Kiwi is fibrous with a dull brownish-green skin and a bright green flesh inside. The flesh contains rows of small black seeds that are edible. Kiwis have high doses of vitamin A, C and E as well as plenty of dietary copper, phosphorus, potassium and magnesium. Kiwis also contain high levels of digestive enzymes and antioxidants. However, you may wonder whether you can eat kiwi skin or not. Read on to know the benefits and cautions of eating kiwi skins.
Benefits of Eating Kiwi Skins
Most people would not think of eating kiwi skin because it is fuzzy and does not appear to add to the overall flavor of the fruit. The flesh of a kiwi is very sweet while the skin can be a bit bitter or lemony. The skin also does not appear edible because it is fuzzy and brown, but there are many nutrients stored here.
- Kiwi skin is high in flavonoids that are rich in antioxidants and have anti-allergy, anti-cancer and anti-inflammatory properties. There is also a great deal of insoluble fiber in the kiwi skin. This helps to improve metabolic functions and can improve overall cardiovascular function as well.
- Kiwis are considered to be some of the highest fiber-containing fruits. Most of the nutrients of the kiwi, including the fiber, vitamins and minerals are located directly beneath the skin. Therefore, eating the skin rather than trying to peel it away will give you more access to these essential nutrients. Rubbing the skin with a dry cloth can help rid you of some of the fuzz to make the skin more appealing.
Warnings for Eating Kiwi Skins
Eating the kiwi fruit with its skin intact is a great way to eat something sweet but still low in calories. You can consume a kiwi whole on its own, in a fruit salad or use it as a natural meat tenderizer.
- Make sure you wash your kiwi thoroughly before you eat the skin to make sure that there is no dirt or pesticides on the skin that could make you ill. The fur on the kiwi skin often has grit or dirt caught in it, so it is essential to wash it well.
- It is also important to note that kiwis have a high amount of the enzyme actinidin which many people are allergic to. If you consume a kiwi and you are allergic to it you may experience itching on your palate, mouth or lips.
How to Peel and Cut a Kiwi
- Select a kiwi that is healthy. The skin should have a green-brown color with many fuzzy, short hairs along the service. The kiwi should not be too soft since this is a sign that it has started to go bad. Before cutting the kiwi wash it thoroughly to make sure that no bacteria, dirt or other contaminants wind up in your system when eating.
- Start by making a vertical slice through the middle of the kiwi, cutting around the core. You can remove the seeds if you desire, but this is not necessary. Cut the kiwi into slices. If you will be serving the kiwi to those under the age of five you may want to cut the slices in half to make them easier to manage.
- You can also eat the kiwi like a baked potato. Cut it in half and simply scoop out bites of the flesh with a spoon while you eat. You can also consume the kiwi like a hardboiled egg by cutting off the top and scooping the flesh out with a spoon. Alternatively, you can simply skip cutting the kiwi all together and bite straight into the fruit.