Store kiwi at room temperature until ripe, then in the fridge
Quick answer
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Room temperature
Keeps for Until ripe
Keep unripe kiwi at room temperature until it's ripe, meaning tender, fully developed, and ready to eat.
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Fridge
Keeps for 3-6 days
Move ripe kiwi to a clean refrigerator at 40°F (4°C) or below, because the 3 to 6 days applies to ripe fruit.
Watch out Throw away kiwi that looks rotten.
Keep kiwi at room temperature until it's ripe, then move it to the refrigerator, where ripe kiwi lasts 3 to 6 days. USDA FoodKeeper calls kiwi ripe when it's tender, fully developed, and ready to eat. FoodKeeper doesn't recommend freezing kiwi. Throw away kiwi that looks rotten.
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Ripe kiwi lasts 3 to 6 days in the refrigerator, and unripe kiwi stays at room temperature until it ripens, according to USDA FoodKeeper.
Storage starts at the store. The FDA’s guide to selecting and serving produce safely says to choose produce that isn’t bruised or damaged.
How to store kiwi
Store kiwi at room temperature until it’s ripe, then move it to the refrigerator. USDA FoodKeeper calls kiwi ripe when it’s tender, fully developed, and ready to eat.
Store unripe kiwi at room temperature
Unripe kiwi belongs at room temperature until it ripens. FoodKeeper sets no number of days for this stage, so go by the fruit itself and move it once it’s ripe.
How to keep kiwi fresh in the fridge
Ripe kiwi keeps 3 to 6 days in the refrigerator, and that timeline applies to ripe fruit only. Keep the refrigerator clean and at 40°F (4°C) or below, as the FDA advises for perishable fresh fruits.
Should kiwi be refrigerated?
Only once it’s ripe. Unripe kiwi stays at room temperature, and the 3 to 6 days that FoodKeeper gives for the refrigerator applies to ripe fruit.
The FDA says to refrigerate all produce purchased pre-cut or packaged, so kiwi sold that way goes in the refrigerator. At the store, choose pre-cut or packaged produce only if it’s refrigerated or surrounded by ice.
How long does kiwi last?
Ripe kiwi lasts 3 to 6 days in the refrigerator, and unripe kiwi stays at room temperature until it ripens.
Count the 3 to 6 days from the point the kiwi is ripe, because FoodKeeper’s refrigerator time applies to ripe fruit.
| Kiwi | How long |
|---|---|
| Unripe, at room temperature | Until ripe |
| Ripe, in the refrigerator | 3 to 6 days |
| Freezer | Not recommended |
Can you freeze kiwi?
No. USDA FoodKeeper doesn’t recommend freezing kiwi, so keep ripe kiwi in the refrigerator and eat it within 3 to 6 days.
How to tell if kiwi has gone bad
Throw away kiwi that looks rotten, as the FDA advises for all produce.
If only part of a kiwi is damaged or bruised, cut those areas away before you prepare or eat it.
How to wash kiwi
Wash kiwi under plain running water before you peel or cut it, as the FDA’s tips for cleaning fruits and vegetables explain. Gently rub the fruit, then dry it with a clean cloth or paper towel to further reduce bacteria.
Skip the soap, detergent, and commercial produce wash. The FDA doesn’t recommend them, because produce is porous and can absorb them.
Wash kiwi even if you won’t eat the skin, so dirt and bacteria aren’t carried from the surface when you peel or cut it. Washing reduces bacteria but doesn’t eliminate them.
Frequently asked questions
What does ripe mean for kiwi?
USDA FoodKeeper says ripe is when kiwi is tender, fully developed, and ready to eat.
How do you store cut kiwi?
Cover cut kiwi with plastic wrap to keep it moist and away from mold spores in the air, as the USDA advises for cut fruits.
Does the 3 to 6 day fridge time apply to unripe kiwi?
No. FoodKeeper says the refrigerator timeline applies to ripe fruit. Unripe kiwi stays at room temperature until it ripens.
Should you wash kiwi with soap?
No. The FDA says there's no need for soap or a produce wash, and it doesn't recommend them because produce is porous and can absorb them.
Does washing remove all bacteria from kiwi?
No. Washing reduces bacteria but doesn't eliminate them, so dry the kiwi with a clean cloth or paper towel to reduce them further.
