How to Store Kiwis

TL;DR

Properly stored ripe kiwis can last up to 2 weeks in the refrigerator and 3-4 days on the countertop
Unripe kiwis should ripen within 2 to 3 days at room temperature when placed in a loosely closed paper bag
Cut kiwis will last 3-4 days in the refrigerator when stored properly
Frozen kiwis can last 10-12 months in the freezer
Store kiwis in the refrigerator at 32–35°F (0-2°C) for short-term storage, or freeze for long-term storage

Introduction

Kiwis, those fuzzy little fruits with emerald flesh and ebony seeds, are nature’s sweet-tart gift to our taste buds. Whether you prefer the classic green Hayward or the golden Zespri SunGold, proper storage is key to enjoying these nutritional powerhouses at their peak. From countertop to freezer, let’s explore the art of keeping kiwis fresh, flavorful, and ready for your next culinary adventure.

Understanding Kiwi Ripeness

Identifying Ripe Kiwis

Ready to dive into a kiwi? Here’s how to spot the perfect one:

For green kiwis, look for a brown, fuzzy exterior that yields slightly to gentle pressure. The fruit should feel plump and heavy for its size. Golden kiwis, on the other hand, should have a smooth, hairless skin with a greenish-brown color. They’re ripe when they give a bit when squeezed gently.

Smell the kiwi near its stem end. A ripe kiwi will have a sweet, fragrant aroma. If it smells fermented or overly sweet, it’s likely overripe.

Selecting Unripe Kiwis

Sometimes, you’ll want to plan ahead. Selecting unripe kiwis allows you to control when they’ll be ready to eat. Look for fruits that are firm to the touch and have a brighter green or golden color, depending on the variety. These kiwis will have a tart flavor and firm flesh, perfect for ripening at home.

Buying unripe kiwis is ideal if you’re not planning to eat them immediately or if you want to stagger their ripeness. This way, you can enjoy fresh kiwis over a longer period.

Storing Unripe Kiwis

Room Temperature Storage

Unripe kiwis thrive at room temperature. Place them on your kitchen counter, away from direct sunlight. The ideal temperature range is between 65°F and 70°F (18°C to 21°C). In these conditions, your kiwis should ripen within 2 to 3 days.

Keep an eye on them daily. Once they start to soften slightly, they’re ready to eat or move to the refrigerator to slow down further ripening.

Speeding Up Ripening

In a hurry for ripe kiwis? Try these tricks:

Paper bag method: Place kiwis in a loosely closed paper bag with an apple or banana. These fruits release ethylene gas, which speeds up ripening.
Rice burial: Nestle kiwis in a bowl of uncooked rice. The rice traps ethylene gas, accelerating the process.
Warm spot placement: Put kiwis in the warmest area of your kitchen, like near (but not on) a sunny window.

These methods can cut ripening time down to 2-3 days. Check your kiwis frequently to catch them at peak ripeness.

Avoiding Ethylene Producers

While ethylene can be helpful for ripening, it’s a double-edged sword. To prevent premature ripening, keep unripe kiwis away from ethylene-producing fruits like:

Apples
Bananas
Pears
Peaches
Avocados

Store these fruits separately to maintain control over your kiwis’ ripening timeline.

Storing Ripe Kiwis

Refrigerator Storage

Once your kiwis reach perfect ripeness, it’s time for the fridge. The cool temperature slows down the ripening process, extending their life.

Place ripe kiwis in the main body of your refrigerator, where the temperature hovers around 32°F to 35°F (0°C to 2°C). The crisper drawer, typically more humid, isn’t ideal for kiwis as excess moisture can lead to mold growth.

Using Plastic Bags

To further extend shelf life, store ripe kiwis in a perforated plastic bag. The perforations allow excess moisture to escape, preventing condensation that could lead to spoilage.

If you don’t have a perforated bag, use a regular plastic bag and poke a few small holes in it. This DIY solution works just as well.

Avoid sealing the bag completely. A loose closure allows for some air circulation, which helps maintain the right humidity level around the fruit.

Countertop Storage

For kiwis you plan to eat within a day or two, countertop storage is perfectly fine. Keep them in a cool, shaded spot away from other ripening fruits.

This method is ideal if you prefer your kiwis at room temperature for eating. Just remember, they’ll continue to ripen quickly, so keep a close eye on them.

Shelf Life of Ripe Kiwis

Properly stored ripe kiwis can last:

Firmer kiwis will last longer than softer ones. Check your kiwis daily for signs of overripening or spoilage.

