Did you buy a lot of kiwis and are wondering what the best way to store them is?
Read on to find out reliable information about the shelf life of the kiwifruit, what the best way to preserve them is, and how to tell whether they have gone bad.
Kiwi Storage Guidelines
The fruit kiwi sometimes referred to as kiwifruit or Chinese gooseberries, is a fantastic source of vitamin C, fiber, various minerals, vitamins, and antioxidants. It is a fruit that tastes good and is fresh, and it is recognized to have several health advantages.
Kiwi will inevitably rot and decay over time, just like all other fruits.
The good news is that because it is typically plucked before it is fully ripe, its shelf life is frequently longer than anticipated.
By gently squeezing the fruit, it is simple to tell if it is mature enough for ingestion or still needs more time. Wait until it achieves its best quality if it is really difficult. The kiwi is usually ready to be eaten if it is softer and yields a little.
Unripe kiwis may be safely stored at room temperature if you have a supply. This will enable them to mature and soften, enhancing their flavor and making them more palatable.
Kiwis can be kept in a container or plastic bag alongside another fruit, such as an apple or banana, to hasten the ripening process. The ethylene that is produced by the other fruits will come in touch with the kiwis and hasten their ripening.
To extend their shelf life, you can store unripe kiwis in the refrigerator. This will slow down the ripening process.
Once they are ripe enough, it is advisable to keep the kiwifruits in the refrigerator or away from direct sunlight or a nearby heat source.
If you have cut or sliced the kiwi, then you should keep it in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
Related: How Long Do Bananas Last
What is The Kiwi’s Shelf Life?
The shelf life of this fruit depends on whether it is underripe or ripe.
You can keep the unripened kiwi at room temperature for 2 to 7 days and wait for it to ripen.
Ripe kiwifruit will last for only 3 to 6 days at room temperature before it starts going bad.
The good news is that once the kiwi becomes soft and ripe, it is time to move it into the fridge, where it can keep for up to four weeks. This is more than enough to eat the entire batch without wasting food.
If the kiwi is overripe and very soft, then even placing it in the refrigerator won’t help preserve it for long. So, in case your kiwi is very soft, it is best to eat it right away.
Signs That the Kiwi has Gone Bad
If you have kept the kiwifruit for too long and are wondering whether you should throw it away or can salvage it, then look for the following telltale signs:
- The texture has changed – if you cut the fruit and the texture inside is dark green, all mushy, or is oozing, then it is time to discard it.
- The smell is off – if you detect a sour and off smell instead of that fresh citrusy aroma, then the kiwi has probably gone bad already.
- There are dark patches or spots – usually, there is no problem if the dark spots have appeared on the kiwi’s skin. But if you see them on the flesh of the fruit itself, this may mean that it has started to spoil. You can cut off the spoiled part and eat the rest or dispose of the kiwi.
Related: How to Tell if a Mango has Gone Bad