While it can be easy to tell with a quick glance whether a peach or an apple is still good, kiwi can be a little more tricky.
That thicker outer skin masks the interior, making it harder to determine ripeness. However, that same skin can help keep your kiwi fresher for longer! So, How long is Kiwi good for?
Kiwi can be good for roughly 7 days at room temperature and 1 month in the fridge, depending on how ripe it was to begin with. Correct storage can help extend the lifespan of your kiwi.
In this guide, we’ll explore the best ways to keep your kiwi fresh!
Storing Kiwifruit
Kiwifruit can remain good for between 5 days and 1 month, depending on how ripe the fruit is and how it is being stored. Once a kiwifruit has ripened, it can stay good for up to 10 days, provided it is kept in the refrigerator.
An unripe kiwi will slowly ripen at room temperature or in the fridge. At room temperature, the kiwifruit will take 2 to 7 days to ripen.
Once ripe, you can keep it for roughly another day 3 to 6 days at room temperature. Alternatively, transfer the kiwi to the fridge for around 2 more weeks of freshness.
Unripe kiwi can also be kept in the fridge for up to a month. The fruit will ripen much slower in the low temperatures. If you don’t plan on eating kiwi straight away, it’s best to put it in the fridge until you’re ready!
In the fridge, a ripe kiwi will last for around 2 to 4 weeks. After that, even cold temperatures won’t be able to prevent the decay from setting in.
If you want your kiwi to last for longer, then keep it in the fridge.
Can Refrigeration Prevent The Kiwi From Going Bad?
Low temperatures slow down decay, preventing your foods from turning bad. Keeping kiwi in the fridge can dramatically increase their lifespan.
Place an unripe kiwi in the fridge and you can potentially wait a month before tucking in!
But the refrigerator won’t provide much help if the kiwifruit is overripe. Although the cold temperatures will slow the decay, there’s no way to reverse the problem.
The best thing to do is slice the kiwi and assess if it’s still suitable for eating. If it looks good, then it’s best to eat it right away. Otherwise, it needs to be discarded.
How To Keep Your Kiwi Fresher For Longer
I bought a bag of kiwifruits, but I’m unsure when you’ll be ready to eat them. There are methods you can use to keep your kiwi fresher for longer. Let’s take a look.
The first step starts in the store the market, or wherever you go to buy your kiwi. If you want your kiwi to stay longer, it must be either unripe or ripe.
The easiest way to assess the ripeness of the kiwi is by touch. Gently press your thumb into the center of the kiwi. If it has a slight give, then the kiwi is ripe. If it feels firm, then the kiwi is unripe. And if it feels very soft, the kiwi is overripe.
When you get your kiwi home, place them in the fridge, away from other fruits and vegetables. This way, your kiwi can be kept good for up to a month!
If you don’t want to wait quite that long before preparing and eating your kiwifruit, you can keep them at room temperature. If you’re storing kiwis out of the refrigerator, ensure they’re away from direct sunlight.
The pantry is the best place, thanks to the cool, dark conditions.
Keep Away From Other Fruits
One of the best ways to eat kiwi is sliced into a tropical fruit salad. The sweetness of the kiwi is an excellent pairing for a range of different fruits, while the fragrant sharpness adds a touch of the exotic.
However, outside of the fruit salad, you want to keep your kiwi away from other fruits (and vegetables).
Apples, mangoes, pears, and a host of other fruits all produce ethylene. Ethylene is a gas that speeds up ripening [1], causing fruits to go off.
If you place your kiwi next to an apple, you might find both fruits are overripe quicker than you wanted!
How Long Are Kiwis Good For After Being Cut?
Sliced a little too much kiwi for the top of your smoothie bowl? Sliced kiwi might not last as long as the whole fruit, but you can keep it in the fridge for around 2 days.
If you have leftover sliced kiwi, transfer it to an airtight container. Try to eat the kiwi as soon as possible after cutting, or it will turn mushy!
Can You Freeze Kiwifruit?
Yes, you can freeze kiwifruit! However, defrosted kiwi will have a much softer texture than fresh kiwi. Frozen kiwi can last for up to 3 months.
To freeze kiwifruit, begin by removing the peel. Next, dice the kiwi into even chunks. Place the diced kiwi into a freezer-safe container and seal it. Defrost the frozen kiwi in the refrigerator before using.
The freezing and defrosting process softens the kiwi, making it unsuitable for fruit salads and desserts. However, it’s easy to incorporate frozen kiwi into smoothies or other foods that require the kiwi to be mashed.
Frequently Asked Questions on How Long Do Kiwis Last
If you like me and enjoy snaking on a Kiwi fruit during the day but are unsure how long is Kiwi good for, I have compiled a few FAQs that will hopefully answer your doubts.
Q: Can Kiwi go bad?
A: Yes, kiwi can go bad. A ripe kiwi will go bad after roughly 2 days at room temperature or after 2 weeks in the fridge.
Q: How do you know if Kiwi fruit has gone bad?
A: Kiwi that has gone bad has wrinkled skin, a soft and mushy texture, and an acidic smell. If your kiwi has gone bad, it should be discarded immediately.
Q: Can I eat slightly wrinkled kiwi?
A: If a kiwi has small wrinkles on its skin, it doesn’t necessarily mean it’s gone bad. Minor wrinkles are natural and can occur as the fruit ages. However, if the kiwi feels overly soft and an off smell or mold accompanies the wrinkles, it’s best to avoid eating it.
Final Thoughts on How Long Are Kiwi Fruit Good For
The hard skin of the kiwi provides a softer interior with a lot of protection. In the fridge, an unripe kiwi can last for up to a month without going bad! However, once you’ve sliced the kiwifruit, it’s best to eat it immediately.
Please always use your best judgment when assessing kiwi’s quality or fruit. Trust your senses, and if in doubt, it’s better to be safe than sorry. Enjoy Kiwi’s wonderful flavors and health benefits while it’s freshest!
A popular variety of kiwi fruit enjoyed locally is the Zespri Organic Kiwis. Enjoy!
We hope this guide has helped you understand the best methods for storing kiwi!
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- Can Dogs Eat Kiwi Fruit?
Video: Kiwi Fruit 101 – Selecting and Storing Kiwis
Reference List:
- The University of Maine – The Role of Ethylene in Fruit Ripening
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