Storing Cut Kiwis

Airtight Container Storage

Cut kiwis are delicious, but they’re also prone to drying out and absorbing other flavors. Here’s how to keep them fresh:

Slice the kiwi as desired.
Place slices in a single layer in an airtight container.
If stacking is necessary, separate layers with parchment paper.
Seal the container tightly, removing as much air as possible.

Glass or BPA-free plastic containers work well. Avoid metal containers, as they can react with the kiwi’s acids and affect flavor.

Refrigeration Tips

Cut kiwis must be refrigerated. Place your airtight container in the main part of the fridge, not the crisper drawer.

For extra protection against browning, you can sprinkle the cut surfaces lightly with lemon juice before storing. The citric acid helps preserve color and freshness.

Shelf Life of Cut Kiwis

Properly stored cut kiwis will last 3-4 days in the refrigerator. After this time, they may start to lose texture and flavor, even if they haven’t spoiled.

For best quality, consume cut kiwis as soon as possible. They’re perfect for adding to morning yogurt or as a quick, healthy snack.

Freezing Kiwis

Preparation for Freezing

Freezing kiwis is a great way to preserve them long-term. Here’s how to prep them:

Wash and dry the kiwis thoroughly.
Peel the skin using a vegetable peeler or paring knife.
Cut into desired shapes – slices, chunks, or even puree.
If desired, sprinkle with a small amount of sugar or honey to help preserve texture.

For golden kiwis, you can leave the skin on if you prefer, as it’s edible and will soften during freezing.

Freezing Methods

Two main methods work well for freezing kiwis:

Tray freezing:
- Arrange prepared kiwi pieces on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Freeze until solid (about 2-3 hours).
- Transfer to freezer bags or containers.
Bag freezing:
- Place prepared kiwi directly into freezer bags.
- Remove as much air as possible before sealing.
- Lay flat in the freezer.

Tray freezing prevents pieces from sticking together, making it easier to take out small portions later.

Transferring to Containers

After initial freezing, transfer kiwis to long-term storage containers:

Use freezer-safe bags or containers.
Label with the date and contents.
Remove as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn.
If using bags, lay them flat for easy stacking and space-saving.

Consider portioning kiwis into recipe-sized amounts for convenient future use.

Shelf Life of Frozen Kiwis

Properly frozen kiwis can last 10-12 months in the freezer. Beyond this time, they’re still safe to eat but may lose quality in texture and flavor.

For best results, store kiwis in a freezer set to 0°F (-18°C) or below.

Using Frozen Kiwis

Frozen kiwis are versatile in the kitchen:

Blend into smoothies straight from the freezer.
Thaw in the refrigerator for 2-3 hours for use in baking or as a topping.
Use partially thawed as a unique addition to cocktails.

Remember, thawed kiwis will be softer than fresh ones, making them perfect for sauces, jams, or purees.

Identifying Spoiled Kiwis

Visual Signs of Spoilage

Keep an eye out for these visual cues that your kiwi has gone bad:

Mold growth: Any sign of fuzzy, white, or colored spots means it’s time to discard the fruit.
Discoloration: Dark brown or black spots on the flesh indicate spoilage.
Shriveling: Excessive wrinkling or a dried-out appearance suggests the kiwi is past its prime.

If only a small area is affected, you may be able to cut it away and enjoy the rest of the fruit.

Texture Changes

Texture is a key indicator of kiwi freshness:

Overly soft or mushy areas suggest spoilage has begun.
A slimy texture on the cut surface is a clear sign to discard the fruit.
Extreme firmness in a ripe kiwi might indicate it has dried out and lost its quality.

Trust your sense of touch – if something feels off, it probably is.

Smell and Taste

Your nose and taste buds are powerful tools for detecting spoilage:

A fermented or alcohol-like smell indicates the kiwi has started to rot.
An overly sweet, almost syrupy odor suggests overripeness.
If the kiwi tastes fermented, sour (beyond its natural tartness), or just “off,” it’s best not to eat it.

Always err on the side of caution. If you’re unsure about a kiwi’s freshness, it’s better to discard it than risk foodborne illness.

Conclusion

Mastering kiwi storage is an art that pays delicious dividends. From selecting the perfect fruit to freezing for future use, these techniques ensure you’ll always have fresh, flavorful kiwis at your fingertips. Experiment with different methods to find what works best for your lifestyle and culinary needs. With these tips in your arsenal, you’re well-equipped to enjoy the vibrant taste of kiwis any time of year.