How to Peel, Cut, and Eat a Kiwi Fruit

Kiwis, often dubbed the "king of fruits," are not only a delightful burst of tartness and sweetness but also a powerhouse of nutrition. With their vibrant green flesh and unique taste, they captivate the palates of many around the world.

Rich in vitamins, antioxidants, and dietary fiber, these small fruits pack a mighty health punch. Their tantalizing flavor and myriad health benefits make them a favorite among fruit enthusiasts.

Updated: October 21, 2024.

How to Peel Kiwi Fruit

Peeling a kiwi can be accomplished with various tools and techniques, but the most common method involves using a standard kitchen knife or a spoon. Here's how you can do it:

Using a Knife

• Trim Ends: Lay the kiwi on its side and cut off both the top and bottom ends with a sharp knife.
• Peel: Hold the kiwi upright (with one of the flat ends on the cutting board) and carefully slide the knife between the skin and the flesh. Move the knife downwards, following the curve of the fruit, to peel off the skin. Rotate the kiwi and continue this process until you've removed all the skin. Try to keep as much of the flesh intact as possible.
• Final Touch: Once the majority of the skin is off, you can trim any small patches or blemishes that remain.

Using a Spoon

• Trim Ends: As with the knife method, start by cutting off the top and bottom ends of the kiwi.
• Insert the Spoon: Hold the kiwi with one hand, and with the other hand, gently slide a spoon between the skin and the flesh, starting from one of the cut ends.
• Rotate: Once the spoon is fully inserted, rotate the kiwi with one hand while keeping the spoon stationary with the other. The goal is to move the spoon around the fruit, separating the flesh from the skin. If done correctly, you can scoop out the entire kiwi in one piece.
• Remove: Once you've moved the spoon completely around the kiwi, the fruit should easily come out of the skin.

Of the two methods, the spoon technique might take a bit of practice but can be more efficient and result in less waste.

Also, it is possible to peel off the kiwi fruit with a knife by holding the kiwi in one hand and the knife in another - a very fast and efficient method with a big problem of the knife blade being turned toward the person peeling off the kiwi.

But if you have a sharp potato/carrot peeler, it can also be used.

Whichever method you choose, always be gentle to avoid bruising the soft fruit.

How to Cut Kiwi

Cutting a kiwi can be done in various ways depending on the desired presentation and use. Here are some common ways to cut kiwi:

Kiwi Slices

• Peel the Kiwi: Use either the knife or spoon method to peel the kiwi.
• Slice: Lay the peeled kiwi on its side and cut it into round slices of your desired thickness.

Kiwi Halves

• Peel the Kiwi: Use either the knife or spoon method to peel the kiwi.
• Halve: Stand the kiwi upright (on one of its flat ends) and cut it in half from top to bottom.

Kiwi Wedges

• Halve the Kiwi: After peeling, cut the kiwi into halves as mentioned above.
• Cut into Wedges: Lay each half flat side down and cut each one into wedges.

Kiwi Cubes

• Peel and Halve: Start by peeling the kiwi and then cutting it into halves.
• Slice into Strips: Lay each half flat side down and cut it into vertical slices.
• Cut into Cubes: Now, turn the sliced halves 90 degrees and cut again to create small kiwi cubes.

Kiwi Scoops

• Halve Without Peeling: Cut the kiwi in half without peeling it.
• Scoop: Use a teaspoon or a melon baller to scoop out round balls of kiwi from each half.

Remember, kiwis are soft fruits, so use a sharp knife to ensure clean cuts without squishing the fruit. The way you choose to cut the kiwi often depends on the dish's presentation or the dish you're preparing.

For example, kiwi slices or wedges might be preferable for garnishes or fruit platters, while cubes or scoops could be great for fruit salads.

How to Eat Kiwi

Kiwi is a versatile fruit and can be enjoyed in numerous ways. Here are some options on how to eat kiwi:

• Raw and Whole: With the skin - after washing the kiwi, you can bite into it just like an apple. As mentioned earlier, the skin is edible, but it has a unique texture that not everyone appreciates. Without the skin - peel the kiwi using a knife or spoon method and eat the flesh directly.
• Sliced or Cubed: After peeling, slice or cube the kiwi and eat it as is, or add it to fruit salads, yogurts, or cereals.
• Kiwi Scoops: Cut the kiwi in half and use a spoon to scoop out and eat the flesh directly from the skin. This is a fun and mess-free way to enjoy the fruit.
• Smoothies: Add kiwi to your favorite smoothie blend. It pairs well with strawberries, bananas, and other tropical fruits.
• Toppings: Kiwi can be used as a topping for ice cream, pancakes, waffles, or oatmeal.
• Baking and Cooking: Kiwi can be used in baked goods like muffins, tarts, or pies. However, it's essential to note that kiwi contains an enzyme called actinidin that can break down proteins, making dairy products and some other ingredients runny. If using kiwi in recipes with these ingredients, serve promptly or consider using cooked kiwi, as heat deactivates the enzyme.
• Kiwi Popsicles: Puree kiwi and freeze it in popsicle molds for a refreshing treat.
• Drinks: Kiwi can be added to fruit punches, mocktails, and cocktails for flavor and garnish.
• Jams and Preserves: Make a kiwi jam or mix it with other fruits for a varied flavor.
• Dried Kiwi: You can find or make dried kiwi slices, which can be eaten as a snack. Maybe they don't look like the most appealing snack, but they are much healthier than many other snacks.

Can You Eat the Skin of a Kiwi Fruit?

Yes, you can eat the skin of a kiwi fruit! The skin is edible and contains a lot of fiber, vitamins, and antioxidants.

Some people prefer to eat kiwi with the skin on for the added nutrients and convenience, while others find the fuzzy texture unappealing.

If you don't like the fuzziness, you can try scrubbing the skin lightly to remove some of the fuzz or choose varieties like the golden kiwi, which has smoother, less hairy skin. Just make sure to wash the fruit thoroughly to remove any dirt or pesticides before eating it.

Remember always to wash kiwis before consumption, especially if you're eating them with the skin on. Whether you enjoy it on its own or as part of a dish, kiwi offers a unique combination of taste, texture, health benefits, and nutrition.