Choose Kiwis

With their refreshing, citrusy flavor, kiwis are a delicious fruit packed with nutrients. Kiwis are a great addition to salads and act as an effective meat tenderizer. While some people choose kiwis that are ripe because they want to eat them right away, others choose unripe kiwis in order to ripen them at home and eat them at a later date. Whether you want ripe and ready-to-eat kiwis or unripe kiwis, know how to properly select them in order to fully enjoy the benefits that the fruit can offer.

Steps

Picking Ripe and Ready-to-Eat Kiwis

1. Inspect the outer skin. Inspect the outer skin’s color and texture. A ripe kiwi’s skin is brown and fuzzy. Also, check for any bruises, dark spots, mold, or wrinkles. If the kiwi is bruised, shriveled, or has mold, then the kiwi is not good for eating and is probably overripe.
2. Apply light pressure to the kiwi. Hold the kiwi between your thumb and four fingers. Apply light pressure with your thumb. If the kiwi slightly gives, then it is perfectly ripe; it should feel soft, but not too soft. On the other hand, if the kiwi gives too much when you apply pressure, it’s probably mushy and overripe.
3. Smell the kiwi. Also smell the kiwi for readiness. If the kiwi gives off a fragrant, citrus smell, then it is perfectly ripe and ready to eat. However, if the kiwi gives off a pungent, sweet smell then it is most likely overripe.

Picking Unripe Kiwis

1. Inspect the outer skin. The skin of an unripe kiwi has a greener hue, and may not be as hairy as ripe kiwis. Check for bruises and dark spots as well. You don’t want damaged fruit that will ripen unevenly.
2. Hold and apply pressure to the kiwi. Hold the kiwi between your thumb and four fingers. Apply pressure with your thumb. If the kiwi is firm and does not give to pressure, then it is unripe. You can then ripen your kiwis at home.
3. Ripen your kiwis at home. Ripen your kiwis at home by placing them in a paper bag with another fruit, such as a banana. The kiwis also need to be at room temperature to become ripe. Wait three to five days before checking to see if the kiwis are ripe.

Tips

• Kiwis are in season from November to May; it is better to buy them during this time.
• Ripe kiwis can be stored in the fridge in a bag for up to 7 days.

Sources and Citations

See also

• Choose the Right Food for You
• Stockpile Food
• Select Unbroken Eggs at the Store
• Select Broccoli
• Store Seafood
• Buy Peas in the Pod
• Select Great Tasting Celery and Lettuce
• Vacuum Seal
• Choose the Best Farmer's Market Produce
• Tell if a Pineapple Is Ripe

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What links here

• Ripen Kiwi Fruit