How to Freeze Kiwi (for Smoothies Etc.)
Did you know that you can freeze kiwi fruit for later use in smoothies and frozen fruit desserts? While it is possible to freeze a whole, peeled kiwi, it is better to slice the fruit before freezing if you plan to use it to make green smoothies in a regular blender. Thawing a frozen whole kiwi takes time, and tossing a frozen kiwi fruit into a blender without thawing it first is usually too much for a blender to handle.
Below, we provide step-by-step instructions on how to freeze kiwi slices. By following these simple steps, the slices won't fuse together in the freezer, and you won't have to chisel into a hard block of frozen kiwi fruit when you want to whip up a smoothie or a frozen fruit dessert.
Equipment Needed for Freezing Fresh Kiwifruit
Freezing fresh kiwifruit is easy and takes very little time if you have the right equipment. So, before you get started, make sure you have the following items on hand:
- Sharp knife for peeling and slicing the fruit
- Rimmed cookie sheet
- Parchment paper or freezer-safe silicone baking mat
- Plastic wrap
- Freezer bags or freezer-safe containers (glass freezer containers with tight-fitting lids are great if you are trying to reduce your exposure to BPA).
- Permanent marker and freezer-safe labels
How to Freeze Kiwi
- Select plump, ripe kiwi fruit that yield to gentle pressure when squeezed, and peel and slice the fruit.
- Line a cookie sheet with a freezer-safe silicone baking mat or a piece of parchment paper.
- Spread the kiwi slices on the cookie sheet, leaving a little space between the pieces. Cover the sheet with plastic wrap.
- Create a level area in your freezer to fit the cookie sheet, and place the sheet in the freezer.
- Once the kiwi slices are frozen solid, remove the cookie sheet from the freezer and peel the slices off of the parchment paper or silicone baking mat.
- Put the slices in labeled freezer bags or containers, leaving as little air inside as possible, and pop the bags or containers back in the freezer for long-term storage.
How to Use Frozen Kiwi Slices
Frozen kiwi becomes mushy when you thaw it, which is why it is not well suited for dishes that require pretty and firm kiwi slices. So, when using frozen kiwi, it is best to stick to smoothies and other recipes that do not require whole kiwi pieces.
To whip up a smoothie using frozen kiwi, put slightly thawed kiwi slices in a high-powered blender along with other green smoothie ingredients, and blend until smooth. Frozen kiwi is a particularly good addition to green kale smoothies because it helps mask the earthy flavor of kale.
Another great way to use frozen kiwifruit is to turn it into healthy fruit sorbet using one of the trendy frozen fruit dessert makers such as Yonanas or Dessert Bullet. Now, for those who missed the memo, these powerful yet compact gadgets turn frozen fruits into 100% fruit-based sorbet in a matter of seconds. All you have to do is feed your Yonanas maker or Dessert Bullet some frozen fruit, and it will almost immediately start extruding your dessert directly into a serving bowl.
Sponsored Links / Ads
More to Explore
Health Benefits of Using Monk Fruit as a SweetenerNot only does munk fruit add sweetness to foods and drinks, it also has many health benefits.
