Israeli Authorities Warn Consumers to Avoid Unripe Local Kiwi on Store Shelves

Israeli consumers are being advised by the Plant Council to avoid purchasing local kiwi fruit of the "Hayward" variety currently appearing in stores, as it has been harvested prematurely and is not yet ripe for consumption. The council emphasizes that Israeli kiwi is typically harvested and marketed starting in October, after passing mandatory quality checks confirming its readiness for eating. However, some local growers have begun selling unripe fruit early, prompting the council to request they stop immediately to protect consumers and honest farmers.

Shai Golani, chairman of the Kiwi Table at the Plant Council, explained that premature marketing harms both consumers and the majority of growers who follow proper harvesting timelines. Arena Sandel, quality and standards manager at the Plant Council, noted that August and September are transitional months between seasons, and the two main kiwi varieties grown in Israel are the round "Hayward" and the elongated, sweeter "Bruno." She recommended waiting until October when the kiwi reaches peak ripeness and flavor.

Kiwi cultivation is a significant part of northern Israel's economy, mainly in the Galilee and Golan regions, producing about 10,000 tons annually from 3,200 dunams of planted area, all sold domestically. Israeli kiwi is nearly free of pests and diseases and requires no pesticide use. Consumers are advised to buy firm kiwi and allow it to soften at room temperature before eating. Kiwi is low in calories, rich in vitamins, and offers various health benefits including cancer prevention and digestive support.

The Plant Council, established in 2004, works alongside the Ministry of Agriculture and growers’ organizations to oversee the agriculture sector. It includes four branches: fruits, vegetables, citrus, and olives, with growers holding the majority in its governing bodies alongside government, marketers, exporters, and consumer representatives.