Kiwi or Chinese gooseberries are harvested immature in temperate climate zones after the first light frost, stored cold and brought to the warmth for a few days together with an apple to ripen.
In our latitudes, the harvest takes place from the end of October to the beginning of November. The fruits must not be harvested too early, otherwise they will remain sour. In the growing countries around the world, the harvest begins at different times:
- from April in Chile,
- from June in New Zealand,
- from October in Italy.
When harvested, the hairy, brown fruits are still hard. Before they can be eaten, they have to ripen for a few weeks in a cool place. In order to develop their full aroma, they must then be warmed up, where they become soft after a few days.
tips and tricks
Don't be afraid of occasional night frosts! These do not harm the fruit. The kiwis that stay on the vine longer taste better.
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