Kiwifruit ripens best on the tree, but certain varieties taste just as good when ripe at home after they are picked from the tree. The trick is to start with a good kiwifruit. After that, you just simply place it on the kitchen counter and wait until the kiwi reaches its peak of ripeness with a juicy texture and maximum aroma. See Step 1 to learn how to ripen kiwi the right way
Step
Method 1 of 2: Ripening Kiwifruit
Step 1. Choose a flawless kiwifruit
Look for kiwis that don't have dark spots or cuts on the skin. Hold the kiwi and choose one that has a firm or firm texture when pressed.
- Most varieties of kiwifruit that you will find at the grocery store ripen well even when picked from the tree.
- If you're growing your own kiwis and want to know how to ripen them, get to know your kiwi variety to determine whether you should leave the kiwi fruit ripe on the tree before picking it or you can harvest it while the fruit is firm and unripe.
Step 2. Check the seeds
If you have lots of kiwis to spare, cut one off to open it up and check for seeds. Kiwis will not ripen if the seeds are still green or yellow, but must be black. Black seeds indicate the kiwi has enough sugar to ripen properly and also means the kiwi is quite old.
Step 3. Put the kiwi fruit in the fridge until you are ready to ripen it
Kiwis that are still firm will last in the refrigerator for at least 4 months. Store kiwis alone so they don't come into contact with other fruits that produce ethylene gas, the gas that causes the fruit to ripen.
Step 4. Allow the kiwi you want to ripen to come to room temperature
Place the kiwi in a bowl on your counter and just wait a few days. The fruit will ripen in 3 to 5 days if stored at room temperature.
Do not place kiwi in direct sunlight. That can cause the kiwi to become discolored or rot too quickly
Step 5. Speed up the ripening process by bringing the kiwifruit in contact with ethylene gas
Place the kiwifruit next to an apple, banana, or pear. This will put the kiwi in contact with the ethylene gas produced by the fruit. Keep ripe kiwis away from sunlight and heat sources.
To make them ripen faster, place the kiwi in a paper bag or plastic bag that has been slightly perforated for ventilation along with an apple, banana, or pear. Store the bag at room temperature for 1 or 2 days
Step 6. Test the ripeness of the kiwi fruit by pressing it with your thumb
The kiwi is ripe if it feels soft and follows your pressure. Kiwis that are ready to eat will have a distinctive kiwi aroma and appear fully bloated.
Step 7. Eat ripe kiwi right away
Make sure to eat the kiwia when it is at its peak of ripeness, otherwise the kiwi will start to rot.
Method 2 of 2: Storing Ripe Kiwifruit
Step 1. Storing Ripe Kiwifruit
Step 2. Freeze whole kiwi fruit
Simply place whole kiwis in a freezer-safe container and store them in the freezer for several months.
Step 3. Freeze whole kiwifruit
Simply place a whole kiwi in a freezer-resistant container and keep it in the freezer for a few months.
- Freeze the sliced kiwi fruit. Slices of kiwifruit make a great garnish or a delicious addition to smoothies and other healthy snacks. If you have extra kiwis in stock, you can slice them and freeze them
- Slice the kiwi and sprinkle sugar on top to keep it firm and flavorful.
- Place the sugar-dried kiwi slices on a baking sheet and place them in the freezer.
- Transfer the baking sheet frozen kiwi slices to a freezer-resistant plastic bag that can be sealed tightly (such as ziploc plastic). Then store in the freezer.
Tips
- Kiwis must be exposed to or exposed to ethylene gas after picking to begin the ripening process that consumers will complete later after purchasing them from the store. If growers and shippers don't start ripening them first, the starch content in the fruit won't be converted to sugar fast enough and the fruit will wrinkle.
- Kiwi fruit is a great source of vitamins and minerals, including vitamins C and E, potassium, magnesium, and copper. Kiwi fruit has few calories, is high in fiber and contains no fat or sodium
