Picking the perfect kiwifruit can be tricky, especially if you need to familiarize yourself with the fruit. However, with a few tips and tricks, you can easily select the best kiwis every time.
As someone who loves to enjoy fresh fruit, I’ve learned a thing or two about how to pick kiwi, and I’m excited to share my knowledge with you.
When selecting kiwis, the first thing to consider is their skin color. Kiwis with a greenish hue to their skin should be avoided, as they have yet to ripen. Instead, look for kiwis that have goldish or dark brown skin.
Gold-skinned kiwis will be slightly firmer, while those with dark brown skin will be softer. Additionally, inspect the outer skin for any bruises, dark spots, mold, or wrinkles, as these are signs that the kiwifruit is unsuitable for eating.
Another important factor to consider when picking kiwis is firmness. Applying light pressure to the kiwifruit can help you determine its firmness.
If the kiwifruit is too soft, it may be overripe; if it’s too firm, it may need a few more days to ripen. With these tips in mind, you’ll be able to pick the perfect kiwis every time, ensuring you can enjoy this delicious fruit at its best.
Table of Contents
Selecting Kiwis
When Do You Plan On Using the Kiwi Fruit?
Before picking kiwis, you need to know when you will use them. If you want to eat the kiwi right away, you’ll need a fruit that’s already ripe.
However, if you plan on making a kiwi and lime cheesecake next week, you want kiwis that are not quite ripe yet.
Then you can ripen them at home so they’re right when needed.
And if you don’t know when you want to eat the kiwi but don’t want to pass up the chance to buy a handful, unripe might be best.
You won’t be able to tuck in immediately, but you can keep the kiwi fruit fresh until you finally make that smoothie bowl.
When picking kiwis, I consider a few factors to ensure I choose the best ones. Here are some things I look for:
Appearance
I always start by inspecting the outer skin of the kiwi fruit. I look for unblemished skin with no dark spots or bruises. Wrinkles are also a sign that the kiwi fruit is not fresh.
Ripe kiwi fruit should have brown and fuzzy outer skin but not be too soft.
Texture
I gently squeeze the kiwi to check for firmness. A ripe kiwi should yield slightly to pressure but not be too soft. If it’s too soft, it might be overripe.
Smell
I also take a whiff of the kiwifruit to check for its fragrance. Kiwi fruit doesn’t have the most potent scent, but you can still use the fragrance when picking kiwifruits. Hold the stem end of the kiwi to your nose and breathe in.
If you can detect a light sweet scent, the kiwi is ripe. If there’s no smell at all, then it’s probably unripe. And if there’s an acidic smell, the kiwi is overripe and unhealthy.
Weight
A ripe kiwi is plump and juicy, and this is reflected in its weight. Hold different kiwis in your hand to get a feel for the weight. Ripe kiwifruits tend to be slightly heavier.
Cut the Kiwi Fruit Open
Okay, you can’t try this method in-store, but once you’ve got the kiwifruit home, you can check the interior.
Cut the kiwi in half. The inside of the kiwi should be bright green or yellow with black seeds. There should be no brown or black patches.
These can be a sign of bruising. Once cut, the sweet scent should be more pungent. If it’s acidic, the kiwi is overripe. If the kiwifruit is overripe, you might need to throw it away. There’s a risk with consumption.
If you’ve accidentally sliced into a kiwi only to find out, it’s still too firm, peel and slice the kiwi. Place the slices in an airtight container in the fridge. Within a few days, the kiwi should be ready to eat!
Considering these factors, I can now select the best kiwis for my needs.
Ripeness
When it comes to picking kiwis, ripeness is vital. A ripe kiwifruit is sweet, juicy, and flavorful, while an unripe kiwi can be sour and hard to eat. Here are some tips on how to tell if a kiwi is ripe, how to ripen, and how to store them.
How to Tell if a Kiwi is Ripe
A few things to consider when determining if a kiwi is ripe. Here are a few tips:
- Inspect the skin: A ripe kiwi will have brown, fuzzy skin. If the skin is green, the kiwi is not yet ripe.
- Please squeeze it: A ripe kiwi will be slightly soft to the touch. If it’s too firm, it’s likely unripe.
- Check the stem: If the stem is still attached and slightly wilted, the kiwi is likely ripe.
How to Ripen Kiwis
If your kiwis aren’t quite ripe yet, there are a few things you can do to speed up the process:
- Leave them at room temperature: Kiwis will ripen on their own if you leave them at room temperature. Depending on how ripe they were when you bought them, this can take a few days to a week.
- Use ethylene gas: You can speed up the ripening process by placing your kiwis in a paper bag with an apple or banana. These fruits release ethylene gas, which will help ripen the kiwis faster.
- Place them in the refrigerator: If you have ripened kiwifruit and you’re not ready to eat them, you can slow the ripening process by placing them in the refrigerator. They’ll stay fresh for a few days.
- Once your kiwis are ripe, storing them is essential to keep them fresh.
