Eggplant is a nutritious vegetable. It
is also known as aubergine. It is widely used in cooking. However, if it is not
stored properly, it spoils quickly. After buying or collecting eggplant from
your home garden, you must eat it fresh. But if you want to eat it after a
few days, you must store it properly. It seems that you don’t know how to
store eggplant. So you have clicked on the article. No problem. Today, I
have shared the best methods to store eggplant in this article. If you want to
learn how to store eggplant, you read the article till the end without
skipping. So, let's learn how to store eggplant.
Best Methods to Store Eggplant: Fresh, Frozen or Cooked
Storing Fresh Eggplants
Room Temperature Storage
If you want to eat eggplant within a day
or two, store it at room temperature. Now, learn how to store eggplant at room
temperature:
- Avoid Refrigeration: Eggplant is sensitive to cold temperatures. Storing it in the refrigerator for a long time can cause brown spots. It can also spoil its taste.
- Store Eggplant in a Cool and Dry
Place: Keep
the eggplant on a countertop. Keep it away from direct sunlight and heat.
- Separate Eggplant from
Ethylene-producing Fruits: Do not store eggplant near bananas, apples or
tomatoes because these emit ethylene gas which spoils eggplant quickly.
Refrigerate for Short-term Storage
You can store eggplant in the
refrigerator for a short time. Now let's see what to do for short-term
storage of eggplant:
- Wrap in Paper Towels: Wrap each
eggplant in a paper towel in the refrigerator to absorb excess moisture and
prevent condensation.
- Use a Loose Bag: Keep eggplant in
a perforated or loosely sealed plastic bag that allows air to circulate.
- Store in the Vegetable Drawer: Keep eggplant in
the crisper drawer of your refrigerator. This drawer maintains ideal humidity.
Storing Cut or Sliced Eggplants
How to Store Cut Eggplant in the Fridge
Sliced or cut eggplants oxidize and turn
brown quickly when exposed to air. So, follow these steps to store them.
- Use Lemon or Salt Water: Soak the slices
in water with lemon juice or a pinch of salt to prevent browning.
- Seal Tightly: Store the
slices in an airtight container or a resealable plastic bag.
- Refrigerate Immediately: Refrigerate the slices immediately and use the stored slices within 1-2 days.
How to store eggplant long term
Freezing is an excellent option for
storing eggplant for months. To freeze it, follow the steps below:
Preparing Eggplants for Freezing
- Wash and Slice: Clean the
eggplant thoroughly and cut it into slices or cubes.
- Blanch the Pieces: Boil the slices
for 4–5 minutes. Then transfer them to an ice bath to halt the cooking process.
- Pat Dry: Dry the pieces
completely with paper towels to prevent freezer burn.
Freezing the Eggplant
- Flash Freeze: Lay the
blanched pieces on a baking sheet in a single layer and freeze for 2–3 hours.
- Store in Bags: Once frozen,
transfer the pieces to resealable freezer bags or airtight containers. Remove
as much air as possible before sealing.
- Label and Store: Label the bags
with the date and use the frozen eggplant within 10–12 months.
Storing Cooked Eggplants
If you cook eggplant dishes like baba
ghanoush, ratatouille, or fried slices, you can store them for later use.
Refrigerating Cooked Eggplant
- Cool Completely: Let the cooked
eggplant cool to room temperature.
- Use Airtight Containers: Keep the cooked
eggplant in an airtight container or tightly wrap it in aluminum foil.
- Refrigerate: Store in the
fridge for up to 3–4 days.
Freezing Cooked Eggplant
- Portion the Dish: Divide the
cooked eggplant into meal-sized portions for easy thawing.
- Seal and Freeze: Use freezer-safe
containers or bags, and label them with the date. Frozen cooked eggplant can
last up to 3 months.
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Storing Eggplants
- Washing Before Storage: Don't wash
eggplant before storing it because moisture can speed up spoilage. Wash it only
before use.
- Storing in Sealed Plastic
Bags:
Lack of airflow can cause condensation and rot. Always use perforated bags.
- Ignoring Ripeness: Overripe
eggplant spoils faster. So, check for firmness and shiny skin before buying or
storing.
- Storing Near Heat Sources: Heat can
degrade the quality of eggplant quickly. So, don't keep it near stoves or
ovens.
Finally, eggplant is a tasty vegetable. Everyone wants to keep it for a long time. Like others, if you want to keep eggplant for a long time, you need to know its proper storage method. I think you have learned well from this article how to store eggplant. Now, you have no problem with storing eggplant. Whether you plant or buy it, you can store eggplant easily by following the instructions in the article. Always stay with this blog site to read more such helpful articles.
If you find this guide helpful, share it with your friends and family. And, if you have anything unknown about this, don't forget to mention it in the comments.
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