Eggplant – All You Need to Know | Instacart Guide to Fresh Produce

What is eggplant?

Eggplant is classified as a berry, so technically, it’s a fruit. But it’s eaten like a vegetable. It comes from the nightshade family, along with its cousins, tomatoes, okra, and zucchini. It’s a versatile example of fresh produce that easily absorbs flavors and complements various cuisines and preparation styles.

The eggplant grows in hot climates during the summer months and comes in a wide range of sizes, from a 2in globe to a foot-long tubular variety. Here in the U.S., the most common type is the Italian eggplant, which is usually teardrop-shaped and purplish-black with a thick stem. But it can also come in colors that range from white to lavender. Less common colors are pale green, yellow, and red.

In much of Europe, eggplant is known as aubergine, a French word Americans use to describe the color of an eggplant.

Asian varieties look slightly different. They have the typical elongated shape in a lavender/violet hue with fewer seeds and thinner skin that doesn’t need to be peeled. There are also Italian variants like the rosa bianca (or graffiti) eggplant, which is milder than the dark purple versions with a mild flavor. Today, with farmers’ markets around the country, you can find heirloom varieties in all shapes, sizes, and colors. Find a wide variety of eggplant types with Instacart, including the beautiful rosa bianca.

Where did eggplant originate?

There’s little agreement about where eggplant was first discovered. Some believe the plant is native to India. Others believe it grew wild in Africa or South Asia. The first known record of the plant is from an ancient agricultural document that dates back to 544.

Today, China and India combined account for almost 90% of the world’s eggplant production.

What’s the nutritional value of eggplant, and what are its health benefits?

Eggplant is extremely low in calories and contains only a trace amount of fat. It’s also low in carbohydrates, sodium, protein, and cholesterol but contains almost no vitamins or minerals. Its best redeeming health benefit is being a good source of fiber, which is helpful in digestion and heart health. It’s also known to contain phytonutrients, which many nutritionists say is good for sound mental health by boosting your memory and allowing neural pathways to develop.

How is eggplant grown?

Eggplant is a warm-weather crop preferring temperatures between 70–80°F for its best and fastest growth. Like a tomato or pepper plant, the eggplant hangs from a tall, angular bush that stands several feet tall. While its color can vary, so can its size. An eggplant can grow in the ground or a planter. From seed, it takes 100–120 days to full maturity.

When is eggplant in season?

Eggplant is a mid-summer to late-summer vegetable, making it a favorite of outdoor barbecues along with other grilled vegetables.

How do you pick eggplant at the grocery store?

At the store, look for an eggplant that’s smooth and shiny. Dull skin is a sign of poor storage and possibly even bad quality. Wrinkles are a dead giveaway that the eggplant is old and shouldn’t be eaten.

The eggplant should also be slightly firm, but not hard. Try pushing on it gently with your finger. If it feels mushy or you’ve gone through the skin, it’s overripe. It should not have as much give as a ripe tomato or peach.

While the overall color of an Italian eggplant should be dark purple, the stem should be green and free of mold. Even if its purple skin looks good, the stem will tell the tale. Large eggplants tend to be bitter and have a lot of seeds. Your best bet in size is small to medium with a well-formed shape.

If you are looking to have your groceries delivered, you can easily shop for eggplant via Instacart. After adding a product to your cart, use the “Instructions” option to notify your Instacart shopper about any preferences or specific directions on how to choose the best products. Shop for eggplant.

How do you store eggplant?

Keep your eggplant in the refrigerator and eat it within a week. Place it, clean and uncut, in a plastic bag and store it in the crisper drawer. If it doesn’t fit, place it on a shelf. Don’t try to force it because if the skin becomes damaged, it will rot quickly. Although it’s a large vegetable, its skin is very delicate.

How do you know if an eggplant has gone bad?

There are a few ways to tell if an eggplant is no good. In general, check to ensure it’s not squishy and doesn’t have any soft spots. If the stem begins turning brown or molding, or if there’s any mold anywhere, it’s too far gone to be eaten.

What can you substitute for eggplant?

Eggplant is versatile and can be used in an unlimited number of ways. It’s equally versatile when it comes to substitutions. Shitake mushrooms, zucchini, and green tomatoes will all work in a pinch as they share a similar texture to the eggplant.

How do you cook eggplant?

Eggplant is so versatile it can be prepared in an unlimited number of ways. But it has one slightly bothersome quality: it contains a lot of moisture and can be bitter. Salting it will extract its extra liquid, making the texture more palatable. You can either slice or cube it, then allow it to sit in a colander for an hour or more to drain. Rinse the salt away before cooking. Then press gently with a paper towel to remove the extra juices. Enjoy it grilled, roasted, or breaded and fried.

Some popular eggplant dishes include eggplant parmesan, fried eggplant, moussaka, ratatouille, and baba ganoush. It’s also widely used in French, Turkish, Greek, and Asian dishes.