It depends on how it’s stored. In the fridge, fresh eggplant can last two or three weeks. In the freezer, it’ll be good for about eight months. It will remain safe to eat after that, but time will adversely affect taste and texture.
Can you freeze an uncooked eggplant?
You can absolutely freeze eggplant. Eggplant that has been frozen and thawed will never be exactly like fresh eggplant, but there are some things you can do to preserve the texture and taste.
How do I know if an eggplant has gone bad?
When buying an eggplant, the flesh should be firm but give slightly when pressed, then bounce back. If your eggplant is soft to the touch, that’s an indication that it’s beginning to spoil. In addition, if the flesh of the eggplant is slimy, you’ll want to throw it away.
Can you freeze eggplant if so how?
You can halve, cube, or slice eggplant to roast before freezing: 1. Eggplant halves: Roast eggplant halves in the oven with olive oil at 400 degrees Fahrenheit for 35 to 40 minutes, or until the flesh is soft. You can then scoop the flesh into a freezer-safe container and store it in the freezer.
Can you eat eggplant that has gone bad?
Answer. Eggplant flesh will have tan to brown colored spots around the seeds. If this is the color you are referring to, it is edible. If the flesh is more brown than white, the eggplant may be spoiling and should be discarded.
How do you defrost frozen eggplant?
Once you have your stash of frozen eggplant, before you use it in a recipe, thaw overnight in the fridge. Drain off any excess water and pat dry if needed. Then use in any eggplant recipe you love!
What is the best way to preserve eggplant?
(Cut eggplant needs to go into the refrigerator or freezer.) Place the eggplant in a paper bag or a vented bowl. No need to tightly close the bag or cover the bowl—eggplants require airflow to stay fresh. Keep the eggplant out of direct sunlight and place it in a cool room, about 54 degrees Fahrenheit.
Is it OK to eat eggplant with brown spots?
Eat or toss: Eat! This eggplant likely had a traumatic experience (most likely cold temps; possibly it was dropped), but the brown coloring doesn’t signal that any harmful microbes have moved in.
What are the black dots in eggplant?
If you notice black seeds inside the eggplant when you cut it open, throw it away; it has been sitting around too long and will be bitter. Eggplant are naturally sweet when fresh, and do not need to be salted for a long time to remove bitterness.
What does bad eggplant taste like?
Old or overripe eggplants or those that are off color or sit out for a while after being harvested are more likely to exhibit a bitter flavor. Therefore, choose eggplants that are heavy, shiny and firm and avoid eggplants that are off-colored and/or do not exhibit a bright, glossy color.
Can you fry frozen eggplant?
Slip the frozen eggplant into ziptop bags, removing as much air as possible, and label them. The slices can be baked or fried straight from the freezer, no need to thaw.
What can I do with too many eggplants?
Serve the roasted eggplant on its own or as part of an antipasto platter, fold it into pastas, layer it over pizza dough or in a vegetable tart, or toss it with other roasted vegetables and serve it as a salad.
How long does eggplant last in fridge?
5 – 7 days
To refrigerate, wrap in a paper towel and place in a reusable container or perforated plastic bag in the crisper section of your refrigerator for use within 5 – 7 days. Eggplant may also be blanched or steamed then frozen for up to six months.
Can you cut off bad parts of an eggplant?
Salvaging Spotties. With eggplants that are only slightly blemished internally, the best option is to peel them, then dig or cut away the brown and tough sections. Next, chop the eggplant into chunks and brush them with lemon to prevent more discoloration prior to cooking.
Can you cut mold off eggplant?
If your eggplant is still firm and the mold spots are really small, it’s safe to cut off the affected spots and eat or cook with the rest of the plant. Make sure to leave a 1 in (2.5 cm) perimeter around the mold spot as you slice it out. That way, the contaminated part of the veggie can’t touch the rest of the plant.
Should eggplant be firm or soft?
slightly firm
“Eggplant should be slightly firm but not hard,” says Leone. In other words, if you push on it with your finger and the veggie feels very soft, or you’re able to puncture the skin, it’s too far gone. A perfectly ripe eggplant will not have as much give when touched as a ripe tomato or peach.
Can you freeze eggplant without blanching?
Place the eggplant slices in the boiling water and blanch them for 4 minutes. Blanching destroys enzymes in the eggplant that cause the vegetable to break down over time. If you do not blanch the eggplant, it will begin losing nutritional value, color, and flavor within a month, even if you freeze it.
Do you Blanch eggplant before cooking?
Eggplant tends to oxidize (turn brown) quickly, so it’s best to prep a small batch at a time (no more than what you’re able to process in 15 to 30 minutes). Once the water has reached a rolling boil, drop the eggplant rounds into the pot, and blanch them for four minutes.
How do you reheat frozen eggplant?
Preheat your oven to 350 °F (177 °C) or 325 °F (163 °C) for the toaster oven. Place the eggplant in an oven-safe dish. Cover the dish loosely with foil. Bake the dish for 5-10 minutes.
Should you store eggplant in the refrigerator?
The best place to store eggplant is not in the refrigerator, but at room temperature, where it’s likely to last longer. Keep eggplant in a cool spot, away from direct sunlight, and use it as soon as possible after harvesting or buying.
How is eggplant good for you?
Eggplant has antioxidants like vitamins A and C, which help protect your cells against damage. It’s also high in natural plant chemicals called polyphenols, which may help cells do a better job of processing sugar if you have diabetes.