Why Did My White Eggplant Turn Yellow?

Overripe – One of the main causes of white eggplant turning yellow is allowing it to grow too long. Overripe eggplant results in mushy flesh and bitter flavor. Knowing when to pick your young eggplants can solve this problem. Pest Infestation – Pests invading your eggplant bushes cause yellowing of leaves and skin.

Can you eat eggplant when it turns yellow?

In any event, your eggplants are edible regardless of color, though specimens that are yellow because they are overripe will not have the best taste as would an eggplant picked at the peak of ripeness.

Why are my eggplant plants turning yellow?

When the weather gets hot, eggplants can prematurely turn yellow due to sun overexposure. Try using a shade cloth to protect those tender eggplants from sunburn, but don’t forget to watch them carefully so you don’t miss out! As you’ve discovered, some summer vegetables can overwinter in milder climates.

Is there such a thing as a yellow eggplant?

Yellow eggplants, botanically classified as Solanum melongena, are a rare Thai heirloom variety and are members of the Solanaceae, or nightshade family along with potatoes, tomatoes, and peppers.

How do you know when a white eggplant is ripe?

Ripe eggplants should feel firm to the touch but not hard, with white, glossy skin. Give the eggplant a light tap: if it makes a dull sound, that’s also a sign that it’s ripe and ready to be picked.

Why is my eggplant yellow instead of purple?

Eggplants naturally turn yellow/brown when they fully ripen, as purple eggplants are technically underripe fruit. However, fully ripe eggplants are not really edible, so pick them before they turn yellow. Note that some eggplant varieties are naturally yellow when unripe, too.

How can you tell if an eggplant has gone bad?

8 Tips to tell if eggplant has gone bad

1. Eggplant stopped being firm and starts getting soft.
2. It is not so nicely shiny any more.
3. The skin starts looking slightly shriveled’
4. When cut, your eggplant is slightly slimy.
5. The flesh, when cut, is turning brown.
6. The seeds are slimy.
7. There are rotting spots on the fruit.

How often should eggplant be watered?

Eggplant also needs consistent water, at least 1 inch per week. It is better to give one thorough soaking than several frequent, short waterings, because frequent watering promotes shallow roots. Weather and soil type, of course, will affect water demand.

Is white eggplant edible?

White eggplants are best suited for cooked applications such as sautéing, pan-frying, deep-frying, grilling, and baking. Their skins are firmer than purple varieties and should be peeled before cooking. They can be sliced and grilled, used in stir-fries or sautéed with other vegetables as a side dish.

What is the best fertilizer for eggplant?

A balanced fertilizer (10-10-10) is often recommended for eggplant. Feeding too much nitrogen at this point can result in large, leafy plants that fail to produce fruit.

Why are my eggplant not turning purple?

Believe it or not, eggplant isn’t always purple. There are many types of eggplant that come in a variety of colors ranging from white to a deep violet that’s almost black. What is this? It’s entirely possible the eggplant you’re growing is merely a different variety from any that turns purple.

Why are my eggplants turning brown?

The brown area is caused by sun scalding. If the scalding is not too severe, it can be removed and the eggplant eaten.

Will eggplant ripen after picking?

You can ripen eggplants after harvesting, but results vary, depending on the problem. Ripen them on the counter at room temperature. It helps to put the eggplants in a paper bag where they should ripen within a few days.

Can you pick eggplant too early?

You cannot harvest eggplants too early. Baby eggplants are a delight to eat. But you can leave them too long. Eggplant should be harvested when they are one-third to two-thirds full mature size.

How big do white eggplants get?

Cultivar Comparison Table

Variety	Days to Maturity	Fruit Size & Shape
Ghostbuster	72–80	6–7 inches long, 4 inches wide; oval
Gretel	50–60	3–4 inches; elongated
Japanese White Egg	65	2–3 inches; egg-shaped
Paloma	65	4–5 inches long, 3 inches wide; bell-shaped

Why is my purple eggplant turning white?

Discoloration and Other Eggplant Problems
If you have a purple eggplant turning white or developing a pale brown patch, that can be caused by sunscald. Eggplants are a heat-loving plant but direct sunlight can damage the fruit, causing brown or pale patches where the skin becomes leathery.

Does eggplant like acidic soil?

Eggplant prefers soil that’s on the acidic, or low-pH side. A home soil test kit or soil test meter can determine your soil’s pH level. If it is higher than 6.5, add about 1 pound of sulfur per 100 square feet for every point by which you need to lower the pH.

Is it okay to eat overripe eggplant?

If you cut open the fruit and ask yourself, “is ripe eggplant brown inside?” you’re better off not to eat it. If the flesh is brown, it’s crossed into overripe territory.

Is it OK to eat eggplant with brown spots?

It’s likely just been exposed to air and is experiencing enzymatic browning. An eggplant with brown spots is not safe to eat if it contains bugs or mold or exhibits other signs of spoilage. It should be thrown out.

What does an overwatered eggplant look like?

An overwatered eggplant will also show symptoms of this problem on its leaves. Look for leaves that feel wet, soft, and limp. More symptoms of overwatering include premature leaf drop of new growth and soft, brown, or mushy roots that prevent the plant from taking water, causing leaf curl and wilting.

Does eggplant like full sun?

As a basic rule of thumb, vegetables grown for their fruit or roots—such as tomatoes, eggplant, peppers, squash, potatoes, or carrots—require full sun, which is defined as a garden location that receives at least six hours of direct sun each day.