Erin Elizabeth
I didn’t try kiwi until I was older, but today it’s one of my favorite fruits. It may seem silly, but I didn’t know how to eat kiwi at first, or if I was supposed to eat the skin.
A kiwi is an edible acidic fruit. It originates in China, which is why it’s also called a Chinese gooseberry. It’s a small fruit, typically the size of a large egg.
Kiwis have fuzzy light brown skin and soft green or golden flesh. But can you eat kiwi skin?
There are many tiny, edible black seeds around the fleshy center. The inside has a soft, succulent texture that’s delicious to eat.
Most people, myself included, peel the skin off and eat the juicy inside by itself. The fruit pairs well with other fruits, making it a fantastic addition to all your smoothies, on top of your yogurt, or as part of a fruit salad.
Do People Eat Kiwi Skin and Is It Safe?
You might notice that I only mentioned eating the inside of the kiwi. So, can you eat kiwi skin?
It might be surprising to most, but yes, the kiwi’s skin is edible and safe to eat, too. In fact, it’s extremely nutritious. Most people don’t eat it, though, because it’s bitter.
The skin is fuzzy and has a different texture from the soft flesh. These things can be unpleasant in your mouth.
Kiwi skin also has tiny raphides that can cut the inside of your mouth and open it up to the fruit’s acid, resulting in a stinging feeling.
Despite all this, eating the kiwi’s skin is completely safe, and plenty of people do.
What Does It Taste Like?
The fuzzy skin of the kiwi is fibrous like an apple’s skin but tougher.
Texturally speaking, the kiwi skin will taste like a tough, fuzzy apple. You can rub the kiwi with a napkin to remove some of the fuzz before eating it, but it won’t all come off.
The taste is like that of a kiwi’s flesh but slightly more bitter and tart. You can balance out this bitterness by eating the flesh with the skin like you do an apple.
You could also toss the entire kiwi into a smoothie if that’s still too much for you.
Benefits of Eating Kiwi Skin
Eating kiwi skin is incredibly beneficial and nutritious. It’s full of fiber, folate, vitamins, and antioxidants.
The kiwi skin bumps your intake of these things from 30% to 50% compared to the flesh.
Many people don’t get enough of these in their diets, so eating the whole kiwi is fantastic.
Some studies show kiwi skin is good for your heart, helps prevent constipation, and benefits pregnant people.
Kiwi is full of vitamin C, which helps boost your immune system. Eating this fruit raw is better, so no nutrients go to waste.
Is It Safe to Eat Kiwi Skin?
Kiwi skin is safe to eat but may not be the most pleasant thing ever eaten.
It can taste bitter and fuzzy. That shouldn’t deter you from trying to eat it, though, because it’s so good for you.
So give it a try and see how you feel after!
Learn about other Asian fruits and much more on our blog.
