SusanK
- 28
Click For Summary
Discussion Overview
The thread discusses how to determine if a kiwi is ripe, with participants sharing personal experiences and insights regarding ripeness indicators and related food allergies.
Discussion Character
- Anecdotal
- Opinion-based
Main Points Raised
- One participant mentions needing a ripe kiwi for a demonstration but is unsure how to identify ripeness beyond avoiding rock-hard fruit.
- Another participant shares that kiwi is ripe when it is slightly soft, noting that mushy fruit is overripe.
- One participant discusses how the quality of kiwis can vary by location and suggests that they should give slightly when squeezed, avoiding squishy or wrinkled fruit.
- Another participant provides an online source stating that ripe kiwis should be plump and soft but not mushy, and offers tips on preparation and nutrition.
- One participant shares a personal experience regarding food allergies, noting that kiwi can cause allergic reactions for some individuals.
- Another participant mentions using kiwi as a meat tenderizer, sharing a method involving mashing kiwi for marinating tough cuts of meat.
Areas of Agreement / Disagreement
Views differ on the specifics of ripeness indicators and the handling of kiwis, with no clear consensus emerging on the best practices for determining ripeness.
Contextual Notes
Participants share personal experiences and observations regarding kiwi ripeness and allergies, reflecting a variety of perspectives without authoritative claims.
Who May Find This Useful
Consultants interested in food preparation techniques and those navigating food allergies in their cooking may find the shared experiences relevant.
DandelionBouquet
- 13
Shawnna
Gold Member
- 2,372
Amber
- 20
Depending on where you live will determine the quality of the kiwis, as I found when we moved north 
They should give slightly when squeezed. Anything squishy or with a wrinkled skin isn't going to work well. Also, they can rippen more while sitting, like bananas, so I would purchase it close to when you are going to use it, or keep it in the frige. Hope I am of some help 
They should give slightly when squeezed. Anything squishy or with a wrinkled skin isn't going to work well. Also, they can rippen more while sitting, like bananas, so I would purchase it close to when you are going to use it, or keep it in the frige. Hope I am of some help
Brianne
- 40
Unfortunately
I don't think that there's a thing in this world that someone isn't allergic to. My brother is highly allergic to peanuts and can't eat anything containing peanut oil or made somewhere where peanuts are in use.
Because of his allergy, I've been more conscious of other's food allergies and always make sure that I ask at my shows if anyone has any food allergies. More than once, I've left certain ingredients out or put them to the side for people to garnish their portion with.
DandelionBouquet said:...Just an FYI...Kiwi is something that some people are allergic to. My son is.
I don't think that there's a thing in this world that someone isn't allergic to. My brother is highly allergic to peanuts and can't eat anything containing peanut oil or made somewhere where peanuts are in use.
Because of his allergy, I've been more conscious of other's food allergies and always make sure that I ask at my shows if anyone has any food allergies. More than once, I've left certain ingredients out or put them to the side for people to garnish their portion with.
SusanK
- 28
PamperedGinger
- 707
Here is what I found online:
How to tell if it's ripe: Choose plump Kiwi. Ripen them on your counter. They should give when pressed and be soft but not mushy. Once ripe, store in the fridge and away from other fruit and plan to eat them soon after ripening.
How to use it: Simply cut off the stem ends and then use a spoon (grapefruit spoon is best but any spoon will do the job) all around the inside edge to free it from the skin and slip it out. Then cut into rounds so you can see the pretty black contrasting seeds and design. They look like a burst of sunshine (if the sun was green, of course!) and are a wonderful addition to breakfasts! Add to your fruit platter, fruit salad, fruit tart, or enjoy at breakfast or anytime! Or cut them in half and scoop out and eat with a spoon! If you rub the fuzz off the skin, you can actually eat the skin too!
Nutrition: They are delicious and highly nutritious with a good dose of folate, potassium, and vitamins C and E. Loaded with antioxidant polyphenol, a kiwi a day may help lower triglyceride levels (which wards off arterial plaque build-up and therefore heart disease), as well as protect against cancer, diabetes and can even help us look younger!
How to tell if it's ripe: Choose plump Kiwi. Ripen them on your counter. They should give when pressed and be soft but not mushy. Once ripe, store in the fridge and away from other fruit and plan to eat them soon after ripening.
How to use it: Simply cut off the stem ends and then use a spoon (grapefruit spoon is best but any spoon will do the job) all around the inside edge to free it from the skin and slip it out. Then cut into rounds so you can see the pretty black contrasting seeds and design. They look like a burst of sunshine (if the sun was green, of course!) and are a wonderful addition to breakfasts! Add to your fruit platter, fruit salad, fruit tart, or enjoy at breakfast or anytime! Or cut them in half and scoop out and eat with a spoon! If you rub the fuzz off the skin, you can actually eat the skin too!
Nutrition: They are delicious and highly nutritious with a good dose of folate, potassium, and vitamins C and E. Loaded with antioxidant polyphenol, a kiwi a day may help lower triglyceride levels (which wards off arterial plaque build-up and therefore heart disease), as well as protect against cancer, diabetes and can even help us look younger!
CraftyCook
- 14
Quick tip on kiwisKiwi can be used as a meet tenderizer for beef and pork, and it only takes a little. Say you have 1lb of a tough cut of meet. Slice off about 1/8 of the kiwi, peal it then mash it up. You can use this mashed kiwi in a marinade but it makes things kind of gritty. Spread the kiwi all over the meet and let it sit for about an hour then rince off and cook. My mom uses this for her korean bbq. It really does work.
Frequently Asked Questions
How can I tell if a kiwi is ripe?
A ripe kiwi will yield slightly to gentle pressure when squeezed. It should feel soft but not mushy. If it feels hard, it is not yet ripe.
What color should a ripe kiwi be?
A ripe kiwi typically has a brown, fuzzy skin that is slightly dull in appearance. If the skin is too shiny, it may not be fully ripe yet.
Can I use the smell to determine if a kiwi is ripe?
Yes, a ripe kiwi will have a sweet, fragrant aroma. If you can smell the fruit's sweetness, it is likely ripe and ready to eat.
How long does it take for a kiwi to ripen?
If you have unripe kiwis, they usually take about 3 to 7 days to ripen at room temperature. To speed up the process, you can place them in a paper bag with an apple or banana.
What should I do if my kiwi is overripe?
If a kiwi is overripe, it will feel very soft and may have dark spots. You can still use it in smoothies or baking, but it’s best to consume it quickly to avoid spoilage.
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