Spotlight on Swiss kiwi !
Seeland: Where Kiwi Settles in the Land of Lakes
No, kiwi doesn’t only grow on the other side of the world under palm trees. In Switzerland, it quietly does its thing too… especially in Seeland, this big vegetable garden nestled between Lake Biel, Lake Neuchâtel, and Lake Murten. Yes, the same area where your favorite carrots and salads come from.
At UglyFruits, we love reminding you that local ≠ boring. And Swiss kiwi is the hairy proof.
Thanks to its rich, well-drained soils and the lakes nearby that prevent harsh frosts, Swiss Seeland has, over the years, become an ideal home for… kiwi.
You’ll find several kiwi orchards here, often part of diversified farms. No giant monocultures: kiwis grow alongside other fruits and vegetables, peacefully, without thinking they’re international superstars.
Swiss production remains modest (a few hundred tons per year), but that’s actually a good thing:
- fewer kilometers traveled
- less long-term storage
- more freshness
- and most importantly, less waste
In short: kiwis that haven’t circled the globe before arriving in your kitchen.
When is Swiss Kiwi Season?
Spoiler: not in the middle of summer.
Harvest: from late October to November
Consumption: November to March, thanks to excellent shelf life
Kiwis are picked firm and then slowly ripen. Result: a fruit available for several months without heated greenhouses or cargo planes. Pretty clever, right?
Swiss Kiwi vs. Globe-Trotting Kiwi
Let’s be honest: most kiwis consumed in Switzerland come from Italy, New Zealand, or even further. So what’s the difference?
**Elsewhere in the world **
- Huge volumes ¨Sometimes very sweet varieties (yellow/gold kiwis, etc.)
- Long transport and extended storage
**In Switzerland (and in Seeland) **
- Main variety: green kiwi
- Balanced flavor, slightly tangy
- Small-scale production
- Much lighter carbon footprint
And above all: a Swiss kiwi has nothing to prove. It may not be perfect, but it’s tasty, local, and in season!
How to Store Your Kiwis Properly (and Avoid Forgotten, Overripe Fruits)
Good news: kiwi is patient.
Not ripe yet? Keep at room temperature. Speed up ripening by placing it with an apple or banana (a “fruit roommate” effect).
Fully ripe? Into the fridge’s vegetable drawer. It can last 2–3 weeks without any problem.
Anti-Waste Tip
An overripe kiwi is perfect for smoothies, sauces, or desserts. No need to throw it away just because it’s a little soft (we don’t judge).
4 Recipe Ideas to Highlight Kiwi
Kiwi in Savory Style
Kiwi – Fennel – Walnut Salad Crunchy, fresh, lightly tangy. Perfect to liven up a winter meal.
Kiwi Tartare – Cream Cheese – Herbs Ideal as an appetizer. “Wow” effect guaranteed without pulling out the chef’s hat.
Kiwi in Sweet Style
Kiwi – Pear – Ginger Smoothie Vitamin-packed, fights winter blues, and perfect for using slightly tired fruits.
Kiwi Tart with Light Cream Simple, effective, and always more stylish with kiwis that aren’t perfectly uniform.
