• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
Amira's Pantry
  • About me
  • All Recipes
  • Meal Plans
  • Shop
  • Subscribe!
menu icon
go to homepage
  • About me
  • All Recipes
  • Meal Plans
  • Shop
  • Subscribe!
subscribe
search icon
Homepage link
  • About me
  • All Recipes
  • Meal Plans
  • Shop
  • Subscribe!
×
Home » Basics

How to Store Eggplants

Published: May 30, 2023 · Modified: Sep 11, 2024 by Amira · This post may contain affiliate links which won’t change your price but will share some commission.

  • Share
  • Tweet
  • Yummly

Storing eggplant correctly can be the difference between a delicious meal and a disaster. Eggplants are sensitive to temperature and humidity, so it's important to store them properly to preserve their flavor and texture. So, here is my best advice on how to store eggplant so that it's fresh and ready for your meals.

Sliced eggplants in a plate with whole eggplants on a cutting board.
Jump to:
  • How to Choose an Eggplant
  • How to Store
  • How to Store Cut Eggplant
  • How to Freeze
  • How to Tell If Eggplant is Bad
  • Eggplant Recipes
  • More Kitchen Tips
  • I think you'll want to know

Why You'll Love Eggplant

  • Eggplant is a delicious and versatile vegetable that can be used in various dishes.
  • It is relatively low in calories, rich in antioxidants, and contains fiber, vitamins, and minerals.
  • Eggplants are also incredibly versatile when it comes to cooking – they can be roasted, grilled, mashed, pureed, or even made into a dip or spread.

How to Choose an Eggplant

Choosing the right eggplant at the store is essential for a delicious meal. When selecting an eggplant, look for one that is firm and glossy with smooth skin. It should be heavy for its size and free of bruises or blemishes.

Avoid any eggplants that are soft or have wrinkled skin, as these may indicate they are overripe. Additionally, check underneath the stem to make sure it is dry – if there is moisture present, this could signal rotting inside. Finally, smell your eggplant before buying it, if it has an unpleasant odor then you should choose another one instead!

Eggplants in a grocery store.

How to Store

Storing eggplant correctly is essential to preserving its flavor and texture. Eggplants are sensitive to both temperature and humidity, so it's important to keep them properly in order for them to stay fresh longer. Here is some advice on how to store eggplant so that it's ready for your meals whenever you need it!

  • Do not wash or cut eggplant until ready to use.
  • Store eggplant in a paper bag on a cool dry place for a couple of days.
  • For longer storage the best way to store eggplants is in the refrigerator.
  • Store wrapped in a paper towel, to absorb moisture, in your crisper drawer.
  • If the eggplant is too large, place it on the top shelf of your fridge away from any sources of heat. When storing uncut eggplants this way, they will typically stay fresh for about 5-7 days.

How to Store Cut Eggplant

  • If you have cut eggplant that needs to be stored, the best way to do this is in an airtight container. Place the cut pieces of eggplant in a single layer and cover with plastic wrap or a lid. This will ensure that the eggplant does not dry out and that it stays fresh for longer.
  • Additionally, make sure to store your cut eggplant in the refrigerator as soon as possible after cutting – any delay may cause it to go bad before you can use it. When stored properly, cut eggplants should stay fresh for up to two days.
  • You may want to spray or squeeze some lemon juice over to prevent it from browning.

How to Freeze

  • If you want to store eggplant for longer, consider freezing it. Start by peeling and cubing the eggplant, then blanch it in boiling water for two minutes. Allow it to cool before draining, patting it dry with paper towels, and placing it in an airtight container or freezer bag. Eggplant stored this way will stay fresh for up to four months!
  • You can also air fry or roast eggplant slices then store cooked eggplant in your freezer.
  • You may also want to grill your eggplant, scoop the flesh out, place in a freezer bag and freeze. Use this in making various eggplant dips, check out the recipes below.

How to Tell If Eggplant is Bad

It is important to know how to tell if eggplant has gone bad. If it looks wilted, wrinkled, or discolored, then it should be discarded immediately. Additionally, smell the eggplant before eating – if it has an unpleasant odor then you should not eat it. Finally, a sure sign that your eggplant has gone bad is if it has developed a slimy texture, which is the result of bacteria and mold growth.

