Should You Refrigerate Kiwis or Leave Them Out?

November 20, 2025 •

3 min read

According to the California Department of Education, firm kiwifruit should ripen at room temperature for two to three days before being refrigerated. Knowing whether you should refrigerate kiwis or leave them out depends entirely on their current state of ripeness and how soon you plan to eat them.

Quick Summary

The ideal method for storing kiwis depends on whether they are ripe or unripe. Unripe kiwis should be kept at room temperature to encourage softening, while ripe ones should be refrigerated to slow down the ripening process and prolong their freshness.

Key Points

Check for ripeness: Unripe kiwis are hard, while ripe ones yield to gentle pressure.
Ripen on the counter: Leave firm kiwis at room temperature, away from direct sunlight, for 3–5 days to ripen.
Use a paper bag for faster ripening: To speed up the process, place firm kiwis in a paper bag with an apple or banana.
Refrigerate ripe kiwis: Once ripe, move kiwis to the refrigerator to extend their shelf life by 1–2 weeks.
Isolate kiwis in the fridge: Keep kiwis away from other fruits like apples and bananas to prevent accelerated ripening due to ethylene gas.
Store cut kiwis in airtight containers: Cut or sliced kiwis should be refrigerated in an airtight container and used within a few days.

Kiwi Storage: How to Store Them Properly

There is a common point of confusion when it comes to storing kiwis, and the answer is not a simple one-size-fits-all solution. The best place for your kiwis—on the countertop or in the refrigerator—is determined by their ripeness. Unripe, hard kiwis need the warmth of room temperature to soften, while ripe, ready-to-eat kiwis benefit from the cold to maintain their peak freshness longer. This guide will help you understand the nuances of storing this delicate fruit.

Storing Unripe Kiwis

If you've purchased kiwis that are still firm and hard to the touch, they are not yet ready for consumption. Attempting to eat an unripe kiwi often results in a tart, unpleasant flavor. To bring them to their full, sweet potential, they need a little time and warmth.

Leave them on the counter: Place firm, unripe kiwis in a fruit bowl on your kitchen counter. Keep them away from direct sunlight, which can cause premature spoilage.
Use a paper bag: To speed up the ripening process, put the kiwis in a loosely closed paper bag. The bag traps the ethylene gas produced by the fruit, which accelerates ripening.
Add other fruits: For even faster ripening, place an apple or banana in the paper bag with the kiwis. These fruits are high ethylene producers and will help ripen your kiwis in just a day or two.
Avoid plastic bags: Unlike paper bags, plastic bags trap too much moisture, which can lead to mold and spoilage. Always opt for a paper bag for ripening.

Storing Ripe Kiwis

Once your kiwis have softened and yield to gentle pressure, they are perfectly ripe and ready to eat. At this point, refrigeration is the key to extending their shelf life and preserving their flavor and texture. Without refrigeration, a ripe kiwi will become overripe and mushy within a few days.

Transfer to the fridge: Move your ripe kiwis to the refrigerator to put a pause on the ripening process. A refrigerated ripe kiwi can last for up to 10 days, sometimes longer depending on the fridge temperature.
Keep them separate: It is crucial to store kiwis away from other fruits, particularly those that emit high levels of ethylene gas like apples, bananas, and avocados. This will prevent your ripe kiwis from over-ripening too quickly.
Use a perforated plastic bag: For ripe kiwis, storing them in a perforated plastic bag or loosely wrapped in a standard produce bag can help maintain optimal humidity levels in the fridge.

Storing Cut Kiwis

If you've sliced a kiwi and didn't use all of it, proper storage is essential to keep the remaining pieces fresh. Kiwis contain an enzyme called actinidin, which can cause milk products or gelatin to curdle if left uncooked. This is why fresh kiwi doesn't work well in certain desserts.

Airtight container: Store sliced or peeled kiwi in an airtight container or resealable plastic bag in the refrigerator. This will prevent the fruit from drying out and absorbing other smells from your fridge.
Keep for a few days: Stored this way, cut kiwi will stay fresh for about 2 to 4 days.

Comparison Table: Kiwi Storage Methods


Storage Method	Kiwi Ripeness	Longevity	Best For	Considerations
Room Temperature	Unripe (firm)	3-5 days	Ripening	Keep away from direct sunlight; store separately unless speeding up ripening.
Paper Bag (at RT)	Unripe (firm)	1-3 days	Speed-ripening	Add an apple or banana to accelerate ripening.
Refrigerator	Ripe (soft)	1-2 weeks	Prolonging freshness	Keep away from ethylene-producing fruits.
Refrigerator (cut)	Ripe (soft)	2-4 days	Short-term storage	Use an airtight container to prevent drying.
Freezer (cut)	Ripe (soft)	Up to 3 months	Long-term storage	Best for smoothies or other recipes where texture isn't critical.

Conclusion

The secret to perfectly ripe and delicious kiwis lies in understanding their unique ripening process. The key takeaway is to start your storage journey on the countertop for unripe kiwis, letting them soften and develop their natural sweetness. Once they have reached your desired level of ripeness, immediately transfer them to the refrigerator to hit the 'pause' button on their maturation. This two-step process ensures you get to enjoy your kiwis at their peak flavor for as long as possible, whether you're eating them plain or adding them to a favorite dish. The Zespri website offers further tips on managing kiwifruit ripeness and storage.

Frequently Asked Questions

You should not put unripe kiwis in the fridge. The cold temperature will stop the ripening process, and they will never develop their full, sweet flavor. Instead, leave them on the counter until they are soft to the touch.

When stored properly, ripe kiwis can last for one to two weeks in the refrigerator. Their longevity depends on how ripe they were when you put them in and how cold your fridge is.

To make kiwis ripen faster, place them in a paper bag with an ethylene-producing fruit, such as an apple or banana. The bag traps the gas, accelerating the ripening process. This can ripen kiwis in as little as one to two days.

It's best to avoid storing kiwis in a sealed plastic bag, as this can trap too much moisture and cause mold. A perforated plastic bag is acceptable for ripe kiwis in the fridge, while a paper bag is best for ripening on the counter.

To check if a kiwi is ripe, gently press on the outer skin with your thumb. If it yields to gentle pressure, it's ready to eat. If it's rock-hard, it needs more time, and if it's mushy, it's overripe.

Yes, you can freeze kiwis. For the best results, peel and slice the kiwi first, spread the pieces on a baking sheet to freeze individually, and then transfer them to an airtight container or freezer bag. Frozen kiwis are best used in smoothies or other recipes.

Cut kiwis should be stored in an airtight container or resealable plastic bag in the refrigerator. They will stay fresh for about 2 to 4 days, so it's best to use them soon.