Kiwi fruit has been around since the early 1900s. It was first cultivated in New Zealand and then introduced to California. The name “kiwi” comes from a Maori word for the fruit’s shape. But how long does a fresh kiwi last before going bad? And what happens to a kiwi after it goes bad?
In this article, we’ll answer all of your questions about the shelf life of kiwis. We’ll cover everything from what causes kiwi spoilage to how to store kiwis properly.
Kiwis are berries, not fruits. They’re related to plums, peaches, apricots, cherries, and strawberries. They have thick skin that protects them from insects and disease. You can eat the fruit either raw or cooked.
Types of kiwi fruit
There are two main types of kiwifruit: green and yellow/Golden. The green kiwifruit has a fuzzy brown skin with an oval shape. In contrast, gold kiwifruits have smooth, hairless, golden-brown skin.
The green kiwi has a fuzzy brown skin and oval shape While Gold kiwifruit, in contrast, has smooth, hairless skin that’s a nice golden-brown color.
Slicing the fruit in half reveals even more differences. Green kiwifruit has, as one would expect, green flesh with black seeds. The flesh of our golden kiwifruit is a vibrant yellow color with a smaller core and fewer seeds.
How long does a kiwi last?
The shelf life of kiwis varies based on a variety of factors, such as the variety, the preparation method, and how it is stored.
Fresh kiwis (whole)
- Room temperature: 2 to 5 days or until ripe
- Refrigerator: 1 to 4 weeks once ripe
- Freezer: 10 to 12 months (best quality)
What is the shelf life of kiwis?
The precise answer to this question depends to a large extent on the storage conditions. Stored in the right conditions, kiwis reach full maturity in 2 to 5 days at room temperature (around 20°C).
Kiwis will continue to ripen after they have been picked, so don’t refrigerate them until they have reached their peak. The fastest way to ripen a kiwi is to leave it at room temperature until it yields to gentle pressure. This will result in tastier, juicier kiwis.
Store fresh kiwis in a dry, cool place, such as a cool, dry pantry. To further prolong the shelf life of fully ripe kiwifruit, place them in a plastic bag and refrigerate them.
How long do kiwis keep in the fridge?
Ripe kiwi fruit will keep for 1 to 4 weeks in the refrigerator.
Can you freeze kiwis?
Yes. Wash the kiwis, peel them and freeze them whole or cut them into slices. In a saucepan, mix 550 g of sugar and 1 liter of water until the sugar dissolves, then bring to a boil. Let the syrup cool then pour it over the kiwis. Store the kiwis and syrup in the freezer in an airtight container or a heavy-duty freezer bag.
How long do kiwis keep in the freezer?
If stored in the right conditions, kiwi fruit will maintain optimum quality for about 10 to 12 months in the freezer, but will generally remain safe to eat beyond this period.
How do you know if kiwis have gone bad?
Kiwis that spoil usually become very soft, become covered in dark spots, and begin to ooze. Discard the kiwis if mold appears or if they have an unusual odor or appearance.
Fresh kiwi fruit (cut)
- Refrigerator: 3 to 4 days
- Freezer: 10 to 12 months (best quality)
What is the shelf life of cut kiwis?
The precise answer to this question depends to a large extent on the storage conditions. To maximize the shelf life of cut kiwifruit, wrap them tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil, or place them in an airtight container or resealable plastic bag and refrigerate.
How long do cut kiwis keep in the fridge?
If stored in the right conditions, cut kiwifruit will keep for 3 to 4 days in the refrigerator.
Can you freeze cut kiwis?
Yes. Wash the kiwis, peel them, and cut them into slices. In a saucepan, mix 550 g of sugar and 1 liter of water until the sugar dissolves, then bring to a boil. Let the syrup cool then pour it over the kiwis. Store the kiwis and syrup in the freezer in an airtight container or a heavy-duty freezer bag.
How long do cut kiwis keep in the freezer?
If stored in the right conditions, cut kiwi fruit will retain optimum quality for about 10 to 12 months in the freezer, but will remain safe to eat beyond this period.
How do you know if cut kiwis have spoiled?
The best way is to smell and examine the cut kiwifruit. Throw them out if they smell or look unusual, or if mold appears.
Dried kiwi fruit
- Room temperature: 6 to 12 months
- Refrigerator: 6 to 12 months
- Freezer: 12 to 18 months (best quality)
What is the shelf life of dried kiwi fruit?
The precise answer to this question depends to a large extent on the storage conditions. Store dried kiwis in a cool, dry place.
To maximize the shelf life of dried kiwi fruit after opening the package, store them in an airtight container or heavy-duty plastic bag.
How long do dried kiwis keep at room temperature?
Stored in good conditions, dried kiwis will keep for around 6 to 12 months at room temperature (around 20°C).
Should you put dried kiwis in the fridge?
In a hot and humid environment, dried kiwi fruit should be stored in the refrigerator.
How long do dried kiwis keep in the fridge?
Dried kiwis can be stored for 6 to 12 months in the refrigerator.
Can you freeze dried kiwis?
Yes. Freeze dried kiwi fruit in an airtight container or heavy-duty freezer bag.
How long do dried kiwis keep in the freezer?
If stored in the right conditions, dried kiwi fruit will retain optimum quality for about 12 to 18 months in the freezer, but will remain safe to eat beyond this period.
How do you know if dried kiwis have expired?
The best way is to smell and examine the dried kiwi fruit. Throw them out if they smell or look unusual, or if mold appears.