Eggplant can be a delicious addition to your meals if stored properly. Keep these tips in mind for storing eggplant so that you can enjoy it at its best!

Eggplant Recipes

Eggplant is an underestimated vegetable. Check out these delicious eggplant recipes and fall in love with this amazing vegetable.

  • This moussaka recipe is the ultimate comfort food for a cozy night in. Meaty, saucy with creamy and custardy bechamel layer. Nothing can beat that!
  • Mutabal is a popular Middle Eastern eggplant dip with a creamy texture and smoky flavor. Usually served as an appetizer or mezze dish with warm pita bread and fresh vegetables.
  • This is a delicious eggplant side dish in a vinegar garlic sauce.
  • Savor the rich and cheesy goodness of a classic Italian dish while staying true to your keto lifestyle with this flavorful and guilt-free keto eggplant Parmesan recipe that will leave you craving for more.
  • Baked eggplant slices are a healthy and flavorful alternative to fried eggplant. You can pretty much use any herbs, spices you like or simply use them in a keto eggplant Parmesan recipe.

More Kitchen Tips

  • If you find yourself out of nutmeg but need it for your recipe I've got the perfect solutions for you. Keep this Nutmeg Substitute guide handy in your kitchen.
  • Are you tired of wasting another bunch of parsley and feeling sad over those wilted precious parsley? Here are some tips on How to Store parsley to keep it fresh and crisp longer.
  • Savor the peak flavor of peaches and keep them from getting mushy or moldy with these easy tips on How to Store Peaches.
  • Here are my tips on How to Store Spinach so you do not end up with wilted spinach. Check out how you can keep those leafy greens to maximize their flavor and minimize waste.
  • Here is my guide on the secrets to How to Store Fresh Tomatoes to minimize waste and maximize flavor. Keep these tips handy, especially during peak tomato season.

I think you'll want to know

  • Can you freeze roasted vegetables? Here is a guide to help you understand how to freeze roasted vegetables to cut down on food waste and have convenient, nutritious side dishes ready for you whenever you need them.

Would you like to save this post?

We'll email this post to you, so you can come back to it later!

More Basics

  • Italian meringue on top of a cheesecake.
    Italian Meringue
  • An overhead view of a graham cracker crust.
    How to Make Graham Cracker Crust
  • Easy Microwave Lemon Curd
  • chocolate covered strawberries on a plate with text overlay.
    How to Store Chocolate Covered Strawberries
  • Share
  • Tweet
  • Yummly

About Amira

I’m overjoyed that you have stopped by! My hope is to introduce you to new flavors, creative ways and fresh takes on favorites. To help you create food with style that will bring everyone around your kitchen table. From weeknight dinners for crazy busy days to desserts with the “wow” factor, and classic comforts from the Mediterranean. One thing in common, they are all recipes that have been tried and tested by family and friends.

Reader Interactions

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recipe Rating




This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

Primary Sidebar

Amira Photo

Hey Y'all, I'm Amira.
I’m overjoyed that you have stopped by!
I send warm greetings from sunny Colorado. This blog combines weeknight dinners for crazy busy days to desserts with the “wow” factor, and classic comforts from the Mediterranean.
More About Me…

Search for a recipe:

Reader Favorites

  • A white plate with two biscuit pieces with sausage gravy on top.
    Turkey Sausage Gravy
  • A top view pf a white bowl of potato soup.
    Instant Pot Chicken and Potato Soup
  • A pan with no wine chicken francese pieces topped with lemon rinds with a spoon scooping the sauce.
    Chicken Francese Recipe; Without Wine
  • A piece of chocoflan on a white dessert plate with caramel dropping down its side.
    Chocolate flan cake
  • Kitchen tongs scooping some pasta with alfredo sauce from a skillet.
    Alfredo Sauce Without Cream
  • A close up picture of a chicken shawarma wrap placed on a awhite countertop with a lemon wedge on the side.
    Chicken Shawarma Recipe; with best marinade EVER

Footer

^ back to top

About

  • About Me
  • Privacy Policy
  • Accessibility Policy

Newsletter

  • Sign Up! for our latest recipes

Contact

  • Contact Us

Copyright © 2024 - Amira's Pantry

As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.