How to Select and Store Eggplant

A member of the night-shade family, eggplant is a veggie related to the tomato and potato. This berry, the eggplant, is a fruit and is native to India. The common variety is know by many names depending in what region of the world you live. Aubergine, Brinjal, and Garden Egg are just a few of the names referring to an eggplant.

Selection

It's been my experience that eggplant with a shiny smooth exterior are the best. At all costs avoid any eggplant with blemishes, soft spots or mold around the stem area. A vast variety of colors and shapes can be found at ethnic markets. Size, color and variety choices will provide different flavors, so give them all a try with assorted recipes.

Shopping Tips

Try to find heavy eggplant.

Just like other fruits, the heavier, the juicier, the fresher.

Select the deepest purple for the traditional eggplant.

Select shiny, firm, with no blemishes for all colors of eggplant.

Look for stem tops that are green... avoid dried, grey or moldy looking stems!

Find out when your market receives their weekly shipments and shop on that day.