Kiwi is known for its amazing health benefits and refreshing taste, making it a great option for desserts and smoothies. If you bought a whole bunch of kiwis and are not sure how long does it last? Then this article is here to answer all your questions.
Finding whether this fruit has gone bad or not is quite a task as kiwi doesn’t show many outward signs of aging or rotting. So keep reading the article to learn how to expand this nutrition-enriched fruit’s shelf life.
Kiwi can stay good for about 3 to 5 days at room temperature. On the other hand, a fully ripe kiwi can last up to about four weeks in the fridge. In addition to this, ripe kiwis can last up to a year when stored properly in the freezer.
In this article, I will tell you about the life span of kiwis, how to store them, and much more. Let’s zone into the details.
How Long Does Kiwi Last?
The shelf life of kiwi directly depends on how you store it and whether it is ripened or not. Well, the simple and straight answer to this question is that if you store it properly in a container, ripe kiwi can stay good for around 3 to 5 days. Make sure you keep it away from moisture as well as sunlight.
In the fridge, kiwis can last up to four weeks, or you can simply say a month. The cold temperature in the fridge helps to slow down the aging as well as the ripping process.
When it comes to refrigerators, you can also place kiwi inside the fridge but make sure it is properly ripped. Unripe may get spoiled under cold temperatures.
Another method of storing ripe kiwi is to freeze it. If stored properly, you can keep kiwis in the freezer for about a year.
This was all about the uncut ripe kiwi, but if you are wondering how long the sliced kiwi can be stored? Well, I got you covered. Here are your answers.
Peeled and sliced kiwi can stay outside for about 12 hours. On the other hand, you can refrigerate it for about 3 days.
Freezing sliced kiwi is the most effective way to extend its life. You can place sliced kiwi in the freezer for about 8 to 12 months.
| Kiwi Condition | How Long Does Kiwi Last? |
|---|---|
| Whole, unripe, room temperature | 1 week |
| Whole, ripe, room temperature | 3 to 5 days, depending |
| Whole, unripe, refrigerated | 10 days |
| Whole, ripe, refrigerated | 1 month |
| Cut or sliced, refrigerated | 2 to 3 days |
| Pureed, frozen | 3 months |
| Sliced or cut, ripe, frozen | 8 to 12 months |
How Long Does Kiwi Last Outside?
When it comes to the shelf life of fresh kiwi fruit, it can stay outside at room temperature for up to 3 to 5 days.
Although the shelf life of kiwis totally depends on where you keep them and whether they are ripe or unripe.
Let me tell you that kiwi is a fruit that keeps ripening even after they are picked. Unripe kiwi might take a week to reach the mature stage.
Thus, we can say that it is possible that an extremely unripe kiwi can last up to two weeks at room temperature.
How Long Does Kiwi Last In The Fridge?
Let’s now talk about the shelf life of kiwis in the refrigerator. Well, keeping them in the refrigerator can surely increase the shelf life of kiwis.
In the fridge, kiwis can last up to four weeks, or you can simply say a month. The cold temperature in the fridge helps to slow down the aging as well as the ripping process.
Thus, it allows kiwi to exist for a longer period of time. Well, you must keep in mind that you must store ripe kiwis in the fridge.
Storing unripe kiwi worsens the situation as it is deprived of all growing conditions. You might get hard, bitter, and bristly kiwis as it stops growing. Thus, make sure you check properly and keep the ripe kiwis in the refrigerator.
How Long Does Kiwi Last In The Freezer?
Keeping kiwis in the freezer is an effective way to increase their shelf life. Kiwis can last up to a year when stored properly in the freezer.
This method also slows down the growing as well as aging effect, so make sure you place the fully ripe kiwis. If you store the unripe kiwis in the freezer, they would rather go bad instead of growing properly.
How To Tell If Kiwi Is Bad?
We all agree that it is quite difficult to figure out that kiwis are spoiled. But don’t worry; I got you covered. Keep in mind the following points to figure out whether kiwis are spoiled or not.
1. Texture
If unripe kiwi is hard and bristly, you need not worry about it. This is because the fruit under the outer skin is still going through the growing process.
When it is ripe kiwi, then it has a softer texture but still has some firmness when squeezed.
But if the kiwi is extremely soft and has wrinkled outer skin, it might go bad. In addition, if it squishes easily while applying pressure, you must not have it.
2. Acidic Smell
The ripe or unripe kiwi has a pleasant sweet fruity smell. If you are experiencing an acidic smell, then you must discard it.
You can detect this acidic smell through the skin. Thus it is the easiest way to find whether the fruit is spoiled or not.
3. Strange Patches
If you find any discolored patches or black spots on the kiwi, whether inside or outside, you must discard it as quickly as possible.
Dark spots are the signs of aging, bruises, or mold. Any patch or spot shows that it is unsafe for consumption, and you must toss it away.
What Is The Best Way To Store Kiwi?
1. Freezing
By just placing ripe kiwis in the refrigerator is the best way to store kiwi. Make sure kiwis are properly ripened.
2. Air-tight container
Use an air-tight container to preserve the kiwi while placing it in the freezer. Keep them away from open windows, sinks, or heat-producing appliances.
3. Place in dark and cool areas
You must keep kiwis away from the sunlight and place them in cool and dry areas. Do not keep them in moisture-laden areas.
Can You Freeze Kiwi?
As I already discussed, the freezing method is a great way to store kiwi for a longer period.
But don’t forget to store it properly; otherwise, it might get spoiled by extreme cold. Once you are sure, the kiwis are fully ripened, place them in the freezer. I am listing other important steps that must be done while storing kiwis.
1. Never freeze whole kiwis
Well, most of us have the misconception that it is better to store whole kiwis. But freezing the whole kiwi is not a great idea.
You must peel the outer skin and slice or process the kiwi. This ultimately extends its life. Thus, we can conclude that slicing, juicing, and using a melon batter are the best options for storing kiwi. You can use a freezer-safe container.
2. Make sure kiwis won’t bruise
Kiwis get bruised or damaged easily; thus, storing this amazing fruit in the freezer is essential.
Thus, you must ensure that you place kiwis on a flat, even surface. Otherwise, you might get them frozen in a damaged position.
Tips To Increase The Shelf Life Of The Kiwi
If you are looking for some easy and quick tips to increase the shelf life of the kiwi, then you must try these tips below.
- Make sure you place kiwis in dry and cool areas.
- Placed away from sunlight and moist areas.
- Use an airtight container to store kiwis.
- Keep it away from the areas such as open windows, sinks, or heat-producing appliances.
Conclusion
I hope all your doubts about how long kiwi last are cleared now. If you are placing ripe kiwi in the pantry, I suggest not keeping it out for more than 4 to 6 days.
You can also place it in the fridge or freezer. But make sure you are storing it properly. So, what are you waiting for? Go ahead and load your body with this delicious and nutrition enriched fruit.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How To Tell If Kiwi Is Bad?
Discolored patches, black spots, and an acidic smell are some signs that show the spoilage of the kiwis.
What Is The Best Way To Store Kiwi?
Use airtight containers, and place kiwi away from moisture and direct sunlight. Keep it away from moisture-laden areas. You can keep it in the freezer or any dry and cool area.
Can You Freeze Kiwi?
Yes, you can freeze kiwi. But remember to cut or slice it before placing it in the freezer. You must place a ripe kiwi in the freezer.
How Long Does Kiwi Last Outside?
When it comes to the shelf life of fresh kiwi fruit, it can stay outside at room temperature for up to 3 to 5 days.
