The kiwifruit, also known as a Chinese gooseberry, looks unappealing at first glance. However, its furry exterior holds a delicious treasure inside, a pretty green (or golden) flesh flecked with black seeds and a white center. There are numerous ways to cut a kiwifruit, depending on whether you like to leave the skin on or off, eat the fruit straight away, or use it for decorative purposes. This article explores some of the techniques.
How To Cut A Kiwi
Whether you need kiwi for a fruit salsa or you just want to snack on some slices, here’s a step-by-step guide for cutting kiwi perfectly every time.
Wash
Make sure to rinse the outer skin with cool running water thoroughly and dry with a clean paper towel. This process ensures that any dirt or bacteria does not transfer to the flesh when cutting.
Cut off both ends
The easiest way to remove the skin is to first cut off a small portion of each end. This technique makes it much easier to see the layers and start peeling.
Use a knife
Using a sharp chef’s knife or small paring knife, slice off about ½ inch from each end. Be certain to remove the entire stem of the kiwi.
Stand the fruit on a cutting board, cut-side down. Starting from the top, slice into the fruit to trim away the skin, cutting as closely to it as possible.
Cut in a downward motion along the curvature of the fruit while doing so, to ensure the least amount of flesh is cut off as possible. Discard the strip of kiwi skin, rotate the fruit slightly, and repeat.
Continue around the entire kiwi until all of the skin is removed, and then slice the fruit as desired!
Use a peeler
My favorite method because it gives the most control and a smoother surface. The thin shallow blade of a vegetable peeler cuts off just the right amount. Once you cut the ends off, hold the fruit with your fingertips, then peel. I like to use a Y-peeler for the most ergonomic grip.
Use a spoon
Cut away both ends of the kiwi by ½ an inch, as noted above. This removes the stem, and makes accessing the inside of the fruit easier.
Place a spoon with a relatively sharp edge where the flesh of the kiwi meets the skin. Make sure you are in the fruit and not poking out through the skin.
Gently work your way into the fruit while also beginning to rotate the kiwi. Keep the spoon in close contact with the skin of the kiwi as you go around the fruit.
The fruit will eventually become completely separated from the skin. You’ll end up with a cylinder of fruit and a round circle of peel that can be discarded.
Slice or dice the kiwi as desired, and enjoy!
Different Ways to Cut Kiwi
The most common way to cut kiwi is described above: slice down the length of the kiwi to turn the fruit into coin-shaped pieces.
However, you could also make one cut down the length of the kiwi slicing it into two long halve; then slice down the length of each half to create half-moon shaped pieces.
Some people simply prefer to cut a kiwi in half crosswise without peeling it first and eat the flesh out of the skin with a spoon. The kiwi skin acts like a tiny little bowl.
The way you end up cutting your kiwi fruit is up to you — feel free to get creative.
WHAT KITCHEN TOOLS DO YOU NEED TO CUT KIWI?
You really don’t need much in the way of kitchen equipment for cutting kiwi. However, it’s helpful to have the following:
- spray bottle with vinegar
- cutting board
- sharp paring knife or chef’s knife
- glass container with lid for storing
What Part Of A Kiwi Do You Not Eat?
If you’re wondering which parts of the kiwi are edible, you can eat the whole fruit! This includes the core (white), the seeds (black), and even the skin!
Yes, you heard that right, the skin is also edible. It’s loaded with nutrients and fiber! But given its fuzzy texture, it could be an unpleasant experience. So if you’re like most normal people (including me when it comes to this), you can opt to discard the skin. Removing the seeds is where it gets a little excessive. But no judgment!
How to Store Kiwi Once It’s Been Cut
If you want to store your sliced kiwi to enjoy later, Ball says that you can keep it “in an airtight container for up to a week in the refrigerator.” To get even more longevity out of it, add the kiwi to a freezer-safe bag or container and “put it in the freezer. It’ll keep for 10-12 months,” she adds.
Insider’s takeaway
Ripened kiwi flesh has a sweet flavor balanced by tart seeds and flesh. Because ripe kiwis are often soft and juicy, the easiest way to peel them is to use a spoon. When dicing or slicing kiwifruit, make sure to use a cutting board and a sharp knife. Enjoy prepared kiwi as a snack or add it to sweet and savory dishes.