Is the kiwi a citrus?

When I was young, the kiwi was the first truly exotic fruit I tasted.

Its sour and juicy flavor was unique and delicious. It’s one of the few fruits I clearly remember tasting as a child, and to it I attribute my lifelong love of sweet and sour fruits.

Kiwi can be used in many ways in the kitchen and its sweet and sour flavor works well in baking, cooking and raw preparations.

Using this fruit in your kitchen is an affordable and delicious way to add a tropical touch to your favorite recipes.

Since kiwis grow in a subtropical climate and have a sour taste, you may be wondering if these fruits are really citrus. This is a great question and the answer is interesting.

So is the kiwi a citrus fruit?

Although kiwis share some similar qualities with citrus, such as growing region and vitamin C content, they are actually classified as a non-citrus exotic fruit. 

Read on to find out more about how to keep kiwi fresh, how to freeze it, and the best ways to use it in your kitchen to delight your taste buds.

Why do people think that kiwi is a citrus fruit?

One of the reasons why people may think of kiwi as a citrus fruit is because it tends to grow in the same subtropical climate as citrus fruits, such as lemons, grapefruit, and oranges.

In addition, they are rich in vitamin C, which is also abundant in those same citrus fruits.

However, kiwis don’t have as much citric acid, the nutrient that gives citrus fruits their sharp, tart flavor. The more citric acid, the more acidic the fruit.

So naturally lemons and limes will have more citric acid than oranges, which will have more than kiwis. 

Kiwis also have a very different peel than citrus. While citrus peels are typically smooth, shiny, and packed with sweet-smelling oils, kiwifruit peels are rough, brown, and covered in tiny hairs.

Citrus peels are also inedible unless cooked, candied, or otherwise preserved.

Although it may not be for everyone, I know many people who enjoy eating the skin of a kiwi, my brother and sister included. Of course, make sure to wash it well before eating it.

As you can see, there are many differences between kiwis and citrus. Therefore, when classifying kiwi, it is considered a non-citrus subtropical or exotic fruit, similar to pomegranates and figs.

Are kiwis berries?

Yes they are. In fact, kiwis are also classified as berries and are sometimes called Chinese gooseberries or kiwifruits.

Berries are any fleshy fruit that have many seeds inside, such as kiwis, watermelons, tomatoes, lemons, and grapes.

Technically, watermelons belong to a specific family of berries called pepos. Other fruits that belong to this berry family are cucumbers and pumpkins.

Citrus fruits, such as lemons, limes, and oranges, are also classified as berries in the hesperidium family.

Kiwis belong to the Actinidia deliciosa family, which grows on a woody vine and produces large individual berries that we know as kiwis.

How to ripen a kiwi

If you buy a few kiwis at the supermarket and want them to ripen faster, there is a little trick you can use.

1. Place your unripe kiwis in a brown paper bag.
2. Fold the top of the bag over so that it is tightly closed. 
3. Place it out of direct sunlight and away from direct heat, such as a stove. 
4. Keep the kiwi in the bag for 2-3 days or until soft and ripe. 
5. Enjoy your ripe and juicy kiwis. 

The science behind this trick involves something called ethylene gas. As the fruit ripens, it gives off this gas.

By placing the fruit in a bag, ethylene gas is kept close to the fruit and circulates through the bag, speeding up the ripening process. 

You can use this trick to ripen bananas, avocados, apples, tomatoes, mangoes, and other fruits.

How to keep kiwi fresh

To keep your kiwi fresh for as long as possible, there are a couple of things to keep in mind. If your kiwi is not yet ripe, you can store it on the counter at room temperature until ripe.

Once the kiwi is ripe, you should put it in the fridge to keep it fresh. 

I like to wash and dry the kiwis as soon as I get home from the store. If I know I won’t be using them for a while, I keep them in a small bowl in the fridge. If not, I keep them in a bowl on the counter.

Can kiwi be frozen?

If you receive a large quantity of kiwis, you may wonder if you can save the excess for later use. Luckily, kiwi freezes very well and there are several methods you can use depending on how you intend to use it once thawed.

You can freeze the kiwi for about 10-12 months . After much longer, the flavor may start to wear off, or they may become freezer burned and unappetizing.

How to freeze kiwi slices

1. Wash the kiwi well. Depending on your preference, you can peel it or leave the skin on.
2. Cut the kiwi into slices as thick as you like . Slices 1/8 to 1/4 inch thick should work well.
3. Find a plate or baking sheet that will fit in your freezer. Line it with parchment paper.
4. Arrange the kiwi slices in a single layer, with some space between each slice to allow air to circulate between them.
5. Put the kiwi slices in the freezer for 12-24 hours or until they are completely frozen. 
6. Transfer the slices to an airtight freezer bag. Squeeze the air out of the bag and seal it.
7. Once the kiwi slices are packed, take a piece of masking tape and write the date and content on it. Tape the tape to the bag and put it in the freezer.

