Israeli Fruit Council Warns Against Buying Unripe Kiwi Currently Sold in Stores

The Israeli Fruit Council has issued an unusual warning urging consumers to avoid purchasing Israeli-grown Hayward kiwi currently available in stores. The council claims that some of the fruit was harvested prematurely before reaching proper ripeness and before passing necessary quality checks. The council recommends waiting until October for the kiwi to reach optimal taste and sweetness.

Shai Golani, chairman of the Kiwi Committee at the Fruit Council, explained that quality Israeli kiwi should only be marketed starting in October. He criticized a small number of growers who have begun selling underripe fruit early, harming consumers, the fruit's reputation, and the majority of growers who follow the rules. Arna Sandel, the council's quality and standards manager, noted that August and September are transitional months for kiwi cultivation, with peak flavor expected in early October.

Israel primarily grows two kiwi varieties: Hayward, which is more common, and Bruno, a relatively sweeter elongated variety. The kiwi industry is concentrated mainly in the Galilee and Golan regions, producing about 10,000 tons annually for the local market.