Here you can find the etiquette rules on serving and eating kiwi and tips to be the ideal host or guest.
What kiwi etiquette is
Kiwi etiquette is the set of rules to properly serve and eat kiwi. Such rules help avoid behaviors that can disrespect hosts or guests, or make you look unpolite.
If you are hosting, follow kiwi etiquette to serve it to your guests appropriately.
If you are a guest, respect kiwi etiquette rules to properly eat and enjoy it.
What you should know about kiwi
Kiwi or kiwifruit is a fruit. Over 60 varieties exist.
Kiwi is sweet and acidic in taste. Its skin is thin, fuzzy, and edible. Its flesh is bright green or golden in color. The seeds are small, black, and edible.
Etiquette tips to serve and eat kiwi fruit
1) How to store kiwi
Store unripened kiwi at room temperature. Keep them in a cool place. Away from sources of heat or direct light.
If ripe, it is best to store kiwi in the fridge. Uncut kiwi can last between 1 and 3 weeks. Store it far from other fruits, which accelerates its ripening. Sliced kiwi lasts for 4 or 5 days in the fridge.
You can freeze kiwi. It can last for up to 10 months.
2) How to clean kiwi
Before peeling it, wash the kiwi fruit under cold running water.
If you intend to eat its skin, place kiwi in a bowl with water and salt for about 10 minutes.
3) How to prepare kiwi
It is best to eat kiwi raw. Cooking kiwi makes it lose its color, texture, and flavor.
The enzymes in kiwi can tender the meat. However, they can also make milk curdle. Thus, do not use it for ice cream or to make milk-based recipes.
You can serve kiwi whole.
If you do not serve kiwi whole, peel it first. Use a knife or a vegetable peeler. Then, slice it or chop it into small chunks.
Add it to a fruit salad or as a decoration for desserts. Place it on top of ice cream or yogurt. Use it for smoothies or juices. Make jams or sauces.
4) How to serve & present kiwi
Serve kiwi for breakfast, as a snack, or in a fruit course after a meal.
If you serve kiwi whole, present them in a fruit bowl. Wash them thoroughly before serving.
To serve sliced kiwi, it is best to peel them first. Present them in a fruit bowl with a serving spoon. Alternatively, serve them in individual dessert cups. You can accompany them with sugar.
5) Foods and beverages to serve kiwi with
Kiwi goes well with other fruits in fruit salads. Apple, banana, mango, or melon. Berries, such as blueberries or blackberries. Citric fruits, such as lemon and orange.
Do not mix kiwi with dairy products for cooking or baking. However, raw kiwi can pair well with ice cream, mascarpone, or yogurt.
The most suited wine to pair with kiwi is Sauvignon Blanc.
6) How to eat kiwi
Peel a whole kiwi with a knife. Hold it with your hand while you peel it. Then, eat it with a fork and knife. You can use a spoon when kiwi is served in chunks.
Alternatively, cut a whole kiwi in half and eat it with a teaspoon. Hold one-half of the kiwi with your hand. Use the teaspoon to scoop the flesh.
The skin of the kiwi is edible. However, it is common to discard it. Leave it on the side of your plate.
The seeds are edible. You should swallow the kiwi seeds. Do not spit them.
Kiwi etiquette: the worst mistakes
Avoid the worst kiwi etiquette mistakes.
- 8/10. Serving spoiled or overripe kiwi.
- 8/10. Putting a whole kiwi in your mouth.
- 7/10. Serving unripe kiwi.
Additional information for properly serving kiwi
How many calories per serving?
Counting calories is important to stay healthy and to correctly plan a menu.
Kiwi contains about 61 calories per 100 grams. One kiwi is one individual serving. On average, a single kiwi contains 42 calories.
How to buy the best kiwi
A crucial factor in kiwi etiquette is to serve the best product possible to your guests.
Season and availability
Kiwi is available all year round. The main season starts in November in the northern hemisphere and in May in the southern.
Choose the best
Ripe kiwi should feel firm and without soft spots. Avoid fruits with wrinkled skin or a foul smell.
Alternatives to kiwi
Kiwi has a very distinctive taste and texture. Thus, it is not easy to substitute. Fruits with a similar aroma are papaya or dragon fruit.
FAQs
Which part of kiwi is edible?
The whole kiwi is edible. You can eat its flesh, core, seeds, and skin.
Can you eat kiwi skin?
You can eat kiwi skin. However, at the dining table, it is best to discard it.