How to Check if a Kiwi is Ripe in 3 Simple Steps

Kiwis, also called kiwifruits, are an intriguing fruit. What’s the deal with their fuzzy brown skin? Which parts are edible? How can you tell if they’re ripe? Many people also wonder whether they taste sweet or sour. With all this mystery around these nutrient-packed, flavorful fruits, let’s clear things up.

Contrary to popular belief, kiwis aren’t tropical fruits. They originate from the subtropical areas of China, earning them the name Chinese gooseberry. And yes, they’re technically part of the berry family. When fully ripe, kiwis have a sweet, refreshing taste that’s often compared to pineapple, strawberry, and banana. They’re a delightful mix of sweetness, slight acidity, and a tangy bite, making them perfect for smoothies and fruit salads. The entire fruit is edible—skin, flesh, and seeds—so you can enjoy it whole or peel and slice it.

Unripe kiwis have a tangy, citrus-like taste, so eating one too soon can remind you of fruits like oranges or lemons. It can be tough to determine when a kiwi is ripe, so here’s a handy guide to picking one at its peak flavor.

How to Determine If a Kiwi is Ripe

Fruits offer the most nutrients and best taste when they’re fully ripe, but timing it just right can be tricky (looking at you, avocado). Here are the key signs that a kiwi is perfectly ripe:

1. Ripe kiwis are brown and plump Both ripe and unripe kiwis have brown skin, and the color doesn’t change as they ripen, so their appearance isn’t the best indicator. However, opt for a kiwi that’s round, full, and slightly bulbous over one that appears misshapen.
2. Ripe kiwis have a sweet aroma You may have noticed people sniffing produce in the grocery store. While it may seem odd, it’s actually quite effective. A ripe kiwi will have a delightful, sweet fragrance, while an unripe one will lack any noticeable scent. So, take a sniff and trust your nose.
3. Ripe kiwis feel soft The best way to test for ripeness is by gently squeezing a kiwi. Think of it like the Goldilocks approach—it shouldn’t feel too hard, but it also shouldn’t be overly soft. A light press with your thumb should show a slight give. Unripe kiwis are firm, while overripe ones are mushy. You want a balance of softness and firmness.

6 Creative Ways to Use Ripe Kiwis

Make sure ripe kiwis don't go to waste. These sweet and flavorful fruits are a perfect addition to fruit salads, sorbets, smoothies, parfaits, and even baked treats. They also make a great topping for smoothie bowls, salads, and oats. Here are some creative recipes to help you use them up.

Kiwi-Cucumber Relish

This relish, with its bright green hue, might look like the usual variety, but appearances are deceiving. Instead of pickles, this recipe uses the sweetness of kiwi paired with the crispness of cucumber. Blended with a hint of jalapeño, this sweet and spicy relish will add a flavorful kick to your burgers and hot dogs.

Tropical Fruit Salad

A tropical fruit salad is the perfect way to use up ripe fruits while enjoying a colorful mix of flavors. Combine cubes of pineapple, papaya, and mango with kiwis sliced into half-moons, then toss with a touch of sugar, lime juice, and salt. Serve it on a platter with a side of yogurt and sprinkle with coconut flakes for an irresistible snack or side dish.

Raspberry Smoothie Bowl

Kiwis are a perfect topping for smoothie bowls, parfaits, oatmeal, muesli, and more. This smoothie bowl recipe highlights the delicious flavor of kiwi, which is often compared to berries and bananas, both of which serve as the base for this dish.

Sheet Pan Pavlova With Berries and Mangoes

This sheet pan pavlova is bursting with vibrant colors from the berries and mangoes, but to add more green, let's include some kiwi. The meringue-based cream is a little time-consuming to prepare, but it’s the perfect complement to this fruity creation.

Kale Smoothie With Pineapple and Banana

One way to enjoy ripe kiwi is by blending it into a drink. Combine it with your favorite fruits, leafy greens, and milk of choice for a quick and refreshing breakfast or snack. This smoothie recipe includes pineapple and banana, which complement the kiwi beautifully. With all the fruit and a dash of coconut milk, the kale flavor won’t even be noticeable!

Lemon Curd and Berry Parfaits

Not only visually appealing, but also easy to make and incredibly tasty—this parfait is a must-try! It features layers of homemade granola, yogurt, lemon curd, and berries. You can swap the berries for kiwi, or simply add kiwi to enhance the flavor.