Learn how to cut a kiwi for fruit salads, cake decorations, smoothie bowls, parfaits, and more! Using simple techniques, make cubes, slices, or even fancy zig-zag cuts to show off on a charcuterie board!
What are kiwis?
Kiwifruit (also known as kiwi or Chinese gooseberry) is known for its fuzzy skin, bright green or gold flesh, and crunchy black seeds. Often added to smoothies, fruit salads, and desserts, this fruit is available all year round. So, you have no reason not to try it!
In this step-by-step tutorial, you’ll learn how to peel a kiwi using three different methods. Then, learn how to cut a kiwi for a wide variety of applications from simple overnight oats to extravagant French fruit tarts.
How to cut a kiwi
I swear, kiwis are one of my favorite fruits to cut! There are way too many fun techniques to try out. Just wait for the fancy zig-zag presentation!
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Peel the Kiwi
First, wash the kiwi well, using your hands to rub some of the fuzzies away. With a paring knife, trim both ends off of the kiwi. Now, you have three options to peel the skin away.
Option one is to continue with the paring knife. Stand the kiwi on a flat side, then make vertical cuts where the skin meets the flesh. Follow the shape of the kiwi all the way down to prevent wasting any flesh.
Option two is to use a vegetable peeler to remove the skin. Hold the kiwi in the palm of your hand or against the counter. Using vertical motions, run the peeler all around the kiwi until the skin is gone.
Option three is to peel a kiwi is to use a spoon. Once you’ve trimmed away both ends, insert a spoon where the skin and the flesh meet. Pushing the spoon against the skin, rotate the kiwi until the skin pulls away, then slide the inside out!
Option 1: Sliced rounds
Once you’ve peeled the kiwi, lay it on its side. Slice it crosswise into circles as thickly or as thinly as you’d prefer (around 1/8 or 1/4-inch).
Sliced kiwi rounds are great for tart, cake, or pie decorations. Add them to fruit salads, or just eat them on their own!
Option 2: Quarters
Once the kiwi is peeled, stand it upright. Slice it in half lengthwise, then lay each half on its side and slice it again so you have quarters. Make crosswise cuts down each one as thickly or as thinly as you’d prefer.
Quartered kiwis are perfect for yogurt parfaits, oatmeal bowls, overnight oats, or fruit salads.
Option 3: Cubes
To make kiwi cubes, stand the peeled kiwi upright again. Using a paring knife, make 3-4 vertical cuts, rotate the fruit, then make another 3-4 cuts so there are now columns.
Lay the kiwi on its side (I usually separate a section so the kiwi is on a flat side). Make crosswise cuts about 1/4-inch thick. If I’m making a fruit salsa, kiwi cubes are my go-to cut.
Option 4: Zig-zag
Instead of plain ol’ kiwi halves, try an extra fancy zig-zag presentation. I promise it’s a lot easier than it looks! Starting with the kiwi peel intact, lay it on its side with the stem end furthest away from you.
Insert your paring knife all the way at a 45-degree angle. Flip the knife the opposite way and insert it at another 45-degree angle to connect the first one.
Continue all the way around until you reach the first cut, then pull the kiwi apart. Use this fancy cut for charcuterie boards or Sunday brunch spreads.
How to Pick perfect Kiwis
If you’re on the hunt for some green (or gold) beauties, you’ll usually be able to find imported kiwis year-round. But, their peak season runs from October to May. Just like other fruits, watch out for the following indicators to ensure you’ve picked the very best kiwis:
- Color: The skin should appear a uniform brown or light beige color, depending on the variety. Avoid kiwis with gashes, discolorations, or soft spots.
- Firmness: Similarly to avocados or mangos, check for kiwis that give slightly when gentle pressure is applied. If they still feel quite firm, leave them for a few more days to ripen.
- Shape: For perfectly even slices, choose round, plump-looking kiwis. Avoid those that appear wrinkly as this indicates an aging fruit, meaning the texture will be mushy.
Storing kiwi
If you’ve gotten carried away with the number of kiwis you bought, these are the best storage options:
- Room temperature: Store unpeeled kiwi on the countertop for up to one week.
- Fridge: Unripe kiwi will last in the fridge for up to one month.
- Freezer: If your kiwis are already cut, store them in a freezer-safe container for up to three months.
Note: Keep kiwi away from other ethylene-producing fruit like apples, mangoes, avocados, and tomatoes. This will cause them to ripen quicker, which increases the chances of them spoiling.
How to Use Kiwi
Now that you know how to cut a kiwi, it’s time to add it to your favorite recipes! Here are just a few to get you started:
Kiwi FAQs
No, you don’t have to peel a kiwi before slicing it. However, it’s the easiest method if you don’t want to eat the skin.
Kiwi skin is edible. However, green varieties have tough, fuzzy skin that many people find unappetizing. On the other hand, golden kiwis have thinner, smoother skin that is often eaten.
Yes, it’s important to wash kiwis before eating them. Although the fuzzy exterior looks harmless, it’s a great vector for dirt and bacteria.
Ingredients
- 1 kiwifruit
Instructions
Peel the Kiwi
- First, wash the kiwi well, using your hands to rub some of the fuzzies away. With a paring knife, trim both ends off of the kiwi.
- Peeling Option 1: Stand the kiwi on a flat side, then make vertical cuts where the skin meets the flesh. Follow the shape of the kiwi all the way down to prevent wasting any flesh.
- Peeling Option 2: You can also use a vegetable peeler to remove the skin. Hold the kiwi in the palm of your hand or against the counter. Using vertical motions, run the peeler all around the kiwi until the skin is gone.
- Peeling Option 3: The last way to peel a kiwi is with a spoon. Once you've trimmed away both ends, insert a spoon where the skin and the flesh meet. Pushing the spoon against the skin, rotate the kiwi until the skin pulls away, then slide the inside out.
Option 1: Sliced rounds
- Once you've peeled the kiwi, lay it on its side. Slice it crosswise into circles as thickly or as thinly as you'd prefer (around 1/8 or 1/4-inch).
Option 2: Quarters
- Once the kiwi is peeled, stand it upright. Slice it in half lengthwise, then lay each half on its side and slice it again so you have quarters. Make crosswise cuts down each one as thickly or as thinly as you'd prefer.
Option 3: Cubes
- Stand the peeled kiwi upright again. Using a paring knife, make 3-4 vertical cuts, rotate the fruit, then make another 3-4 cuts so there are now columns.
- Lay the kiwi on its side (I usually separate a section so the kiwi is on a flat side). Make crosswise cuts about 1/4-inch thick.
Option 4: Zig-zag
- Starting with the kiwi peel intact, lay it on its side with the stem end furthest away from you. Insert your paring knife all the way at a 45-degree angle.
- Flip the knife the opposite way and insert it at another 45-degree angle to connect the first one. Continue all the way around until you reach the first cut, then pull the kiwi apart.
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