Kiwi Skin: discover the Benefits and How to Eat It

When you think of a kiwi, you might begin to shudder at the thought of the fuzzy peel on your tongue. It’s most likely the reason why we’ve been discarding the skin for years, favouring the sweet flesh within. However, you might be surprised to learn that there are numerous health benefits associated with consuming kiwi skin. In this post, we will explore these advantages and discuss how to best incorporate the skin into your diet.

Unsuspected benefits of kiwi skin

The nutritional powerhouse: kiwi skin

Kiwi skin is an overlooked superfood in many households. Research has revealed that it is filled with beneficial vitamins and nutrients such as Vitamin A, c, e, magnesium and zinc. Moreover, studies have shown it’s richer in fibre than its flesh, making it a great food source for improving digestion and reducing cholesterol.

Skin benefits from Kiwi Skin

In addition to its nutritional properties, kiwi skin could also have positive effects on our own skin. Rich in vitamin C, it helps in collagen production which contributes to the firmness and elasticity of our skin. Regular consumption of kiwi skin can help maintain healthy skin and even delay signs of ageing by providing essential minerals, vitamins and phytonutrients.

Having acquired some knowledge about these surprising health benefits of kiwi skin let’s now move forward to answer a commonly asked question: can we really eat kiwi’s peel ?

The truth about kiwis: can you really eat their skins ?

A common misconception about eating Kiwi’s Skin

Fear not ! Kiwi skins are indeed edible and actually increase each bite’s nutritional value by packing in fibres and essential nutrients like Vitamin E and polyphenols. These components support the immune system and protect our bodies from pollutants and harmful sun rays.

How to consume Kiwi’s Skin

Kiwi’s skin is perfectly edible as it is, making it a convenient snack. Most people may find the texture off-putting at first, but by incorporating it into your diet over time, you will likely get used to it.

Now that we’ve established that kiwi skins are not only edible but also highly nutritious, let’s delve into how we can maximize these nutritional benefits.

Extracting maximum nutritional benefits of kiwi with its skin

• Eat them raw : The simplest method to enjoy the full benefits of a kiwi is eating it raw – skin and all.
• Add them to your dishes : There are numerous ways you can incorporate kiwi skin into your meals – add them in salads, smoothies or desserts for an antioxidant boost.
• Remember : To ensure optimal absorption of these nutrients, always pair your kiwi consumption with some fat, such as avocado or nuts. Fat aids in the absorption of vitamins A, d, e and K – all fat-soluble vitamins found in kiwis.

Prior to diving right in and consuming a whole kiwi – skin included – it is vitally important that they are properly washed. Let’s understand why cleaning is crucial before eating a kiwi along with its peel.

The key steps for correctly washing and preparing a kiwi for consumption with its peel

Cleaning the Kiwi: an Essential Step

Kiwis must be thoroughly washed and brushed to remove any fuzz prior to consumption. This ensures that they are clean and safe to consume.

Preparation methods

There are multiple ways to prepare a kiwi for consumption. The most common method is cutting the fruit in half and scooping out the flesh with a spoon. However, if you want to enjoy the added health benefits of the skin, try slicing it as you would an apple or pear and eat it directly.

Now that we know how to properly wash and prepare kiwis for consumption, let’s move on to some practical tips on selecting ripe and fresh kiwis.

Practical tips for choosing ripe and fresh kiwis

Identifying Ripe Kiwis

A ripe kiwi should be slightly soft when gently pressed but not overly mushy. Look for firm, unblemished fruits without damp spots.

The ‘Sniff Test’

Ripe kiwis often have a sweet and fragrant smell at the stem end. If it doesn’t smell of anything, it’s likely not ripe yet !

Moving on from how to choose the best possible fruit, let’s explore creative ways you can start incorporating kiwi skins into your diet.

Exploring creative ways to consume kiwi with its skin

• In Smoothies : Blend whole kiwis (skin included) into your favourite smoothie recipe for an extra nutrient boost.
• Sliced in Salads : Kiwi slices – skin included – add a tangy sweetness to salads.
• Kiwi Popsicles : Freeze whole kiwi slices (again, with skin ! ) and serve them as refreshing popsicles in the summer.

Before we jump headfirst into consuming kiwi skins, let’s take a moment to remember some important precautions.

Essential precautions before integrating kiwi skin into your diet

Allergies and Intolerances

Although rare, some people may be allergic or intolerant to raw kiwis. It’s always essential to introduce new foods into your diet gradually and monitor for any adverse reactions. Although allergies to kiwi are not common, they can occur. People with a known allergy to latex or papaya may also be allergic to kiwi.

Proper Cleaning

As repeated throughout this post, it is crucial that the fruit is properly washed before consumption. This is particularly important if you plan on eating the skin where most pesticides and dirt accumulate.

We’ve discussed the nutritional benefits of consuming kiwi skin and how to safely do so. But sometimes there is misinformation and myths around this topic that needs clarifying – let’s tackle these next.

Debunking myths: the safety of consuming kiwi skin

Myth 1: kiwi Skin is Inedible

This simply isn’t true ! Kiwi skin can definitely be eaten and provides many additional health benefits when compared to the flesh alone.

Myth 2: kiwi Skin Contains Harmful Pesticides

If properly washed prior to consumption, any pesticide residues should be minimal. To further minimize risk, consider purchasing organic kiwis.

In wrapping up our discussion on why and how you should consume the skin of a kiwi, remember that it’s filled with fibre, vitamins and antioxidants that provide numerous health benefits such as improving digestion, enhancing the immune system and maintaining healthy skin. Though it may sound unusual at first, eating kiwi skin can be a great way to boost your nutrient intake – just remember to wash and prepare them properly before consumption. Metaphorically speaking, you’re not only adding more fibre to your diet but also adding another feather to your health-boosting cap ! So the next time you reach for this vibrant fruit, think twice before peeling off that fuzzy outer layer.