How to Cut a Kiwi: Slices, Halves and Easy Peeling

Choose the cut that fits the way you will serve a kiwi: peel-on coins for a quick snack, peeled slices or wedges for a fruit plate, or a spoonable half. The fuzzy skin is edible, so peeling is optional.

Wash and steady the fruit

Rinse the whole kiwi under cool running water and dry it before cutting. The FDA recommends washing produce before peeling so the knife does not carry dirt from the skin onto the fruit. Use a stable cutting board and a small sharp knife or peeler. If the kiwi rolls, trim a thin slice from one side and rest it on that flat face.

For peel-on coins or spoonable halves

To make coins, lay the kiwi on its side on the board. Curl the fingertips holding it and cut crosswise into rounds of your preferred thickness, moving the holding hand back as the blade passes. The skin stays on and keeps each slice together.

For half-moons, cut the kiwi lengthwise through the center first, place each half cut-side down, then slice across it. For a spoonable serving, cut the kiwi crosswise in half and scoop the flesh from each half with a spoon. Set the fruit on the board for each knife cut; do not hold it in your palm.

Peel it for slices or wedges

1. Trim a thin slice from the top and bottom so the kiwi has flat ends.
2. Stand it on one flat end. Keep your holding hand behind the blade path and peel away from your fingers with a peeler or paring knife in short strokes down the sides. Turn the fruit only when it sits securely on the board.
3. For slices, lay the peeled kiwi on its side and cut crosswise into rounds. For wedges, halve it lengthwise on the board, place each cut face down, and cut each half lengthwise again.
4. For small pieces, lay a peeled half cut-side down, slice it lengthwise into strips, then crosscut the flat strips into pieces. Cut a few strips at a time instead of stacking a tall pile of slippery slices.

If the fruit is very soft, use the spoon-half method or make thicker slices that are easier to move. For fruit salad, arrange the cut pieces on the platter with a small spatula or spoon rather than picking up a stack.

For safe grips, basic cut shapes and practice drills, see our beginner knife-skills guide.

Sources: Utah State University Extension, Kiwifruit handout, section “Cutting a Kiwifruit” (skin-on slices, trimming and peeling, or spooning halves); Iowa State University Extension, “Kiwi Fruit” (rinse and spoon-half) and “Prepare Kiwi”; FDA, produce washing guidance; USU Extension, knife-safety basics.