With kiwifruit, as with anything worthwhile, it pays to be choosy. Select firm, unblemished fruit. The size of the fruit does not affect taste. Smaller kiwifruit taste the same as larger ones.
Press the outside of the fruit with your thumb. If it gives to slight pressure, the kiwifruit is ripe. If you apply pressure and the fruit doesn't give at all, it's not ready to eat.
Storing It
When it comes to longevity, kiwifruit rivals Queen Elizabeth. Unlike more delicate fruit, kiwi will keep for several days at room temperature and up to four weeks in your refrigerator. In fact, commercial storage is able to hold kiwifruit for over 10 months. But don't try that at home.
If your kiwifruit's a little firm and you find yourself getting anxious, place it in a vented plastic bag with an apple or a banana and leave it out on the counter for a day or two.
Eating it
To scoop or not to scoop - that is the question. Some people like to slice their kiwifruit in half and scoop it out. You can also quarter it like an apple, slice it like a banana or dice it like tomatoes. But if you goal is maximum fiber and nutrition, don't skip the skin. Beneath that fuzz lies a treasure trove of nutrients and fiber, so rinse if off and bite right in!
Top a bagel with sliced kiwifruit or add it to your favorite sandwich.
Portable, lightweight and neat, kiwifruit is the ultimate snack. Take it on hikes, picnics, ski trips, or to the beach.
Slice or dice kiwi to add a tangy zest and bright color complement to cereal, pancakes, waffles or French toast.
Dip sliced kiwifruit in plain or vanilla yogurt as a light appetizer.
Kiwifruit is a natural meat tenderizer. Just crush it and use it alone or in a marinade, soaking even tough meats for not more than 30 minutes.
Substitute kiwifruit anywhere you would normally use chilled tomatoes.
Here are some ideas for adding extra sparkle to salads, beverages, entrees, desserts, and other recipes:
* add kiwifruit cartwheels to fresh fruit salads, coleslaw and chicken or turkey salads,
* top cereals with kiwifruit slices,
* give cheesecake a touch of elegance with a kiwifruit glaze,
* use as a garnish on pies and cakes,
* float kiwifruit slices in punch and cocktail recipes,
* blend kiwifruit into frothy fresh fruit blender drinks,
* scoop kiwifruit halves right from the skin with a spoon,
* garnish poultry and meat dishes with kiwifruit,
* fill avocado, melon or papaya halves with sliced kiwifruit,
* use as a meat tenderizer.
Note: Kiwifruit contains an enzyme, actinidin, similar to papain in papayas, that reacts chemically to break down proteins. (It has been used as a "secret ingredient" to tenderize meat.) Actinidin prevents gelatin from setting, so if you are going to serve kiwifruit in a gelatin dish, cook the fruit for a few minutes before adding it to the gelatin. www.usda.gov
