Do I Have to Wash a Kiwi Before Eating It?

November 27, 2025 •

3 min read

According to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), all fresh produce should be washed under cool running water before consumption to remove dirt and bacteria. This essential rule applies to kiwis, so yes, you should always wash a kiwi before eating it, regardless of whether you plan to eat the skin or not.

Quick Summary

Washing a kiwi is crucial for food safety to remove dirt, bacteria, and potential contaminants from the surface. Always rinse the fruit under cool running water and gently scrub the skin, even if you intend to peel it before eating. This prevents transferring germs from the outside to the edible flesh.

Key Points

Always Wash: You must wash a kiwi before eating it, even if you plan to peel the skin off.
Prevent Cross-Contamination: Washing prevents dirt, bacteria, and pesticides on the skin from transferring to the edible flesh during cutting.
Wash with Water Only: Use cool, running tap water and a gentle scrub; avoid using soap, bleach, or commercial produce washes.
Skin is Edible: Both green and golden kiwi skins are edible and contain extra fiber and vitamins, but washing and scrubbing is still required.
Use a Brush: For traditional fuzzy green kiwis, use a soft vegetable brush to effectively clean the surface.
Wash Right Before Eating: For the best quality and to prevent spoilage, wash kiwis immediately before consuming them, not when you store them.
Dry Thoroughly: Pat the kiwi dry with a clean cloth or paper towel after washing to remove residual bacteria.

Why Proper Kiwi Washing is Non-Negotiable

Just because you're planning to peel a kiwi doesn't mean you can skip the washing step. The process of peeling can transfer dirt, bacteria, and other contaminants from the skin to the edible flesh. For example, a knife slicing through an unwashed kiwi will carry surface impurities directly into the clean fruit. Kiwis travel a long way from the farm to your table, passing through many hands and surfaces, making proper cleaning an essential part of food safety.

The Importance of Washing Before Peeling

The FDA recommends washing all fresh produce, even those with inedible skins, to prevent cross-contamination. For kiwis, this means rinsing the entire fruit thoroughly before cutting. The fuzzy exterior of a standard green kiwi can trap significant amounts of dirt and microbes. By scrubbing the skin under running water, you ensure that any contaminants on the surface won't make their way to the part you intend to eat. This simple step drastically reduces the risk of foodborne illness.

Can You Eat the Skin?

An increasing number of people choose to eat the entire kiwi, skin and all, for its added nutritional benefits. The skin is a fantastic source of fiber, antioxidants, and nutrients like folate and vitamin E. If you're going this route, washing is even more important. For green kiwis, gently scrubbing the fuzz off under cool water is key to a more pleasant eating experience and a cleaner bite. For golden kiwis, which have smoother, hairless skin, a gentle rub under running water is sufficient.

Step-by-Step Guide to Washing Your Kiwi

Wash your hands. Before handling any produce, wash your hands with warm, soapy water for at least 20 seconds to prevent transferring germs.
Rinse under cool water. Place the kiwi under a stream of cool, running tap water. Avoid using hot water, as this can cause the fruit to absorb more contaminants.
Gentle scrub. For traditional fuzzy green kiwis, gently rub the skin with your hands or a soft vegetable brush to remove dirt and fuzz. For golden kiwis, a simple rub is fine due to their smoother skin.
Dry thoroughly. Use a clean cloth or paper towel to dry the kiwi completely after washing. This step further helps to remove any lingering bacteria.

Comparison of Kiwi Varieties and Washing Needs


Feature	Green Kiwi (e.g., Hayward)	Golden Kiwi (e.g., SunGold)
Skin Texture	Fuzzy and fibrous	Smooth and hairless
Taste Profile	Classic sweet-tart flavor	Sweeter, more tropical taste
Washing Method	Gentle scrubbing with a brush or hands under cool water is recommended to remove fuzz and dirt.	Gentle rub under cool running water is sufficient.
Edible Skin	Yes, the skin is edible and nutritious, though the texture can be an acquired taste.	Yes, the skin is edible and has a less fibrous texture, making it easier for many to enjoy.
Ease of Eating Skin-On	Requires more thorough scrubbing to reduce fuzz.	Very easy to eat with the skin on due to smooth texture.

Best Practices for Kiwi Storage and Preparation

To maintain quality and safety, it's best to wash kiwis right before you eat or prepare them, not when you first bring them home. If you wash them ahead of time, any lingering moisture can encourage bacterial growth and spoilage. For longer storage, keep unwashed kiwis in the crisper drawer of your refrigerator. If you want to ripen an unripe kiwi, place it in a paper bag with an apple or banana for a day or two.

Conclusion

In short, the answer is a definitive yes, you absolutely must wash a kiwi before eating it. This practice is a basic and essential step in food safety, protecting you from potential contaminants, dirt, and bacteria that collect on the fruit's surface. Whether you prefer to peel the fuzzy skin or consume it for its nutritional boost, a thorough rinse under cool water and a gentle scrub are necessary. Taking a moment to clean your kiwi properly ensures a safer and healthier eating experience, letting you enjoy its delicious, vibrant flesh without worry. For anyone interested in exploring the health benefits of a high-fiber diet, safely eating the kiwi skin is a great option. For more details on safe produce handling, the FDA has additional recommendations.

Frequently Asked Questions

Washing is necessary to prevent cross-contamination. Cutting an unwashed kiwi with a knife can transfer dirt and bacteria from the outer skin to the inner flesh that you will be eating.

Yes, it is completely safe to eat kiwi skin. The skin, especially on golden varieties, is a good source of fiber and vitamins. Just be sure to wash and scrub it thoroughly first to remove dirt and fuzz.

No, you should never use soap, bleach, or other detergents to wash produce. These chemicals can be absorbed by the porous fruit and are not safe to ingest.

For fuzzy kiwis, use a soft vegetable brush or your hands to gently scrub the surface under cool, running water to remove dirt and fuzz before drying it.

Yes, organic kiwis still need to be washed. They are exposed to dirt and potential bacteria during harvesting, shipping, and handling, just like conventionally grown produce.

Golden kiwis have smooth skin, so a gentle rub under cool, running water is sufficient to clean the surface. No scrubbing is needed.

Not washing a kiwi increases your risk of consuming dirt, bacteria, and pesticide residues. While the risk of serious illness is often low, it is still a significant food safety hazard.