Can You Freeze Kiwi? A Guide to Preserving the Freshness

The sun-kissed season of abundant kiwi is a wonderful one worth savoring, but sometimes we just can’t help but wish it lasted much longer. 

Luckily, there’s a way we can capture that delectable essence and enjoy it even when seasons have changed.

Can you freeze kiwi?

Kiwi can be frozen and this can be done in many ways as well as forms!

The kiwi fruit — an excellent source of vitamin C — is great for all kinds of drinks from kiwi smoothies to tasty treats like kiwi muffins and lovely salad fruit bowls. So, it’s no wonder why you’d want to enjoy it longer.

In this guide, I’ll take you through the process of freezing kiwi while maintaining its vibrant taste and nutritional goodness.

And, if you’re wondering how you can freeze other fresh juicy fruits, check out this guide on how you can preserve pineapple in the freezer to know more!

What you need

Here are the essentials you’ll need to freeze kiwi:

1. Fresh kiwi: To make sure your kiwi stays fresh, it has to be fresh. Select ripe kiwis that of high quality, firm yet yield slightly to gentle pressure.
2. Cutting board and knife: A sharp knife and a sturdy cutting board will be your trusty companions in preparing the kiwi for freezing. You’ll need the knife to chop up the kiwi how you want and the cutting board to act as a surface for that. 
3. Baking tray or sheet: A baking sheet or tray that fits comfortably in your freezer will be your initial freezing platform.
4. Parchment paper: To prevent the kiwi slices from sticking to the surface while freezing, the parchment paper is much needed.
5. Airtight containers or freezer bags: Once the kiwi slices are frozen, you’ll need a reliable way to store them for as long as you want. I always use airtight freezer-safe bags or freezer-safe containers to keep the fruit safe from freezer burn and maintain its taste and texture.

How to prep your kiwi for freezing

1. Wash and peel: Start by washing the kiwi thoroughly under cold water. Use a vegetable brush to gently scrub away any dirt. If you prefer, you can peel the kiwi, but the skin is entirely edible and adds a slight tangy flavor.
2. Slice: Once cleaned, slice the kiwi into your preferred shapes and sizes. You can opt for rounds, half-moons, or you could even dice them — the choice is yours. This also depends on what you intend to use them for later on although, removing the tough white core from the slices is recommended for a smoother texture when thawed.
3. Prepare the tray: Line your baking sheet or tray with parchment paper. This will prevent the kiwi slices from sticking to the surface.

How to freeze kiwi

1. Single-layer arrangement: Lay the kiwi slices in a single layer on the prepared tray or cookie sheet that’s been lined with parchment paper. Make sure they are not touching one another. This prevents them from freezing together into a clump.
2. Pre-preeze: Place the tray in the freezer and allow the kiwi slices to pre-freeze for about 2-3 hours. This step prevents the slices from sticking together when you transfer them to storage.
3. Pack for long-term storage: Once pre-frozen, transfer the kiwi slices into airtight freezer bags or containers. Remember to squeeze out as much air as possible before sealing to prevent freezer burn. Label the bags with the date to keep track of how long they’ve been in. 

By following these steps, you’ll have a stash of frozen kiwi ready to uplift your culinary creations long after the season has passed.

From vibrant smoothie bowls to delightful fruit purees, these frozen kiwi slices will be a burst of freshness regardless of the use.

Thawing and usage tips

When the time comes to use your frozen kiwi, there are a few tips to keep in mind:

1. Thaw gently: To preserve the texture and flavor, thaw the frozen kiwi slices in the refrigerator. Avoid microwaving or using hot water, you don’t want to end up with mushy fruit!
2. Enjoy in various dishes: From adding a tangy twist to your morning yogurt to incorporating them into desserts, the possibilities are endless. Be it a garnish or a key ingredient, frozen kiwi can elevate your culinary endeavors.

When I’m craving something sweet and sour, a few of those kiwi cubes or slices from the freezer are just the thing I need.

Is it good to eat frozen kiwi?

If the fruit is frozen right, it’s absolutely okay to eat frozen kiwi — after it has defrosted at least. It’s not very possible or even recommended to take bites out of stone-cold fruit!

How long does fresh kiwi last in the freezer?

Fresh kiwi can last in the freezer for up to about 10-12 months if you do everything correctly and it’s frozen right.

That’s why I find freezing such a desirable option for storing them, they tend to keep really well for a long time.

Do I need to peel kiwi before freezing?

You can peel the skin of the kiwi before freezing if you don’t like the taste. It’s a bit harder to peel off when the fruit has been thawed because it changes texture so if you’re not a fan of the taste of the skin, it’s best to peel it off before freezing.

Can I refrigerate kiwifruit?

Kiwifruit can be refrigerated for a couple of days. If you want to use some fresh kiwi that you’ve got in a couple of days or within a week, it’s a good way to store the fruit.

Just prep the fruit then pop it in a container and then in the cooler drawer of your freezer.

Does frozen kiwi taste good?

The texture of kiwi changes a lot when you freeze it so frozen kiwi might not taste good if you’re hoping to use them for salads.

Thawed frozen kiwi is best for smoothies, desserts and for purees, not fresh meals like salads. 

Speaking of freezing kiwi for smoothies, you could easily throw together a cup with those frozen kiwis and dairy you learned to preserve with the help of this article on how to store milk in the freezer!

With a little preparation and the right technique, you can capture the essence of fresh kiwi to enjoy in a multitude of ways.

So, when life hands you an abundance of this delicious fruit, freeze it and let its vibrant taste transport you to sunny moments even on the coldest days!

But that’s not all, check out these articles on how to freeze beetroot, if you can freeze quinoa and advice on how to freeze ginger to get more insight on how you can preserve your foodstuffs for even longer!