad
New Zealanders who live in other countries often miss Kiwi onion dip. This is because the special reduced cream needed to make it is mostly found only in New Zealand. In fact, in 2019, it was reported that cans of reduced cream are often packed in suitcases by New Zealanders traveling overseas! It's like bringing a little piece of home with them.
A Fun April Fools' Joke
In April 2019, the Countdown supermarket chain made a funny announcement. They said they were going to sell 'NZ Onion Dip Ice Cream'! It was supposed to be a two-liter tub of ice cream flavored with caramelized onions and reduced cream. Luckily, the supermarket later said it was just an April Fools' Day joke!
