The Best Way to Store Eggplant

Meghan Splawn
Meghan Splawn
Meghan was the Food Editor for Kitchn's Skills content. She's a master of everyday baking, family cooking, and harnessing good light. Meghan approaches food with an eye towards budgeting — both time and money — and having fun. Meghan has a baking and pastry degree, and spent the first 10 years of her career as part of Alton Brown's culinary team. She co-hosts a weekly podcast about food and family called Didn't I Just Feed You.
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published Jul 23, 2016
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Falling in love with eggplant isn’t just about learning to cook this humble nightshade. No, to really love an eggplant, we must know how to care for it at home. If storing eggplant seems simple to you, the answers of how and where to store your eggplant might surprise you.

At Room Temperature

Store whole fresh eggplant at room temperature. Keep it away from melons, bananas, and other ethylene producers in a bowl or basket on the countertop — out of direct sunlight. Eggplant is best cooked within three days of purchasing. If your market sells shrink-wrapped specimens, unwrap your eggplant as soon as you get it home.

In a Cupboard or Pantry

While eggplants dislike cool temperatures below 50°F, your kitchen may run hotter than what is typically considered room temperature (68°F to 72°F) during the summer months. A cool, dark cabinet is a great place to store eggplant if your kitchen runs hot, but do not cover it, as this promotes decay; instead store it in a bowl or basket away from other pantry vegetables like potatoes and onions.

Okay, Fine … in the Fridge

While the refrigerator isn’t the best storage spot for eggplants, if your kitchen does get hot and humid, it might be the best alternative to countertop or cupboard storage. Refrigerate but use as quickly as possible to prevent soft spots.

Learn More: The Best Place to Store Eggplant Is Not in the Refrigerator

Do you have any tricks for storing summer produce?