How to Peel a Kiwi—And the 4 Best Ways to Slice It

After you learn more about kiwi fruit—including how to peel a kiwi and your many options to slice, dice, and serve it—we hope you’ll feel inspired to add some more diversity to your diet. Bananas, strawberries, grapes, apples, and watermelon make up the top five most-consumed fruits in the U.S., the International Fresh Produce Association reports. Our focus fruit of the day, kiwi, doesn’t even crack the top 20. 

We think it’s high time to shift that statistic. Unlike many other fruits that reach peak season in summer, kiwi actually shines in fall, winter, and spring, according to the USDA. Plus it’s budget-friendly, versatile in sweet and savory recipes, and easy to store, ripen, and prepare. Here's everything you need to know about peeling a kiwi.

What Is a Kiwi, Exactly?

Kiwifruit (AKA kiwi or Chinese Gooseberry) is a small, egg-shaped fruit that rocks fuzzy, tan skin. Slice inside, and you’ll discover tender, bright green or gold flesh that’s speckled with tiny black seeds. Kiwis range from very tart, when underripe, to remarkably sweet, and taste somewhat similar to a strawberry. 

If you don’t mind the fuzzy, somewhat-fibrous consistency, feel free to eat the skin of a kiwifruit. Yes, we’re giving you full permission to skip our guide for how to peel a kiwi below if you prefer. It’s perfectly safe to eat the skin, and you’ll score some bonus health benefits if you do. Research suggests that the skin has more vitamin C and fiber than the flesh, although all parts of the kiwi are great for your body—and your taste buds.

How To Buy and Store Kiwis

The best time to buy kiwifruit is October to May, although most supermarkets offer them year round. Look for these indicators if you’re hunting for the perfect kiwi:

• Uniform skin: It should be light brown, tan, or beige, with no soft spots or scars. 
• Plump shape: Avoid any wrinkly kiwi. This may be a sign that the fruit is past its prime and/or mushy.
• A little give: Similar to our tips for how to pick an avocado, you want to seek out a kiwi that’s firm with just a hint of give. If it’s still pretty solid, try these tips for how to ripen a kiwifruit.

Fresh kiwi should last for about 5 to 10 days at room temperature, or up to 1 month refrigerated whole. Aim to give kiwi some distance from other ethylene-producing produce items, including apples, avocados, mangoes, and tomatoes, as these may speed up spoilage. 

Once you master how to peel and slice a kiwi (more about this shortly), you can also transfer it to a freezer-safe zip-top bag or container and freeze for up to 3 months, if desired.

Related: Kiwi Berries Are Bite-Sized Kiwis You Don't Have to Peel

How to Peel a Kiwi

First, wash the fruit well under running water. Then grab a cutting board and sharp paring knife. You can use that knife, a vegetable peeler, or spoon for the next steps for how to peel a kiwifruit.

• How to peel a kiwi with a knife: Use a knife to trim off the stem ends, then stand the kiwi on the cutting board on one of its flat sides. Make vertical cuts down the side of the fruit, following the curves of the kiwi from top to bottom closely to sacrifice as little flesh as possible.
• How to peel a kiwi with a vegetable peeler: Use a knife to trim off the stem ends, then hold the kiwi in your palm. Make careful vertical swipes, run the vegetable peeler down the sides of the fruit, following its curves to trim closely between the skin and the flesh.
• How to peel a kiwi with a spoon: Use a knife to trim off the stem ends, then stand the kiwi on the cutting board on one of its flat sides. Insert a spoon as close as possible inside the fruit, just where the skin meets the flesh. Pressing the spoon against the interior of the skin, spin the kiwi to trace a circle. Lift the spoon out gently to coax the flesh out from the skin.

Test Kitchen Tip: If you’re hoping to maximize your fruit yield, we suggest opting for the knife or vegetable peeler methods for how to peel a kiwi fruit. The spoon strategy works well and is very safe, but tends to result in more flesh sticking with the skin.

How to Cut a Kiwi 4 Ways

Grab a fork and treat yourself to the fruit of your labor! Or if you prefer to cut kiwi, here are our favorite methods.

• Wedges: To cut the kiwi into wedges or quarters, set the kiwi on the cutting board on one of its curvy sides. Slice it down the middle to create two half-moons, then slice those in half again for quarters. For slimmer wedges, trim these quarters in half once more.
• Slices: To cut the kiwi into round slices, set the kiwi on the cutting board on one of its curvy sides. Use a knife to slice across the fruit to create “coins” ¼-inch thick (or as thick as you like).
• Cubes: To cut the kiwi into cubes, set the kiwi on the cutting board on one of its curvy sides. Use a knife to slice across the fruit to create “coins” ¼-inch thick (or as thick as you like). Next, use a knife to make equally-wide cuts perpendicular from the slices to create small cubes.
• Zig-Zag halves: To cut the kiwi into platter-perfect halves, set the kiwi on the cutting board on one of its curvy sides. Insert a knife at a 45-degree angle, aiming to stop around the center. Flip the knife the opposite direction, and insert it at a 45-degree angle right next to the first cut. Continue this up/down pattern to trace around the midline of the fruit until you reach the first cut. Gently pull the kiwi apart and the sliced portions of each half should resemble a mountain range.

Now that you’re a pro at how to pick, peel, store, and slice this underdog fruit, you’re all set to snack your way through our best fresh kiwi recipes.