How to preserve kiwis and ensure their long-lasting freshness is a common concern for fruit enthusiasts. Whether you have an abundance of ripe kiwis or want to extend their shelf life for future use, understanding the preservation technique is key.

Their delicate nature and tendency to ripen quickly can pose a challenge, leaving many wondering how to keep kiwis from ripening too fast. So, in this blog post, we will explore various methods on how to preserve kiwis, allowing you to enjoy their delightful flavour and nutritional benefits well beyond their harvest season.

From storing at room temperature to refrigeration and freezing, we will explore the different preservation methods, providing detailed instructions and tips for each approach. Without further ado, let’s dive into the world of preserving kiwis and unlocking their potential.

How to Preserve Kiwis – 5 Effective Ways

Kiwis are not only delicious but also packed with essential nutrients and vitamins. These vibrant fruits have a unique flavour and are a favourite addition to salads, smoothies, and desserts. To fully enjoy the benefits of this fruit, it is important to know how to store kiwis.

Hence, here are the 5 common ways to preserve kiwis:

Using room temperature

When it comes to one of the best ways to store kiwis, refrigeration and freezing are often the go-to method. However, using room temperature to preserve kiwis can be a viable option if you plan to consume the fruits within a few days.

This method of preserving your fresh kiwis can be an effective and simple way to keep them fresh and flavourful. This approach allows the fruits to ripen naturally while maintaining their taste and texture. To preserve kiwis using room temperature, start by selecting ripe kiwis. It’s important to choose ripe kiwis for room-temperature storage. Avoid kiwis that are excessively soft or show signs of spoilage.

Next, isolate and clean the kiwis. It’s essential to keep them separate from other fruits. Kiwis release ethylene gas, a natural ripening hormone that can affect the quality of nearby produce.

Further, dry the kiwis. Excessive moisture can lead to mould growth, which can spoil the fruits quickly. Find a cool and well-ventilated spot in your kitchen or pantry to store the kiwis. Avoid direct sunlight and keep them away from heat sources such as stoves or appliances.

Finally, go right ahead and consume promptly. However, unlike refrigeration or freezing, this method is suitable only for short-term storage.

Refrigeration – how to preserve kiwis

Refrigeration is considered the best way to preserve kiwis. With the right storage conditions, refrigeration helps slow down the ripening process, helping to keep the fruits firm and tasty. To begin with, before refrigerating kiwis, it’s important to prepare them properly. Sort and clean the fresh ones. Remove any damaged or spoiled kiwis.

Furthermore, choose the right storage container. Ventilated plastic bags or perforated containers are ideal choices. They allow proper air circulation and prevent moisture buildup. Equally important, set your fridge at the right temperature. For optimal kiwi preservation, store between 0^ᵒC and 4^ᵒC.

Finally, use the crisper drawer storage to store your kiwis. The crisper drawer is a specialized compartment in your refrigerator designed to maintain ideal humidity levels for storing fruits and vegetables. It helps preserve the texture, flavour, and nutritional value for longer periods.

When stored properly in the refrigerator, kiwis can typically maintain their quality for up to 2-3 weeks. However, for optimal taste, it’s best to consume them within the first week of storage.

Freezing

If you have an abundance of kiwis or want to store them for an extended period, freezing is an excellent option. Firstly, start by washing the kiwis properly, then peel and cut the kiwis into slices or small pieces. You can freeze them whole if you prefer. Next, place the kiwi slices in a single layer on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. This prevents them from sticking together.

Now, flash-freeze them for a few hours until the kiwis are firm, then transfer them to a freezer-safe container or bag. Again, label the container to keep track of the date of storage. Finally, put your kiwis in the freezer. You can store frozen kiwis for up to 12 months.

Dehydrating – how to preserve kiwis

Dehydrating kiwi is a practical method of preserving kiwis to maintain their natural sweetness and create a delicious and nutritious snack. By removing the moisture from the fruit, dehydration helps extend the shelf life while concentrating the flavours. Start by selecting ripe kiwis. Choose ripe but firm kiwis for dehydration. Wash the kiwis thoroughly. Peel the kiwis using a grater or sharp knife.

In addition, slice the kiwis into thin pieces. Consistent thickness ensures uniformity in drying. Arrange the kiwi slices in a single layer on a dehydrator or baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Next, set your dehydrator to between 52^ᵒC and 57^ᵒC. The drying process may take anywhere from 8-12 hours depending on the thickness of the slices. After dehydrating, allow the kiwi slices to cool completely before storing them. If dehydrated properly, kiwis can last for several months to a year.

Canning

Canning is another method of preserving kiwis by cooking the kiwis with sugar and preserving them in jars. To begin with, prepare the kiwis by washing them. Next, prepare the canning jars and lids by washing them with hot, soapy water.

For safe canning, the kiwis need to be acidified by covering them with a solution of ¼ cup of lemon juice per quart of water. This prevents browning. Now, place the kiwi slices into sterilized jars, leaving ½ inch headspace at the top. Remove air bubbles and seal the jars. Finally, store it in a cool, dark place.

Conclusion on How to Preserve Kiwis

Knowing how to preserve kiwis allows you to enjoy their delectable taste and nutritional benefits long after the harvest season. Whether you choose to store them at room temperature, in the refrigerator, freezing, or canning, you would be extending the shelf life of your kiwis. That’s to say, they’re all proven methods to preserve kiwis.

By following these techniques in this blog post, you can successfully preserve kiwis while maintaining their flavours. Each preservation method offers its unique benefits. Visit our store today and explore the bountiful selection of kiwis that you will enjoy!