Kiwi fruit is a nutritional powerhouse known for its vibrant green or gold flesh and refreshing tartness. While the fruit is delicious, its fuzzy exterior and slippery texture can make preparation feel a bit intimidating. Learning how to slice kiwi fruit properly ensures you get the most out of the fruit while creating beautiful presentations for snacks, salads, or garnishes. This guide provides professional techniques for peeling and slicing kiwi with ease.
Selecting the Perfect Kiwi
Before you begin slicing, you must start with the right fruit. A kiwi that is too hard will be crunchy and sour, while one that is too soft will turn to mush under your knife. To find a ripe kiwi, apply gentle pressure with your thumb. A ripe fruit should give slightly, similar to a ripe peach. Avoid kiwis with visible bruises, shriveled skin, or leaking juice. If your kiwis are rock-hard, place them in a brown paper bag with an apple or banana for a day or two to speed up the ripening process.
Essential Tools for Slicing
While you can use a standard chef’s knife, the small size of the kiwi makes a paring knife the superior choice. A sharp 3.5-inch paring knife offers the precision needed to navigate the fruit’s curves. You will also need a stable cutting board. If your board tends to slide, place a damp paper towel underneath it for safety. Some specialized techniques also benefit from a standard soup spoon or a vegetable peeler.
Three Ways to Peel a Kiwi
Peeling is the first step for most slicing methods. While the skin of a kiwi is actually edible and packed with fiber, many people prefer to remove it due to the fuzzy texture.
The Knife Method
This is the most traditional approach. Start by placing the kiwi on the cutting board and slicing off both ends. This creates two flat surfaces. Stand the kiwi upright on one of its flat ends. Starting at the top, carefully slice downward following the natural curve of the fruit to remove the skin. Rotate the fruit and repeat until all the brown skin is gone.
The Spoon Method
Many professional chefs prefer this “spooning” technique because it minimizes fruit waste. Slice off both ends of the kiwi as described above. Insert a small spoon between the skin and the flesh at one end. Keep the back of the spoon pressed against the skin. Gently slide the spoon around the entire circumference of the fruit. Once you have made a full circle, the peeled kiwi should slide right out of its skin.
The Vegetable Peeler Method
If you are comfortable with a peeler, this method is very fast. Hold the kiwi in one hand and use a sharp vegetable peeler to shave off the skin in long, downward strokes. This works best on firmer kiwis. If the fruit is very ripe, the pressure from the peeler might squash the flesh.
Professional Slicing Techniques
Once your kiwi is peeled, you can transform it into various shapes depending on your needs.
Round Slices (Kiwi Coins)
Round slices are the most common way to serve kiwi. Lay the peeled kiwi on its side and hold it firmly. Slice crosswise to create “coins” of your desired thickness. These are perfect for topping tarts, lining fruit platters, or simply snacking.
Half-Moons
If you find the rounds too large for a fruit salad, try half-moons. Slice the peeled kiwi in half lengthwise first. Lay each half flat-side down on the board and slice crosswise. These bite-sized pieces are easy to eat and mix well with other fruits.
Diced Cubes
For smoothies or yogurt toppings, dicing is the best choice. Cut the kiwi into thick rounds first. Stack two or three rounds and cut them into strips. Turn the strips 90 degrees and cut across them to create uniform cubes.
Decorative Star Cut
To create a stunning garnish, you do not actually need to peel the kiwi first. This technique is often called a “zig-zag” cut. Do not remove the ends. Instead, insert a sharp paring knife at a 45-degree angle into the middle of the kiwi until it reaches the center. Pull the knife out and make a second cut at the opposite 45-degree angle to create a “V” shape. Continue this zig-zag pattern all the way around the equator of the fruit. Once the cuts meet, gently pull the two halves apart to reveal two beautiful, star-shaped kiwi flowers.
Storage and Serving Tips
Kiwis contain an enzyme called actinidin which can break down proteins. If you are adding kiwi to a fruit salad containing dairy or gelatin, add it just before serving to prevent the other ingredients from becoming runny. Once sliced, kiwi should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for about two to three days. If the edges begin to look translucent or shriveled, the fruit is past its prime.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Is the skin of the kiwi fruit safe to eat? Yes, the skin is entirely edible. It contains high levels of fiber, vitamin E, and folate. If the fuzz bothers you, you can rub it off with a clean kitchen towel before slicing.
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How do I slice a very soft, overripe kiwi? Overripe kiwis are difficult to peel with a knife. The best method is to slice the fruit in half (with the skin on) and use a spoon to scoop the flesh directly out of the skin.
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Can I slice kiwi ahead of time for a party? You can slice kiwi a few hours in advance. To keep it looking fresh, store it in a sealed container in the fridge. Avoid adding sugar or dressing until you are ready to serve, as this can draw out the juices and make the fruit mushy.
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Why does my tongue tingle when I eat sliced kiwi? This is often caused by the enzyme actinidin and the small calcium oxalate crystals found in the fruit. It is a common sensation and is usually harmless, though people with severe latex allergies should be cautious as there is a known cross-reactivity.
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What is the best way to slice golden kiwis? Golden kiwis usually have smoother, less fuzzy skin than green kiwis. Because their skin is thinner, many people find them easier to slice and eat with the skin on. If you choose to peel them, the spoon method works exceptionally well.