How to Peel Kiwis — A Step-by-Step Guide

Fuzzy is good when it comes to cute pets and fleecy loungewear — but when it comes to fruit, not so much. And no fruit is fuzzier than the kiwi. Inside, its green seeded flesh is packed with vitamin C, fiber, and potassium.

But how do you get to all that goodness without the fuzz getting everywhere? A kiwi is not like an orange, where you can peel off the skin with your hands. Nor is it like an apple, where the skin is optionally edible.

Never fear — there’s more than one way to peel a kiwi. And you’d be surprised how many utensils can help you reach that goal.

Here are four ways you can peel a kiwi: with a spoon, a paring knife, and even a glass!

• Slice off each end of the kiwi with a sharp knife to make flat surfaces on the top and bottom of the fruit.

• Holding the kiwi with one hand, slip a spoon between the flesh and the peel, working it down the side of the fruit.

• Rotate the kiwi so the spoon moves around the perimeter, loosening the peel.

• Once you’ve gone all the way around, the peel will be completely removed from the kiwi.

• Slice the kiwi in half horizontally (through the “equator”).

• Peel each half using the spoon method above.
• This method is also convenient for when you want to pack a kiwi for eating on the go. Just slice in half before you pack it, and don’t forget your reusable spoon!)

• Slice off each end of the kiwi with a sharp knife to make flat surfaces on the top and bottom of the fruit. Place on a cutting board with one of the flat ends in contact with the board.

• Slice off the skin with the knife or a vegetable peeler, working down the sides and around the kiwi.

• Slice off each end of the kiwi with a sharp knife to make flat surfaces on the top and bottom of the fruit.

• Slice the kiwi in half lengthwise.

• Push the kiwi against the edge of a glass so that the edge works its way between the flesh and the peel. Keep pushing down to completely remove the peel. The kiwi will drop into the glass.

Now that you have a peeled kiwi, you can slice it into rounds, dice it up, add it to a smoothie or a yogurt bowl, or just enjoy it fresh.

While freshly sliced kiwis are great on their own or on a fruit platter at a party, they also make a great addition to recipes. Here are a few to try.

• Add them to a smoothie like this banana-kiwi smoothie.
• Kiwis are also excellent when used in a dessert like this tropical fruit trifle and this pavlova with kiwi.
• If you plan on doing any summer entertaining and want to put out an impressive fruit platter, this photogenic dragon fruit salad is the answer — it’s both simple and delicious.
• Oh, and one more thing: A slice round of kiwi also makes a creative garnish for a fun alcoholic drink (or a mocktail).