How to Store Kiwi So It Lasts 2 Weeks or Longer, According to a Produce Expert

Whether you’re slicing up a fruit salad or making a marinade, kiwi’s sweet-tart flavor is a welcome addition. Kiwi has more vitamin C than citrus, and their fuzzy skin is completely edible (and a great source of fiber). But to enjoy these cute fruits at their peak, you need to know how to store kiwi, including if they should be at room temperature or stashed in the refrigerator. The common kiwi—which has the green flesh you probably know and love—is available year-round, and gold kiwis (yellow flesh) and kiwi berries are also usually available through specialty grocers. Learn the best way to store kiwis, whether yellow or green, ripe or unripe, cut or whole, according to Robert Schueller, produce expert and director of public relations for Melissa’s Produce.

How to Tell If a Kiwi Is Ripe

We can’t always bank on grocery stores to showcase the fruit at its optimum freshness. Schueller recommends using your senses to gauge whether or not the fruit is ripe.

• The easiest way is to give the fruit a firm squeeze—a ripe kiwi will yield gently to the touch.

He also notes that it's fine to buy unripe kiwi and let them ripen at home, just remember you won't be able to enjoy it as soon as if you purchase ripe fruits.

How to Store Whole Unripe Kiwi

“If kiwis are rock hard from the store, do not put them in the fridge, as they will not truly ripen correctly,” says Schueller. “They take months to soften and will dehydrate in the refrigerator, and they never truly ripen.”

Instead, Schueller recommends storing whole unripe kiwis at room temperature until they soften to the touch. This can take anywhere from a few days to a week. You will be able to smell the aroma of the kiwis once they become ripe, says Schueller.

How to Store Whole Ripe Kiwi

Whole ripe kiwis can technically be left at room temperature, though they will have a longer shelf life when refrigerated.

How long whole ripe kiwi lasts: Ripe, uncut kiwis typically can be stored for 7 days at room temperature, says Schueller. Once ripe they will continue to soften and eventually deteriorate so enjoy them before this happens. If you pop them in the refrigerator, you can store them for an additional 10 days.

Where to Store Kiwi in the Refrigerator

Don’t just toss them in the crisper drawer of your refrigerator. While the crisper is a popular storage place for much produce, it is not the best place for kiwis. Schueller recommends storing kiwi whole on the refrigerator shelf, clarifying that the fruit has a longer shelf life when it’s not stacked on or below other fruits.

How to Store Cut Kiwi

Kiwis can be sliced and prepped ahead to use in things like smoothies, salads, and yogurt bowls. But don’t assemble that fruit salad just yet—remember, kiwi lasts longer when stored by itself. Schueller recommends storing cut kiwi in a container or resealable plastic bag.

How long cut kiwi lasts: You can keep cut and perked (or peeled) kiwi in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

Freezing Cut Kiwi

You can also freeze cut kiwi. Once the fruit has been washed and peeled, slice it as desired and store it in a freezer bag. Schueller notes that, like many other fruits, frozen cut kiwi is prone to clumping due to its high moisture content. To avoid having a solid lump of cut kiwi, and to be able to remove just as much as you want rather than needing to defrost the entire bag, flash freeze the kiwi:

1. Spread the pieces evenly on a baking sheet and freeze until solid.
2. Transfer to freezer-safe bags.

How long frozen kiwi lasts: Frozen kiwi will keep for 3 months.

2 Ways to Make Kiwi Last Longer

• Do not wash your kiwis until you are ready to enjoy them, says Schueller.
• Though they can be prepped ahead, Schueller says for maximum freshness you should cut kiwi fruit only shortly before eating.