Normally kiwi will ripen at the end of the fall. That means kiwis are available in markets mostly from November to January. So, you plan to buy a bunch of kiwis in the season and looking for methods to preserve them?
I know, Kiwi is one of our favorites fruits because it is rich in vitamins and nutrients. It has an amazing taste and even used to make jams, jellies, and preserves. So, you must be wondering how to preserve kiwi without letting them go bad.
Here is how you do that. Also, this article navigates you through all the most commonly asked questions about kiwis. Let us begin!
Can You Freeze Kiwi?
Yes, freezing is the best option to preserve kiwis other than drying. The kiwis long last in the refrigerator for around 3 months, unlike some other fruits and vegetables. But that is not enough! There are even more details that you should know about freeing kiwi.
Though kiwis can be frozen, the texture of the fruit changes once you thaw it. If you wonder what does that means, the kiwifruit becomes mushy. Simply, it is like mango after freezing. The pieces have some semi-liquid in them because they turn soft after freezing. Still, you can use kiwis for their flavor in smoothies.
How to Freeze Kiwi
Freezing kiwi requires few steps to follow. Since the whole kiwi fruit takes considerable space in the freezer, I recommend you slice the kiwis before freezing. It reduces the time of defrosting and makes your life easier. Here are the easiest steps to freeze kiwi.
Peel and slice your kiwi
First, check if the kiwi is ripened well. Otherwise, keep the fruit for several days until it ripens. You can identify the condition of the fruit by pressing it a bit. If it is hard, it is not yet ready to freeze.
After separating the ripe kiwis, peel them off. With a paring knife cut off the stem and the immediate skin surrounding the fruit. Once you remove the hard skin, you can see the fruit inside.
Alright! Now you can slice the fruit. For the best possible freezing results, make sure you cut thin pieces. However, you are free to decide the size of slices depending on the way you use them after freezing. For instance, if you plan to use a smoothie, dessert, or a salad the way you cut the slices differs. In short, it is totally up to you to decide.
Flash Freezing
Take a flat tray and cover it with parchment paper or a freezer-safe silicone mat. Using one of these as a lining, helps you to take off the frozen kiwi pieces easily.
Then place kiwi slices on the surface. Make sure the slices are not close to each other as it reduces the chances of getting frozen together.
As an optional step, you can coat the slices with sugar to preserve the color and the flavor. Simply grab some amount of sugar with your fingers and sprinkle it all over the slices. But wait! This is only an optional step. Do it only if you love to add some sugar to the kiwi slices.
Now, you are at the last step. Put the tray into the freezer and leave it there for one night to freeze.
Storing Your Kiwi
After leaving the tray overnight in the freezer, take it out. Transfer the kiwi slices into a freezer-safe bag. If you have a bunch of slices, use three, four separate bags. Make sure the bag is airtight and no excess air inside it. If you are unsure, press out the bag thoroughly with your fingers until the excess air goes out. Quickly, seal the bag.
Now your kiwi slices are ready to freeze again. Before that do not forget to label the date, it was packed. Normally, kiwis last up to 12 months in the freezer. However, from time to time keep eyeing them to make sure they are not rotten.
Tips for Freezing Kiwi
Here are some quick tips for you to remember when freezing kiwi.
- Do not freeze whole kiwi fruit. Slice it.
- Make sure you cut thin slices.
- Do not forget to add some sugar to preserve the taste.
- Use airtight freezer bags.
Process of Defrosting Kiwis
You may already know, the best way to thaw fruits is to leave them in the refrigerator itself. Let it thaw overnight in the fridge. When you open the fridge in the morning, of course, they are ready to consume.
If you need to thaw them quickly, defrost them in the cold water.
How Long Can You Freeze Kiwi?
Properly frozen and stored, the kiwi fruit will last for up to 12 months in the freezer. This applies to sliced kiwi only. Freezing whole kiwis will last for only 1-2 months before the quality of it starts diminishing.
Remember to check the fruit every month for signs of spoilage or mold.
After 12 months, kiwis will still be safe to eat, but you may not enjoy it very much. The flavor and texture of it will deteriorate.
Therefore, it’s best to try to consume frozen kiwi fruit within 12 months for the best quality.
Can You Refreeze Kiwi?
There are no restrictions on refreezing kiwis. But refreezing changes the quality of the fruit. It might affect the texture, and the taste of the fruit badly. When the fruit becomes squishy and mushy, you will not enjoy it for sure. Therefore, I do not recommend refreezing kiwis. Make sure you can finish all the pieces in one go.
Final Thoughts
The kiwi fruit is rich in vitamins and nutrients. You may not believe the significant amount of vitamins and antioxidants that this little fruit offers. I know now you definitely agree to freeze them rather than throwing them away.
Of course, you can freeze kiwi fruit and store up to 12 months in the freezer. That sounds amazing, right? However, thawing kiwi fruit often creates an unpleasant mushy texture. Therefore, make sure you pack them airtight and consume all the slices once the packet is opened without refreezing again.
If this article is helpful to freeze your kiwis, share it with your friends too. Let us know your experience with freezing kiwis. We would love to hear.