Kiwis are in season between late Spring to September in much of the United States. In parts of South America and Central America, they can grow almost all year, except during the rainy seasons. In the Southern hemisphere of the world growing seasons are typically reversed and longer, depending on the area.
The season for kiwi fruit ranges somewhat wildly from region to region. The Earth consists of four major climate regions, including, tropical, temperate, altitude, and torrid.
These regions each have a different climate, and Kiwis typically prefer a tropical or temperate climate.
Kiwis originated from China and Southeast Asia. They are technically a berry, but the manner in which they are eaten classifies them as a fruit.
The most commonly consumed variety is the Actinidia deliciosa, which was originally cultivated in China, but is now grown all over the world.
Other varieties are known as the Actinidia Arguta or the hardy kiwi fruit. This variety is not commonly sold in grocery stores, but it can grow in colder, less ideal conditions.
Arctic Beauty is another popular variety in cooler regions. Unlike the more traditional varieties sold in supermarkets, however, this one is rather small and is about the size of a grape.
Europe
Kiwis do not thrive in all of Europe. In the Mediterranean region, including Italy, Greece, Portugal, and Spain. These areas grow both the popular green kiwis and the golden kiwis which became popular in the U.S. several years ago.
In Spain and Portugal, kiwi fruits can be grown between April and November every year. However, it is Italy that grows the most kiwis every year thanks to its warm climate, mild winters, and rich soil.
With over 400,000 tons of kiwis grown and harvested each year, the rest of Europe pales in comparison. The growing season for most of the country is between March and November, but with the mild winters, sometimes it’s longer.
In colder parts of Europe, such as northern Britain and Norway, regular kiwis do not flourish. Rather, the hardy varieties flourish in the cool damp weather of these countries.
The most popular variety grown is the vine known as the self-pollinating cultivar, Issai.
In these regions of Europe, hardy kiwis can be grown between late April and early Autumn. However, the vines are very hardy and typically keep their foliage all year in temperate zones.
Asia
Kiwis have been growing in Asia for thousands of years. Traditionally, they were harvested from the wild, rather than cultivated. The climate and growing conditions are ideal for this fruit, especially in China, Japan, and other temperate zones.
As of 2018, China produced 2.55 tons of kiwis, which means they produce more than half of the world’s supply of kiwis. In China, the growing season varies somewhat based on the province. However, the Yangtze river valley is the most prolific producer of this fruit.
In these areas, the fruit is only semi-cultivated and is still harvested in the wild quite often. In these regions, the growing season includes September through the late spring.
Harvest time is typically between March and May, which is when the fruit naturally ripens and falls from the vine.
Japan and North and South Korea have cooler climates, depending on the region. In Japan, kiwis are ripe in the late winter to early spring (February-April). Only certain areas of South Korea grow kiwis and are in season between late spring to summer.
Americas
In North America, kiwis are most commonly grown in California, Hawaii, and parts of the south. They are not commonly grown in the northeast, but the hardy varieties can be grown in New England and parts of Northern Pennsylvania and northern New Jersey.
In California and Hawaii kiwifruits are harvested in January, February, and March. These fruits do the best in regions where the climate is warm, so the trees can mature and produce fruit as mature trees.
In South America, kiwifruit can grow almost all year round. In countries such as Colombia, Chile, and Mexico this fruit grows almost all year. The rainy season, which is usually between April and July, is the colder season down in South America. Harvest time is usually between November and April in this part of the world.
Australia
Australia, New Zealand, and the South Pacific usually have harvest times between March and May. Unlike in the Northern Hemisphere, harvest time is in the springtime of the year, rather than the autumn.
New Zealand has been one of the top producers of kiwis for about a century now. They were originally imported from China when the climate was found to be ideal for the fruit’s flourishing. Zespri Farms are one of the largest producers and grow both traditional green variety and the golden variety.
When Is the Best Time To Buy Kiwis?
The best time to buy kiwis in the United States is between November and March. These are the months you are most likely to find homegrown kiwis from California or Hawaii. However, if you live in the Southern Hemisphere the best time to get this fruit is late winter to early summer.
In most of the United States, kiwis are available throughout the year. But, not all of these will be from the United States or South America. Kiwi fruits grown closer to home are more sustainable and tend to be fresher.
If you can find kiwis grown nearby, you will probably notice a considerable improvement in the flavor and freshness. The further away the fruit is imported the more time it takes to ship the fruit and the less close to ripe the fruit is originally harvested.
Fruit that is allowed to ripen on the vine is much better for you and for the environment than artificially ripened fruit. However, we all know this isn’t always possible, and an artificially ripened fruit is better than no fruit.
Are Kiwis a Summer or Winter Fruit?
Kiwis need a warm environment to thrive, but this does not mean they are always grown in the summer. In the Southern Hemisphere, winter and summer months are reversed.
In tropical regions, there is no winter season, but rather a dry and wet season. Therefore, kiwifruits can grow in either season, so long as the weather is right.
In most of the world kiwis are a winter crop. They are usually harvested between November and April. However, they prefer warm and temperate environments without harsh frosts.
Harsh, extreme cold temperatures can kill the leaves and shock the roots of the plant and cause it to die. The older the kiwi plant the more kiwis they produce and the longer they produce.
Therefore, if the plant is killed every winter due to the cold, it will never have the chance to mature and produce large amounts of fruits.
Should Kiwis Be Refrigerated?
Kiwis last longer in the refrigerator after they are harvested. Ideally, you should store your kiwis between 32-35 degrees Fahrenheit (0-1.6 degrees Celsius).
This is especially true for sliced kiwis. Sliced kiwis attract flies and other insects due to their sweetness and will decay very fast in the heat.
Unsliced kiwifruits with the peel still on can be kept on the counter. However, they are best if eaten within 2 days, since they will go bad much quicker at room temperature. If you peel or cut your kiwis, they should be stored in the fridge or inside the freezer.
If you want to store your fresh kiwi in the fridge you should keep them in a ziplock bag or plastic container. They will be best if kept in the fridge for no more than 5 days, or else they may get moldy or start to rot.
When stored in the freezer, they should be sliced and kept in freezer-safe containers or bags. They are not the best when eaten straight, but they can be added to smoothies or other blended drinks and taste very good.
Is Kiwi Fruit Good For You?
Kiwi fruit is rich in several vitamins and minerals that aid the body in function. Vitamin C and dietary fiber are the two highest nutrients found in this fruit. Other vitamins include vitamin K and Chlorophyll in the green kiwis, however, the golden ones do not have chlorophyll.
Some of the vital nutrients found in kiwis include:
- Dietary fiber
- Protein
- Vitamin E
- Vitamin K
- Vitamin C
- Folate
- Magnesium
- Copper
- Potassium
Vitamin C is an important part of a healthy immune system. Guide to the high amounts found in this fruit per serving, it’s actually a better choice over oranges.
The magnesium and potassium found in the fruit is good for heart health and blood flow.
Vitamin K and Vitamin E are good for eyes, bones, and skin health. Some want this fruit to be classified as a superfood due to its vitamin and mineral counts in the fruits.