Storing Kiwis
How to Store Kiwis
When it comes to storing kiwis, the best way to do so will depend on their ripeness. Once your kiwis are ripe, storing them is essential to keep them fresh. Here are a few tips:
- Please keep them in the refrigerator: Once your kiwis are ripe, store them in the refrigerator to keep them fresh for up to a week.
- Avoid exposure to sunlight: Kiwis can become overripe and mushy if exposed to sunlight for too long.
- Freeze them: If you have too many ripe kiwis to eat before they go bad, you can freeze them later. Peel and slice them, then place them in an airtight container in the freezer for up to six months.
If your kiwis are unripe, storing them on a kitchen counter away from direct sunlight is best. This will allow them to ripen naturally over a few days.
However, if you need to hasten the ripening process, place them in a paper bag with a banana or an apple. These fruits excrete ethylene gas, which can help ripen kiwis faster.
How to Freeze Kiwis
If you have a surplus of kiwis, you can freeze them to enjoy later. First, peel and slice the kiwis into bite-sized pieces. Then, place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and freeze for a few hours until they are solid.
Once frozen, transfer the kiwi slices to an airtight container or freezer bag and store them in the freezer for up to six months.
When ready to use the frozen kiwis, thaw them in the refrigerator or at room temperature. You can also use them in smoothies or as a topping for yogurt or oatmeal.
Storing kiwis is easy if you keep their ripeness in mind and use the appropriate storage method. Whether you store them in the refrigerator or freezer, kiwis are delicious and nutritious fruit that can be enjoyed in various ways.
Preparing Kiwis
When it comes to preparing kiwis, there are a few things you need to know. In this section, I’ll cover two important aspects: How to Cut a Kiwi and How to Eat a Kiwi with the Skin.
How to Cut a Kiwi
Cutting a kiwi is easy, but it can be tricky if you’ve never done it before. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you out:
- Start by cutting off both ends of the kiwi with a sharp knife. You can use a paring knife or a vegetable peeler for this.
- Next, stand the kiwi on one of its flat ends and use a sharp knife to cut off the skin in strips. You can also use a spoon to scoop out the flesh.
- Once the skin is removed, you can slice the kiwi into rounds or wedges or chop it into small pieces for use in smoothies, recipes, or salads.
How to Eat a Kiwi with the Skin
Believe it or not, you can eat a kiwi with the skin on! The skin is packed with fiber and other nutrients that are good for you. Here’s how to do it:
- Wash the kiwi thoroughly under running water to remove any dirt or debris.
- Cut off both ends of the kiwi, as described above.
- Hold the kiwi by the stem end and use a small spoon to scoop out the flesh, eating it with the skin.
- Alternatively, you can slice the kiwi into rounds or wedges and eat them with the skin on.
That’s all there is to it! Whether you prefer to eat your kiwis with or without the skin, they’re a delicious and healthy addition to your diet.
Health Benefits of Kiwis
As someone who loves kiwis, I am happy to report that they are delicious and packed with nutrients that offer many health benefits. I will discuss Kiwi’s nutritional information and health benefits in this section.
Nutritional Information
Kiwis are low in calories but high in nutrients, making them an excellent choice for a healthy diet. On average, one medium-sized kiwi fruit contains the following nutrients:
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 61 |
| Protein | 1.1 grams |
| Carbs | 14.7 grams |
| Fiber | 2.5 grams |
| Vitamin C | 64 mg (over 70% of the daily recommended value) |
| Vitamin E | 0.6 mg |
| Potassium | 237 mg |
| Antioxidants | Vitamin C, Vitamin E, and other phytochemicals |
Health Benefits
Kiwis offer many health benefits due to their high nutrient content. Here are some of the most significant health benefits of kiwis:
Boosts Immune System
Kiwis are an excellent source of vitamin C, which is essential for a healthy immune system. One medium-sized kiwi contains over 70% of the daily recommended value of vitamin C.
Vitamin C helps protect the body from infections and promotes the production of white blood cells, essential for fighting pathogens.
According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture [1], 100 gm of Sun Gold kiwifruit contains 159 mg of vitamin C – wow.
Aids Digestion
Kiwis are also an excellent source of fiber, which promotes healthy digestion. One medium-sized kiwifruit contains 2.5 grams of fiber, about 10% of the daily recommended value. Fiber helps regulate bowel movements, prevent constipation, and reduce the risk of colon cancer.
Supports Heart Health
Studies have also shown that kiwi fruit is beneficial for heart health [2]. Kiwis are rich in potassium, which is essential for heart health. Potassium helps regulate blood pressure, reduce the risk of stroke, and prevent heart disease.
One medium-sized kiwi contains 237 mg of potassium, about 5% of the daily recommended value. Incorporating kiwi into your diet can be a great way to support and improve your cardiovascular health.
Promotes Weight Loss
Kiwis are low in calories and high in fiber, making them an excellent food for weight loss. Fiber helps you feel full for extended periods, reducing your overall calorie intake.
Additionally, kiwis are low in fat and carbs, making them an ideal snack for people trying to lose weight.
Kiwis are a delicious and nutritious fruit with many health benefits. They are an excellent source of vitamin C, fiber, potassium, and antioxidants, making them an ideal food for a healthy diet.
