Kiwi is a nutritious fruit that contains cholesterol-lowering fiber and immune-boosting vitamin C, among other nutrients that support a healthy diet.

To help you shop smarter, Health reached out to nutritionists to find out what to look for when buying the sweetest, ripest kiwi.

Nutritionist Samina Kallo says a ripe kiwi should be a little softer when crushed, similar to a ripe peach or avocado. So it shouldn’t be rock hard or soft.

Just be careful not to press too hard. To check for ripeness, a light pressure is enough to determine if it’s ready to eat.

Look for kiwis with a pleasant, sweet flavor.

Nutritionist and Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics spokesperson Theresa Gentile says ripe kiwis will have a light, sweet flavor.

He also notes that a sour smell indicates that the kiwi is spoiled, so avoid buying or eating a kiwi that smells sour or fermented. If there’s no smell at all, it may need more time to ripen.

Look for a slightly rough, slightly firm skin.

According to Kalloo, one of the quickest ways to tell if a kiwi has passed ideal ripeness is to check its skin, which should be slightly rough and firm.

“A fresh kiwi should have a slightly rough, scaly, brown skin. If you notice deep pits, large spots or areas that look shriveled or sunken, it may be overripe,” Kalloo said.

If the kiwi is too watery, gray or pale, has dark spots or visible mold, then it’s no longer safe to eat and should be thrown away.

Source: prizrenpost