All About Kiwi
Your complete guide to kiwi - discover how to store it properly, identify when it's gone bad, and find the best substitutes for your recipes.
How Long Does Kiwi Last?
Storage times and freshness tips for kiwi in different conditions.
Safety first: This guide provides general information. When in doubt, throw it out! Trust your senses and err on the side of caution. If something smells, looks, or tastes off, don't consume it.
unripe at room temperature3-7 days (to ripen), 1-2 days (once ripe)
Signs of Spoilage
Excessive softness, mushy spots, visible mold (fuzzy white, green, or black), shriveled skin, strong fermented or alcoholic smell.
How to Check
Touch: Gently squeeze. If it's very soft or squishy, it's overripe or spoiling. Look: Inspect for mold, dark discolored patches, or shriveling. Smell: A strong, overly sweet, sour, or fermented odor indicates spoilage.
Storage Tips
Store away from direct sunlight. To speed up ripening, place kiwis in a paper bag with an apple or banana. Once ripe (yields slightly to gentle pressure), consume immediately or transfer to the refrigerator.
ripe in fridge (whole, unopened)1-2 weeks
Signs of Spoilage
Very soft or mushy texture, dark sunken spots on the skin, visible mold growth (any color), a strong sour or alcoholic smell.
How to Check
Touch: It should be slightly soft but not mushy. If it feels very squishy or has soft spots, it's likely overripe or spoiled. Look: Check for any mold, dark, bruised, or shriveled areas. Smell: A distinct sour, off, or fermented odor is a clear sign of spoilage.
Storage Tips
Store in the crisper drawer of your refrigerator. Placing them in a plastic bag or airtight container can help retain moisture and prevent them from absorbing odors from other foods.
cut/peeled in fridge2-3 days
Signs of Spoilage
Slimy or excessively soft texture, browning or darkening of the cut surfaces, strong sour/off smell, visible mold.
How to Check
Look: Observe the cut surfaces for browning, darkening, or any fuzzy mold. Touch: The flesh should not feel slimy or overly soft. Smell: A sour, fermented, or otherwise unpleasant odor indicates it's no longer good.
Storage Tips
Store in an airtight container to minimize air exposure and prevent drying out. Consume as quickly as possible to enjoy the best flavor and texture. A squeeze of lemon or lime juice can help prevent browning for a short period.
frozen (peeled and prepared)8-12 months
Signs of Spoilage
Significant freezer burn (dry, leathery, discolored spots), strong off-odors (even when frozen), or if thawed, an extremely mushy, slimy texture that is beyond normal thawed fruit consistency.
How to Check
Look: Check for excessive ice crystals or signs of freezer burn (greyish/brownish patches). Smell: While frozen, it might not have a strong smell, but after thawing, any off-odors indicate spoilage. Texture (after thawing): Thawed kiwi will be very soft, but it shouldn't be slimy or completely disintegrated.
Storage Tips
Peel and slice or cube the kiwi before freezing. For best results, spread the pieces in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid (this prevents clumping), then transfer to an airtight freezer bag or container. Label with the date. Thawed kiwi is best used in recipes where its softened texture is not an issue, such as smoothies, purees, or baked goods.