How to tell if eggplant is bad?
In this brief article, we will answer the question, “how to tell if eggplant is bad?”. We will also discuss in detail, the shelf life, and storage methods of eggplant.
How to tell if eggplant is bad?
Eggplant does go bad, and much more quickly than you might expect. The fungus will spread and the interior will be mushy, brown, and slimy in five days. It turns brown as soon as you cut it and begins to oxidize as soon as it is exposed to air, which is similar to unripe avocados and potatoes. However, this does not make it hazardous to consume. Make sure the bread looks and tastes fresh by drizzling it with lemons or vinegar, but consume it right away.
How long does eggplant last?
If stored at room temperature, these will keep fresh for three to five days. It may be stored in the refrigerator for approximately 7 to 10 days.
Since we are discussing veggies, you should not be surprised if they spoil after two or three days in the fridge. It is impossible to tell how fresh the veggie was before you bought it.
Eggplant will only maintain its freshness for 3 to 4 days if you chop it ahead of time. Cutting it ahead of time can help if you need it on Friday. The longer you store cooked eggplant, the fresher it will be.
This vegetable will stay for months in the freezer, even if you chose to freeze it.
Please keep in mind that the below estimates are for the highest quality.
| Pantry | Fridge | |
| Eggplant (whole) | 3 – 5 days | 7 – 10 days |
| Eggplant (cut) | 3 – 4 days | |
| Eggplant (cooked) | 3 – 5 days |
How to keep eggplant fresh?
Because eggplants are best stored between 50-54°F (or 10-12°C), a cold pantry or cellar is the optimum place to keep them. Some people, however, do not have pantries as cool as this.
To use the refrigerator, you must either keep your kitchen or pantry at 50-54°F, or you must keep the refrigerator at the temperature that is most comfortable for you.
Short-term storage is best done at the kitchen counter or pantry. Wrap the eggplant in paper towels and set it in a well-ventilated location.
Store eggplant refrigerated for 3 or 4 days if you want to keep it for longer than that. You do not need to wrap and store the freshly harvested ones; simply store them in the fridge. You should avoid wrapping eggplants in anything, so they do not rot in storage.
8 Ways To Tell If Your Eggplant Is Bad
If you know how to buy fresh eggplant, you will start with a beautiful, plump, firm, purple-shiny fruit. Things will start to go downhill after a few days.
1. Eggplant has lost its firmness and has begun to soften.
2. It is no longer as gleaming as it once was.
3. The skin becomes slightly shriveled.’
4. Your eggplant is slightly slimy when cut.
5. When cut, the flesh turns brown.
6. The seeds have a slimy texture.
7. The fruit has rotting spots on it.
8. It began to smell rotten.
Even if the eggplant starts to brown on the inside, it may still be eaten. You may cook it in the oven before serving. If you are going to grate it into a salad, it must be exceptionally fresh, hard, and white. Also, consider that if you leave the eggplant on the dish after cutting it, it will rapidly spoil.” Cook or consume it as soon as possible once it has been sliced.
Other FAQs about Vegetables which you may be interested in.
How to know if celery is spoiled?
How long does cabbage last in the fridge?
8 ways to enjoy eggplant
Curry it
Cut eggplant into cubes and simmer until tender in your favorite curry sauce. Over brown basmati rice, serve.
Stir-fry
Add eggplant [along with other hard vegetables] to your stir-fry early so it cooks thoroughly.
Roast, peel, and toss with pasta
A small eggplant should be roasted. That is great. Cut into cubes after peeling. Fresh basil should be added to the tomato sauce. Serve on top of pasta.
Pizza with Eggplant
Cubes of eggplant can be used to top a pizza. Tomatoes, black olives, and red onion should be added. It is delicious!
Serve after baking
Cut the eggplant into thin slices, using a sharp knife. Coat with bread crumbs before adding beaten egg whites to the mix. The potatoes should be soft when you remove them from the oven. Top with freshly grated Parmesan cheese. To serve on toasted buns, offer mixed greens, tomato slices, and black olives.
Kababs
Cut eggplant into cubes and add with your favorite kebab ingredients.
Appetizers
Yes, absolutely! At your next party, Eggplant Bruschetta will be a hit.
Lasagna with eggplant
Use eggplant instead of noodles in lasagna by slicing it lengthwise into thin slivers. For a delicious meal, serve with crusty bread.
Conclusion
In this brief article, we answered the question, “how to tell if eggplant is bad?”. We also discussed in detail, the shelf life and storage methods of eggplant.