Varieties of Kiwis
Regarding kiwis, there are a few different varieties to choose from. Here are the two most common types of kiwis that you’ll find in stores:
Green Kiwis
Green kiwis, also known as fuzzy kiwis, are the most common kiwi. They have a fuzzy brown exterior and bright green fruit inside. Green kiwis are available year-round but are in season from November to May.
The Zespri, Organic Green Kiwis are locally available online and also from your favorite local produce store.
They are hardy and can be grown in USDA zones 7-9. Green kiwi is typically tarter. It’s still sweet but with more of a tang and a slight acidity to the aftertaste.
Golden Kiwis
Golden kiwis, also known as Chinese gooseberries, have a smooth, golden-brown exterior and golden-hued fruit inside. They are available from May to August and are grown primarily in California and New Zealand.
Golden kiwis are less acidic than green kiwis, which makes them taste sweeter. They are also less fuzzy and have thinner skin, which makes them easier to eat. Tropical like golden kiwis typically have fewer seeds than the green flesh varieties.
A popular kiwi fruit variety enjoyed locally is Zespri Organic Golden Kiwis and they are available online or at your favorite produce store.
When picking kiwis, it’s essential to look for fruit that is ripe and ready to eat. A ripe kiwi will be slightly soft and have a sweet aroma. You can also check the skin for bruises, dark spots, mold, or wrinkles.
If the kiwi is bruised, shriveled, or has mold, then the kiwi is not suitable for eating and is probably overripe.
Now that you know a little more about the different varieties of kiwis, you can choose the one that’s right for you. Whether you prefer green or golden kiwis, they’re delicious and nutritious. So go ahead and enjoy!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) on How to Pick a Kiwi Fruit
I’m here to answer all your questions about how to pick kiwi fruit. Let’s dive right in!
Q: Do You Buy Kiwifruit Soft Or Hard?
A: If you want to eat the kiwi within a few days after purchasing, pick fruits that have just started to soften. If you want to wait longer before eating your kiwi, choose a harder fruit.
Q: Can I pick kiwis when they are still green?
A: Kiwis are typically picked when they are still green and firm. They will continue to ripen off the vine. It is best to check for ripeness before consuming.
Q: When is the best time to pick kiwis?
A: The best time to pick kiwis depends on the variety you are growing. Generally, ripe kiwis are ready for picking in late autumn or early winter. However, it is essential to check the specific harvesting times for the variety you have as it can vary.
Q: How do I know if a kiwifruit is ready to eat?
A: A kiwi is ready to eat when the fruit is ripe. You can determine this by gently squeezing it – it should yield slightly to pressure. The skin’s color should be brown, and the flesh should be green with tiny black seeds.
Q: Can I eat the skin of a kiwi?
A: Yes, the skin of a kiwi is edible and contains many nutrients. However, some people prefer to peel the skin off before eating.
Q: Can I eat a kiwi with black seeds?
A: Yes, the black seeds in a kiwi are edible and can be eaten along with the flesh. They do not affect the taste or quality of the fruit.
Q: How do you know if a kiwi fruit is sweet?
A: The sweetness of a kiwi depends on its ripeness. A ripe kiwi will be sweeter than an unripe one. I can tell if a kiwi is sweet by tasting it. If it is sweet, it will have a delicious flavor. If it is not sweet, it will taste sour or bland.
Q: Are kiwis an excellent addition to my diet?
A: Yes, kiwis are a great addition to a healthy diet. They are low in calories and packed with vitamins, minerals, and fiber. They have a sweet flavor and a juicy texture, making them a refreshing and nutritious snack.
Final Thoughts on How to Pick Kiwi Fruit
Picking the perfect Kiwi fruit can be tricky, but with some practice, you can always choose the best ones. Remember to look for the right color, texture, and firmness. A ripe kiwi should have brown, fuzzy skin and be slightly soft to the touch.
Regarding flavor, golden kiwis tend to be sweeter and less tart than their green counterparts. However, both types are delicious and packed with nutrients, so choose the one that suits your taste buds.
Lastly, store kiwifruit properly to keep them fresh for as long as possible. Kiwis should be kept in the fridge and away from other fruits as they release a gas that can cause them to ripen too quickly.
If you want your kiwi fruit to ripen in a few days, store it at room temperature to hasten ripening.
Always refer to informed websites [3] and local gardening guides or seek advice from experts for accurate information on when and how to pick kiwis based on your location and the specific kiwi variety you have.
With these tips in mind, you’ll get to enjoy the perfect Kiwi Fruit every time. Happy picking and eating!
Further Recommendations:
- Do Strawberries grow on trees?
- How to overwinter strawberries
- The ultimate guide to growing Serrano Peppers in pots
- How to grow mushrooms in Georgia
- Can Dogs Eat Kiwi Fruit?
Video: Kiwi Fruit 101 – Selecting and Storing Kiwis
References:
- USDA – U.S. Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Research Service – Kiwifruit Nutrition
- Medical News Today – What are the health benefits of kiwifruit?
- Wikipedia – Kiwifruit
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