An A to Z guide to choosing, storing, preparing, and cooking fresh produce and recipe ingredients.
RealSimple.comEggplant
Believe it or not, the eggplant is actually a berry! Popular in Mediterranean and Indian cuisines, it’s a delicious, versatile
player worth getting to know better.
Season: Year-round; peak August through September.
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How to Choose Eggplant
An eggplant should feel weighty for its size and is tastiest at less than 1½ pounds. Larger, older ones tend to be bitter. Look for a smooth, shiny, dark purple or creamy white skin (a dull exterior indicates over-ripeness) and a green stem with leaves clinging to the top. Purple, white, or striped baby eggplants are tender and sweet. -
How to Store Eggplant
Refrigerate eggplant up to 5 days; after that, it becomes bitter.
How to Prepare Eggplant
The skin of young eggplants is tender and edible; older fruits should be peeled.
Find out what's in season in your area right now, then locate a farmers' market near you.
