How to Cut a Kiwi

Content… Fun Facts About Kiwis How to Cut It Easy Kiwifruit Hacks Ways to Use Kiwi

Fun Facts About Kiwi Fruit

The word kiwi can mean different things to different people. For example, a Kiwi can be a person native to New Zealand. Or it can be that adorable brown bird that slightly resembles a kiwifruit. Kiwis are pretty sensitive about their kiwis, so they refer to the fruit as kiwifruit.

A native of China, this large gooseberry (yes, Chinese gooseberry) comes in a variety of colors, shapes, and sizes. They range from gold to bright green, the size of a pecan to as big as your hand, and oblong to cute as a round button.

The lowly kiwifruit has received much attention from doctors because of its high fiber and vitamin C content. The whole fruit is edible, the flesh, black seeds, and peel. However, eating the experience will be more enjoyable if you peel your kiwi. So, let’s get to it!

How to Cut a Kiwi

Peeling the Kiwi

• Spoon Method 1 – Cut off both ends with a sharp knife (serrated works best). Insert the bowl part of a large spoon between the flesh and skin, getting as close to the skin as possible. Rotate the spoon around to scoop out the kiwi. You may want to insert the spoon halfway, then come from the other end to peel the other half.
• Spoon Method 2 – Cut your kiwi in half crosswise. Insert the spoon between the skin and the flesh, getting as close to the skin as possible. Rotate and pop the half out.
• Vegetable Peeler – Cut off both ends with a sharp paring knife. Then, swipe your vegetable peeler down the sides to remove the skin. This method works best with a firm kiwi. Once it ripens enough to be soft, the spoon is better.
• No Peel – The kiwi skin is edible. So, for decorative purposes, you could cut it in half crossways with a small knife in a jig jag pattern. Insert the knife just to the middle. Rotate the kiwi and repeat until the two halves separate.

Cutting the Kiwi

• Circles – Lay the peeled kiwi on a cutting board. Then start slicing it into ⅓-½-inch slices. These and the half circles are great for fruit pizzas.
• Half Circles commonly decorate desserts. This time, stand the peeled kiwi on its end and slice it in half straight down. Then, lay it cut side down and slice it into ⅓-½-inch slices.
• Wedges -Stand the kiwi up and cut it half lengthwise. Then, lay the kiwi cut-side down and slice it again lengthwise. You can cut each section in half again lengthwise for smaller wedges. Small wedges are attractive on a charcuterie board.
• Dices – Once you have wedges, you can slice them crosswise for diced kiwi. Perfect for little splashes of color in a fruit salad.

Easy Kiwifruit Hacks

1. How do you tell if a kiwi is ripe? Gently squeeze the fruit. If it’s rock hard, it’s still green, and if it’s too soft, it’s overripe, but it will still make a good sauce. A perfectly ripe kiwifruit gives just a little to gentle pressure.
2. Yes, you can peel and cut kiwis ahead of time. Fortunately, they keep their color for a day or two in an airtight container in the refrigerator. But a squeeze of lemon juice wouldn’t hurt for them to last a little longer.
3. If you’re into eating the peel, the gold kiwi has a smoother skin that’s more comfortable.
4. For softer, riper kiwifruit, slice it in half crossways and eat it with a spoon like the skin is the bowl.
5. Frozen kiwi wedges dipped in chocolate make a healthier popsicle for the kids.😋
6. Toss a diced kiwi into a leafy green salad for a nice contrast to the bitter greens.
7. Add a kiwi (skin and all, if you dare) to your daily smoothie for extra fiber and nutrition.

Ways to Use Kiwi Fruit

1. Fruit Pizza
2. Tropical Fruit Salad 
3. Sorrel Hibiscus Fruity Sangria
4. Fruit Tart

By Imma