How To Make An Extract From Kiwi

Homemade kiwi extract is delicious and has many health benefits.

Fruit extracts are the essence or flavor of a fruit in concentrated form. Kiwi extract is a particularly sweet and fruit extract and comes with health benefits. It has high levels of vitamins C and E, magnesium, potassium and fatty acids. It reportedly has anti-aging properties and can help solve problems associated with digesting food. Unlike store-bought kiwi extract, with preservatives that often counteract these properties, homemade kiwi extract offers the full range of health benefits. It also complements dessert and drink recipes with a more refreshing taste. In decorative bottles, kiwi extract makes a distinctive and colorful gift.

Things You'll Need

• 1 lb. kiwis
• Peeler or spoon
• Knife
• Cutting board
• Saucepan
• 1/2 cup sugar
• Colander or strainer
• Cheesecloth
• Airtight container and lid -- glass or heat-safe plastic

Instructions

1. Rinse kiwis and peel outer skin with a peeler or cut the kiwis in half and scoop out the flesh of the fruit with a spoon.

2. Boil 1 cup of water and 1/2 cup of sugar until the sugar dissolves and the mixture has the sticky consistency of simple syrup, which is slightly thinner than the consistency of glue.

3. Add the kiwi and bring the liquid to a slow boil, stirring occasionally, until the kiwi softens and blends into a uniform mixture. This process should take approximately 30 minutes.

4. Line the bottom and halfway up the sides of a colander or strainer with cheesecloth and put it on top of an airtight glass or heat-safe plastic container. Pour the mixture into the colander or strainer. The cheesecloth should prevent the kiwi seeds from entering the container.

5. Return the liquid to the saucepan and return to a slow boil on medium heat. Cook until more than half of the liquid evaporates and the remaining mixture is thick and a bright green. The remaining mixture should measure one-third to two-thirds of a cup.

6. Return the mixture to the airtight container and allow it to cool uncovered for 20 minutes. Place a lid on the container and refrigerate the extract for 40 to 60 days without opening the container.

Tips & Warnings

• The ideal kiwis for making kiwi extract are just slightly unripe, as fully ripe kiwi tends to dissolve and the juice evaporate too quickly. They should be light green with yellow undertones.

References

• Cooks.com: Flavoring, Extracts, and Liqueurs
• Kiwi Extract: Kiwi Fruit Extract