Kiwi

Yes, the fuzzy green kind grows on our 25-ish year old vines.

I harvest the kiwi fruit by hand, in October or November, just before a hard frost. The cooler weather helps concentrate the sugars in the fruit.


Spoon digging into Kiwi
Kiwi serving suggestion

In our climate, the kiwi fruit does not ripen on the vine, but it can be enjoyed for months if properly refrigerated

A box filled with Kiwi
Harvested kiwi - closeup
Kiwi & almond butter on toast

So how do you ripen the kiwi fruit after it’s picked?

Put the kiwi fruit into an airtight container or bag, then into the refrigerator for 2 weeks.
The container / bag lessens dehydration and prolongs freshness. Hard kiwi can last in the refrigerator for 3-4 months, but should be checked regularly to prevent moisture build-up and rot.

After 2 weeks, remove the number of kiwis you wish to ripen from the refrigerator. You can speed up the ripening by exposing the kiwi fruit to ethylene; place the kiwi in a paper or vented plastic bag with an apple, banana or pear. Keep the bag at room temperature.

Test the kiwifruit regularly for ripeness by pressing with your thumb. The fruit is ripe if it yields to slight pressure.


Our Kiwi vines like the Pacific Northwest so much, that in the summer it can grow 12 inches a week!

Follow me on Instagram for harvest updates.