How do you peel a kiwi fruit easily?

Kiwifruit, often shortened to kiwi, is a nutrient-dense fruit that is sweet yet tangy in flavor. While kiwis can be eaten skin and all, many prefer to peel them before enjoying their soft, colorful flesh speckled with tiny black seeds. However, peeling kiwis can be tricky if you don’t know the proper techniques. With the right tools and methods, you can easily peel kiwis in no time.

Why Peel Kiwis?

There are a few reasons why you may want to peel kiwis before eating them:

• The fuzzy brown skin can be unappetizing to some people.
• The skin contains oxalate crystals that can cause mouth irritation for sensitive individuals.
• Peeling allows you to fully see and enjoy the vibrant green inner flesh.
• It reduces the risk of pesticide consumption since pesticides accumulate mostly on the skin.
• The inner fruit is more tender and sweet without the tough skin.

While the skin is edible, peeling kiwis is recommended for easier eating, better texture, and enhanced flavor.

Choosing Kiwis to Peel

When selecting kiwis to peel, opt for fruits that are:

• Fully ripe – Kiwis should give slightly under gentle pressure when ripe.
• Unbruised – Avoid kiwis with dents, spots or blemishes.
• Smooth-skinned – Furry, wrinkled skin is harder to peel.
• Medium to large-sized – Bigger kiwis are easier to grip and peel.

Ripe, unblemished, smooth-skinned kiwis about the size of a egg are ideal candidates for easy peeling.

Tools You’ll Need

Having the right tools on hand will make peeling kiwis a breeze. You’ll need:

• A small, sharp paring knife
• A spoon (optional)
• A cutting board
• A bowl of water (optional)

A sharp knife is essential for slicing off both ends neatly and separating the skin from the flesh. A spoon can help scoop out the insides, while a cutting board provides a sturdy surface. Some like to have a bowl of water nearby to dip their fingers into while peeling.

Preparing the Kiwi

Before peeling, you’ll need to prep the kiwi fruit. Follow these simple steps:

1. Rinse the kiwi under cool running water to remove any dirt or debris.
2. Pat the kiwi completely dry with a paper towel.
3. Find the stem end of the kiwi which has a slight protrusion.
4. Place the kiwi on a cutting board with the stem end facing up.

Washing and drying allows for cleaner peeling, while having the stem side up provides a natural guide for cutting off the top and bottom.

Peeling the Kiwi

Once prepped, it’s time to peel the kiwi. Follow these fail-proof steps:

1. Trim a thin slice off the stem end of the kiwi. This will create a flat, stable surface.
2. Turn the kiwi around and trim a thin slice off the blossom end. The kiwi should now have flat ends.
3. Stand the kiwi up on a flat end. Position your knife at the top and slide downwards to slice off a strip of skin from top to bottom. Repeat this around the entire fruit.
4. Lay the kiwi on its side. Carefully slice the remaining skin off in strips from left to right.
5. Use your spoon to gently scoop out the kiwi flesh away from the skin.
6. Slice off any remaining bits of skin from the flesh.

With trimmed ends, vertical and horizontal slices, and scooping, you’ll be able to peel the fuzzy skin off easily in no time!

Peeling Tip and Tricks

Keep these handy tips in mind for faster, simpler kiwi peeling:

• Use a sharp knife and be cautious of your fingertips.
• Work over a cutting board or bowl to catch any juices.
• Start peeling at the stem end since it’s less fuzzy.
• Rinse the knife periodically under water to remove sticky residue.
• Peel only what you plan to eat to avoid browning.
• Dip your fingers in water to help grip the slippery fruit.

With the right techniques, peeling kiwis can become quick and easy. It just takes some practice!

Storing Peeled Kiwis

Once peeled, kiwis will start to brown when exposed to air. To store them:

• Place peeled kiwi halves/slices in an airtight container lined with a dry paper towel.
• Sprinkle with a bit of lime or lemon juice to prevent browning.
• Refrigerate for 2-3 days max.

Properly stored, peeled kiwis will stay fresh and green for a few days.

Ready to Enjoy!

With the peel removed, kiwis become a colorful and nutritious treat. Try adding them to fruit salads, yogurt parfaits, or enjoy their tangy sweetness all on their own. Peeling kiwis may seem tricky, but with these easy steps and tips, you’ll be prepping them like a pro.

Kiwi Peeling Methods Comparison

Method	Pros	Cons
Slicing off skin	Precise peeling Minimal flesh loss	Time consuming Risk of cutting fingers
Scooping out flesh	Fast and easy Kid-friendly	Messy More flesh tearing
Using a peeler	Very quick Uniform results	Requires a specialized tool Can shred outer flesh

When choosing a kiwi peeling method, consider the time you have available, your dexterity with a knife, and how much flesh you can afford to lose. With practice, you’ll find the technique that works best for you!

The Nutritional Benefits of Kiwis

Here’s an overview of the major nutrients found in kiwis:

Nutrient	Amount in 1 Kiwi	Benefits
Vitamin C	92.7 mg (Over 100% DV)	Boosts immunity, aids collagen production
Folate	34 mcg (9% DV)	Supports healthy pregnancy, helps make red blood cells
Vitamin K	40.3 mcg (34% DV)	Essential for blood clotting
Potassium	312 mg (9% DV)	Lowers blood pressure, benefits heart health
Antioxidants	Lutein, zeaxanthin	Reduces risk of eye diseases, cancer

Kiwis are packed with vitamin C, vitamin K, potassium, and disease-fighting antioxidants like lutein and zeaxanthin. Enjoy them peeled for maximum nutrition!

Potential Downsides of Kiwis

While kiwis offer many benefits, some things to keep in mind:

• May cause allergic reactions – Kiwis contain substances like actinidain that can trigger food allergies or sensitivities in some people.
• High in natural sugar – Kiwis have about 15 grams of sugar per fruit, which may be a concern for diabetics and those limiting sugar.
• Can interfere with medications – The enzyme actinidain may inhibit medications like blood thinners.
• Contains oxalates – People prone to kidney stones may want to eat kiwis in moderation due to their oxalate content.

Consult your doctor if you have concerns about consuming kiwis. For most people, enjoying a peeled kiwi 1-2 times per day can be part of a healthy, balanced diet.

Conclusion

Peeling kiwis may take some finesse, but the health perks and sweet flavor burst are well worth the effort. With the right techniques, tools and by following step-by-step peeling and storage instructions, you’ll be able to enjoy soft, delicious kiwi slices in minutes. So grab a few ripe kiwis on your next grocery trip and get peeling!