Kinnow's thick skin makes it one of the more forgiving citrus fruits to store. A few simple habits keep it fresh and juicy for weeks.
Quick answer: Keep Kinnow in a cool, airy spot for up to about two weeks, or in the refrigerator for several weeks. Avoid heat, damp and sealed plastic bags, which speed up spoilage.
At home
- Cool room: a ventilated basket away from sunlight keeps fruit good for around two weeks.
- Refrigerator: the crisper drawer extends life to several weeks.
- Air, not plastic: avoid sealing in plastic; trapped moisture causes mould.
- Check often: remove any soft or damaged fruit so it doesn't affect the rest.
In bulk
For crates and larger volumes, store in a cool, dry, well-ventilated space and keep boxes off the floor for airflow. Because Kinnow has a sturdy skin and holds well after harvest, it handles storage and transport better than thinner-skinned citrus.
How to tell if Kinnow has gone off
Toss fruit that is very soft, leaking, or showing mould. A little skin wrinkling is normal and doesn't always mean the fruit inside is bad — but firmness and weight are the best signs of a good Kinnow.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Kinnow last?
Around two weeks in a cool room, and several weeks in the refrigerator, thanks to its sturdy skin.
Should Kinnow be kept in the fridge?
Refrigeration extends freshness, but a cool, airy spot works well for short-term storage. Avoid sealed plastic bags.
Why is my Kinnow skin wrinkled?
Light wrinkling is normal as the fruit ages and is not always a sign of spoilage — check for firmness and weight.
Keep reading
Kinnow vs Orange: What's the Difference?
They look similar, but a Kinnow isn't an orange. The short version: Kinnow is a mandarin hybrid — juicier, more tart, more seeds, and higher in some nutrients.
When Is Kinnow Season? A Harvest Guide for India
Kinnow is a winter fruit. In India the harvest runs roughly December through February, and the fruit is at its sweetest from mid-January to mid-February.