Is Kiwi a Citrus Fruit?

If you’ve ever bitten into a kiwi and thought it tasted a bit like a sour orange or tangy lime, you’re not alone. But despite the zesty flavour, kiwi is not a citrus fruit.

So what is a kiwi, exactly? Why does it taste citrusy, and how does it compare to fruits like oranges, lemons, or limes? Here's what sets it apart—and why it’s often confused with citrus.

What Makes a Fruit "Citrus"?

Citrus fruits belong to the Citrus genus, a group of flowering plants in the Rutaceae family. These fruits typically share a few key traits:

• Thick, leathery rinds

• Segmented, juicy interiors

• High levels of citric acid, which gives them their tang

• Examples include oranges, lemons, limes, grapefruits, and tangerines

Citrus fruits grow mainly in warm, subtropical climates, and are known for their bright flavours and high vitamin C content.

What Is a Kiwi, Then?

Kiwi—also known as kiwifruit or Chinese gooseberry—comes from a completely different plant family: Actinidiaceae, in the Actinidia genus.

Originally from China, the kiwi we commonly eat today (Actinidia deliciosa) was popularised in New Zealand, which is where the name "kiwifruit" comes from. It’s a berry, botanically speaking, and it grows on a vine—not a tree like most citrus fruits.

Kiwis have:

• Thin, fuzzy skin

• Bright green (or golden) flesh with tiny black seeds

• A soft, juicy texture

• A sweet-sour taste, but with different acids than citrus

So, while kiwis can taste tangy or sharp, they’re not part of the citrus family.

Why Do People Think Kiwi Is a Citrus Fruit?

Mainly because of its acidic, fruity flavour. Kiwi has a high level of vitamin C—often more than oranges—and its tartness is similar to citrus. But chemically, the acids in kiwi are slightly different. Kiwi contains more malic and quinic acid, compared to the citric acid dominant in citrus fruits.

Also, kiwis are often grouped with citrus fruits in smoothies, fruit salads, and juices because they pair well together and offer a refreshing, zingy taste.

Nutritional Comparison

Although they’re from different families, kiwis and citrus fruits share some nutritional benefits:

• Rich in vitamin C

• Low in calories

• Good sources of fibre and antioxidants

But kiwi also contains a unique enzyme called actinidin, which can aid digestion—but also interfere with dairy, which is why kiwi sometimes makes milk-based desserts go runny.

Final Word

Kiwi is not a citrus fruit—but it’s easy to see why people think it might be. With its tart flavour, vitamin C content, and tropical vibe, it ticks many of the same boxes. Still, it belongs to a completely different botanical family and offers its own unique mix of nutrients and flavour.

So next time you're slicing fruit for a salad or blending a smoothie, remember: kiwi may not be citrus, but it holds its own as one of the most refreshing and nutrient-rich fruits around.