How to freeze crushed kiwi

1. Start by washing and drying the kiwi. Remove the shell if you prefer.
2. Place the kiwis in a food processor or blender and blend until desired consistency. 
3. Place several freezer bags on the counter that will hold 1 to 2 cups each. 
4. Measure 1-2 cups per bag and gently squeeze any excess air out of the bag before closing. It’s best to divide the crushed kiwi into the amounts you’ll use in a recipe so it’s easy to thaw and use. If you store them all together, you’ll need to thaw the entire amount and use it right away.
5. Write the date and contents on the bag or a piece of tape so you know what you frozen and when. This step will keep you from finding bags of fruit in the freezer months later without knowing what they are or if they’re still good to use.
6. Place the bags of chopped kiwi in the freezer and use them within 10-12 months. 

How to freeze crushed kiwi

1. Find a plate or baking sheet that will fit in your freezer and line it with parchment paper. 
2. Wash and scrub your kiwi. If you prefer the kiwi without the shell, remove it now.
3. Cut your kiwi into pieces. Here you can choose your own adventure according to the use you are going to make of them. If you plan to use them in smoothies, they can be larger, for baking you may want smaller pieces.
4. Spread the chopped kiwi in a single layer on your baking sheet or dish, then pop it in the freezer. 
5. Keep the pieces in the freezer for 12-24 hours or until completely frozen. It may take a little more or less time depending on how cold your freezer is.
6. Distribute the chopped pieces in freezer bags. I like to measure out 1- and 2-cup servings, as these are often the amounts used in recipes and the easiest to thaw for future use.
7. Once portioned, you’ll need to label the bag with the date and contents so you know when you frozen them and how long they keep. You can write it on the bag or on a piece of tape. 
8. Store the kiwi bags in the freezer until you need them. Be sure to use them within 10-12 months for optimal freshness and flavor.

Delicious uses of kiwi in recipes

Kiwi is a very versatile fruit that can be used in cooked or raw preparations in the kitchen.

Thanks to its tangy flavor, it is delicious in baked goods, while its juice can also be used to help tenderize meat. If you are looking for the perfect fruit to make a summer cake or cheesecake, kiwi should be at the top of your list.

Great uses of kiwi in pastry recipes

One of the best ways to use frozen kiwifruit is in baking recipes, as the fruit can be a bit soft when thawed.

Although the true limit of what you can do with kiwi is only in your imagination, the following ideas can give you a good starting point.

1. Try making a delicious kiwi bread with lime or other citrus. 
2. Kiwis are a deliciously tangy filling for bars with a crunchy, buttery crust. 
3. Kiwi combines very well with cinnamon to make a moist and delicious cake . You can also combine them with lemons, apples, berries or your other favorite fruit for a cake that is sure to satisfy you.
4. Try them in a delicious muffin recipe combined with strawberries or raspberries. 
5. Fresh kiwis are perfect when sliced and placed on flan in a fruit tart. Try combining them with other berries, pomegranate seeds or dragon fruit for a beautiful and delicious creation.
6. If you want to get really inventive, try giving the classic lemon meringue pie a twist. You can use kiwi to make the base and cover it with a fluffy meringue to make it a real delight. 
7. You can also use kiwi as a filling in a normal pie crust . Again, feel free to be creative and combine it with your favorite fruits for a very special cake. Kiwi’s tartness tastes wonderful with sweeter fruits like apples and strawberries.
8. Try making a fruit pizza with a biscuit crust, whipped cream and kiwi on top. 

Other ways to cook with kiwi

Although baking may be one of the easiest and tastiest ways to use kiwi in the kitchen, there are many other things you can do with the fruit to tease your taste buds with the tartness.

1. Chop and freeze the kiwi as in the previous case and use it in smoothies. You can also freeze the kiwi along with berries and bananas for a delicious smoothie mix.
2. Cut small pieces and add them to your chicken salad. Its sour sweetness complements the salty flavor of the chicken.
3. Add frozen kiwi chunks to summer spritzers. You can use wine and seltzer or your favorite juice for a non-alcoholic version.
4. Make a kiwi puree with juice and use it to make natural popsicles. You can combine it with other fruits or layer different fruit purees for a nice treat on a hot day.
5. Make a fruit sauce with apples, grapes, strawberries and orange juice.
6. Add kiwi slices to your favorite salad. 
7. Turn it into a jam! Is there anything more delicious than toast with jam and butter? You can make a wonderful kiwi jam, either on its own or combined with strawberries or your other favorite fruit.
8. Cut it into slices and add it to oatmeal or rice pudding . The sweet and sour flavor will cut through the richness of rolled oats or rice pudding and will be a perfect treat.
9. You can squeeze the juice and use it to tenderize tough cuts of meat before cooking. The citric acid will help soften the protein and add a lovely subtle flavor.
10. Chop the kiwi and squeeze the lime juice on top and use it as a garnish for your favorite tacos. 

Final thoughts

As you have learned, even though kiwis grow in a subtropical climate and contain citric acid and vitamin C just like citrus, they are actually classified as a non-citrus exotic fruit.

They’re easy to store and last 10-12 months in the freezer, so you can stock up when they’re on sale.

Kiwis have virtually unlimited uses in the kitchen, from smoothies to cakes to sauces and cakes. The next time you’re at the grocery store, grab some kiwis and let your creativity flourish.

What is your favorite way to use kiwi in the kitchen? Let us know in the comments!