| Pantry | Refrigerator | Freezer | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Raw | - | 5-7 Days | 12 Months |
| Cooked | - | 3-5 Days | 12 Months |
What is The Shelf Life of Eggplant?
Eggplant is also famous as Aubergine which is used in many dishes worldwide especially in Middle Eastern, Mediterranean and Eastern cooking. In these dishes, the texture and strong flavor of eggplant mesh with olive oil and strong spices. The shelf life of eggplant depends on the freshness and time of purchase; this allows you to save the eggplant in the refrigerator for 4-5 days and seven days if picked from your garden. The eggplants survive for 8-12 months in the freezer.
What Should You Look for While Buying Eggplant?
You should know the types of eggplants while buying; the eggplants are available in different sizes and shapes. The sizes vary from fat, large, skinny, small or round eggplants.
The colors of the eggplants include dark purple, purple, cream, green, yellow and other colors. Pick the eggplants which are plump and firm. The soft eggplants indicate the freshness is gone. However, the softness at some spots can be cut but will reduce the amount of flesh.
Only choose the eggplants which are glossy, smooth and shiny. Avid picking the eggplants with brown or rough patches or with scars and bruises. The cap or the calyx over the eggplant should be tight, mold-free and fresh.
What is The Storage Method for Eggplants?
The eggplant is considered as perishable and cannot be stored for an extended period. You need to handle them gently. If the eggplants are packed in a plastic wrap, then remove the wrapping and cover the eggplant with a paper towel, placing them in a plastic bag which is perforated, before you store it in the refrigerator. Avoid storing the raw eggplant at a temperature below 50 degrees F.
You can store the cooked eggplant in a refrigerator for three days or freeze them for around six months in its purest form.
How to Handle Eggplants?
Use the eggplants which are young and fresh without degorging or peeling. The disgorging is the process during which the eggplant is drained or salted to reduce the bitterness and absorption of oils by the eggplants. You can blanch the eggplants and continue with the recipe.
Salting and degorging are advised for older and larger eggplants. Clean and rinse the eggplants, cut them into slices and sprinkle salt over it. Wash them after 1 hour with water and then use them for recipes.
How to Cook With Eggplants?
The eggplants are inedible raw and bland. They can absorb the flavor and spread the aroma in a dish with a meat-like texture which makes the meal delicious. In the cooking recipes with eggplants, onions, tomatoes, and various spices are added to enhance the flavor of eggplants. You can add eggplants to creamy dishes using cheese or sour cream. Some eggplant recipes include: fried, baked, stuffed or grilled eggplant.