July, August, and September (even into October) are all harvest months for eggplant, depending on where you live and the variety you planted. Don’t wait too long to harvest!
What time of year can you buy eggplant?
SEASON: Although available year-round, eggplant is at its peak from July to October. CHOOSING: When selecting, look for eggplants with firm, glossy skin. Size and color vary widely among types, but the eggplant should feel heavy. Avoid those with wrinkled skin, soft spots, or brown patches.
Is eggplant available year-round?
Eggplant is available year-round, but it’s at its best in August and September. Choose an eggplant that is heavy for its size. It should have a fresh cap of leaves, and the skin should be shiny and free of brown spots. Supermarkets typically carry globe and Japanese or Chinese eggplants.
What season is eggplant season?
Eggplants are in peak season from July through October.
Can you get eggplant in winter?
In a nutshell, your eggplants can survive winter weather, but not on their own. Eggplants are perennial plants which means that they regrow every year. Eggplants never stop growing all year. Many perennials are accustomed to winter weather and become dormant during colder months.
How do you buy fresh eggplant?
“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.
How do you buy good quality eggplant?
5 Things to Look for When Buying Eggplant at the Grocery Store
- It’s heavy for its size.
- The skin is vivid, smooth, and shiny.
- The stem is green.
- It feels slightly firm.
- Choose small- to medium-sized to avoid bitterness.
Which state produces the most eggplants?
New Jersey
The census indicates New Jersey harvested 849 acres of eggplant in 2019, ahead of California’s 705, Florida’s 685 and Georgia’s 624. No other state harvested more than 500 acres. Those 849 acres yield about 16 million pounds of Jersey Fresh Eggplant, with a production value of roughly $6 million.
What are the benefits of eggplants?
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.
Which eggplant is best?
Sweet, tender, flavorful and creamy, Fairy Tale are simply the best eggplants we’ve ever tasted,” says Taylor. This quick-cooking variety is so delicious that it doesn’t even need to be salted. Taylor suggests slicing them lengthwise, then tossing them into stir-fries or sautés, or skewering them on the grill.
Do you have to peel eggplant before you cook it?
While the skin of a small young eggplant is edible, the skin becomes bitter on larger or older eggplants and should be peeled. When in doubt, the answer to, “Do you peel eggplant before cooking?” is yes, peel it.
What part of an eggplant do you eat?
skin
The skin is entirely edible, though with larger eggplants it can be a little tough. If your eggplant is young, tender, and on the small side, the nutrient-rich skin can probably be left on for skillet frying or braising. Otherwise, peel the skin and then slice or cube the flesh.
Do you soak eggplant before cooking?
Soak eggplant slices or cubes in milk for about 30 minutes before cooking. The milk not only tempers the bitterness, but it actually makes for eggplant that is extra creamy, since the vegetable acts like a sponge and soaks up a good amount of milk in its flesh.
Is eggplant a summer or winter vegetable?
Eggplants—also known as aubergines or brinjals—are warm-weather vegetables that are harvested in mid- to late summer. Eggplants taste best when harvested young.
How many seasons do eggplants last?
How Long Does Eggplant Last?
| Pantry | Fridge | |
|---|---|---|
| Eggplant (whole) | 3 – 4 days | 7 days |
| Eggplant (cut) | 3 – 4 days | |
| Eggplant (cooked) | 3 – 4 days |
What climate do eggplants grow best in?
Eggplants are a warm-season crop that cannot tolerate frost or freezing temperatures. Eggplants can only grow in warm soil—50 degrees Fahrenheit or above. The best time to plant eggplant is in late spring after the last threat of frost.
What color is a ripe eggplant?
Ripe eggplants should be firm but not hard. Flesh should be white with a slight green tint (orange eggplants ripen orange/green inside). If you are unsure of your eggplant’s ripeness, cut one crosswise and check the seeds. They should be clearly visible.
Which is better male or female eggplant?
Source: The Cook’s Thesaurus, by Lori Alden. Despite the ages old, old-wives tale that there are male and female eggplants and the male of the species is better eating – detected because it has an “outie” blossom end as opposed to the female “innie” blossom end – there is no such thing.
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 long does eggplant keep in the refrigerator?
2. Refrigerate: You can store eggplants in the crisper drawer for up to one week. Gently wrap your eggplant in paper towels to protect it from moisture, then place it in an unsealed plastic bag.
What country eats the most eggplant?
China
China (34M tonnes) constituted the country with the largest volume of eggplant consumption, accounting for 67% of total volume.
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