The Art of Kiwi Storage: Keeping Those Fuzzy Fruits Fresh for Longer
Do you guys like Kiwis? So let us talk about kiwis now, Kiwis are also referred as the Chinese gooseberry, this exotic fruit, is not just a tasty treat but can also be used in all types of yummy recipes like fruit salads, smoothies, and desserts.
Kiwis have been preferred by a lot of fruit lovers and diet enthusiasts for both their delicious, zesty (Sweet citrusy) taste, as well as their nutritional value. Packed with antioxidants, fiber, and vitamin C, these small fruits are like a nutritional powerhouse.
Kiwis are fleshy delicate fruit so you store them can have a big impact on how long they can last.
Even though it is always beneficial to eat fresh fruits but if you are busy and want to store them, no worries though, our Kiwi lovers! Here is your complete guide to storing kiwi fruit, so you can get the most out of this yummy summer treat.
Know Your Kiwis: Ripeness is Key!
In a 2024 Masterclass study, it was found that, unlike some other fruits, kiwis keep ripening after they're picked.
Imagine you buy/order a kiwi, and it's rock hard. Not quite ready for eating! This means a kiwi your kiwi needs a few days to soften up and can get perfectly ripe in a few days . So, the first thing to do for successful storage is to understand how ripe your kiwi is.
If the kiwi you bought today feels a bit hard/firm, it is not quite ready to eat. Do nothing simply let it sit at room temperature but out of direct sunlight, for 5-7 days.
You can easily detect if a kiwi is ripened or ready to eat. While examining the kiwi If you are able to see its skin having a brownish color and is soft to the touch then you can immediately tell that your kiwis are ready to eat.
Also If you want your kiwis to ripe fast then you should put an apple or banana in a paper bag with your unripe kiwis. These fruits release ethylene gas which will naturally ripen kiwis.
Refrigerate for Longer Freshness
Refrigerate for Longer Freshness
Ripe kiwis are best enjoyed within a few days. But who is feeling rushed so to extend their shelf life, you can transfer them to the refrigerator. The cool air slows down the ripening so you can enjoy your kiwis for longer.
Here's how to store ripe kiwis in the fridge:
Keep Packaging Loose: You should not keep ripe kiwis completely sealed in plastic bags. This could hold onto moisture and speed up the aging process. Instead, put them in the chiller drawer, loosely. Another useful option is a produce bag with holes.
Store them Seperately: In order to prevent your kiwis from ripening fast you should keep them away from fruits that release high levels of ethylene gas like apple & pear
With proper storage in the fridge, ripe kiwis can last for up to two weeks.
Supercharge your Storage: Freezing for Long-Term
If you have bought yourself too many kiwis that you won't be able to consume in time, freezing is a perfect alternative for long-term storage.
Frozen kiwi fruit is best for adding to your smoothies, yogurt parfaits, or even baking, although the texture may change slightly.
Here's the process for how you can freeze kiwi fruit:
Firstly you clean the kiwis properly then peel and slice them into bite-sized pieces, lay those kiwi slices on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and freeze for about 2-3 hours. Once frozen solid, transfer the kiwi pieces to an airtight container or freezer bag.
Properly frozen kiwis can last for up to 3 months!
Bonus Tip: Eating the Skin
While many people (like us) throw away the fuzzy kiwi skin/peel , it's surprisingly loaded with nutrients, so if you like experimenting new things you can try eating them. Remember before eating the skin, carefully wash the kiwi under running water.
By following these easy storage tips, such as selection and freezing them, you can make sure your kiwis stay tasty, fresh and ready to eat whenever you want a taste of this zesty fruit.
So next time you pick up or order a bunch of kiwis, you'll be a kiwi pro! prepared with the knowledge of how to keep them delicious for longer time.
