F.N. Sharp Veggie Prep Guide & Recipe Ideas: How to Pick, Cut, Cook and Store Eggplant
F.N. Sharp Veggie Prep Guide & Recipe Ideas: How to Pick, Cut, Cook and Store Eggplant
Wondering what to do with eggplants, from how to pick and store them to how to cut and cook them? This guide has all the tips and tricks, plus some delicious eggplant recipes to try!
The F.N. Sharp Guide to Choosing, Cutting, Storing and Preparing Eggplant – Plus Delicious Recipes to Try!
Alright, folks, let's talk about the mysterious eggplant. Is it a fruit? Is it a veggie? What's the deal with this purple beauty? First things first, eggplant is a unique and versatile ingredient that serves as a staple in many cuisines around the world. It’s a warm season crop and a member of the nightshade family, which includes tomatoes, peppers, and potatoes, and grows best in temperatures between 70° and 85°F (21° and 30°C). Eggplants can be found year-round In the United States, but they taste their best during their peak season, which runs from around July through October.
Is Eggplant a Fruit or Veggie: The Great Debate
Now, here's where things get interesting. Technically speaking, eggplant is classified as a fruit. Yes, you read that right! In botanical terms, a fruit is the mature ovary of a flowering plant, typically containing seeds. And guess what? Eggplant fits the bill perfectly!
But wait, there's more! Before you start throwing eggplants into your fruit salad, hold your horses! In culinary lingo, eggplant is often referred to as a vegetable. Confusing, right? Well, that's the beauty of the English language – it loves to keep us on our toes!
So, when you're in the kitchen whipping up a batch of eggplant parmesan or a flavorful baba ghanoush, just remember that while eggplant may be a fruit in the botanical world, it plays the role of a veggie on your plate.
What Does Eggplant Taste Like and Can You Eat it Raw?
If you’re wondering what eggplant tastes like or how to explain the flavor profile to someone else, then, let's explore the flavors of eggplant, both raw and cooked!
First things first: can you eat eggplant raw? The short answer is... drumroll, please... yes, you can! (Cue the applause!) Not only can you eat raw eggplant, you might be in for a surprise. Unlike other veggies that are juicy and refreshing, raw eggplant has a bit of a crunch to it. It's not as watery as a cucumber or as sweet as a bell pepper. Some say it has a slightly bitter taste, but others find it quite mild. Think of it as the rebel of the “veggie” world – a little rough around the edges, but still intriguing. Just make sure to pick a young, fresh eggplant for the best raw experience.
Now, when you cook eggplant, that's when the magic really happens. Eggplant is like a flavor chameleon – it takes on the taste of whatever you cook it with. Whether you roast it, grill it, or fry it up, eggplant has a unique ability to absorb the flavors of herbs, spices, and sauces. It's like the ultimate team player in the kitchen, blending in seamlessly with other ingredients to create a delicious dish.
The texture of eggplant when cooked becomes soft and creamy, almost melting in your mouth. It's like nature's version of butter – smooth, rich, and oh-so-satisfying. Whether you're making a hearty eggplant parmesan or a silky baba ganoush, the texture of eggplant adds a luxurious element to any dish.
When it comes to the flavor profile of eggplant, you can expect something earthy and savory. Cooked eggplant has a deep, rich taste that pairs well with bold flavors like garlic, tomatoes, and cheese. It's like the wise old sage of the vegetable world, bringing a sense of depth and complexity to your culinary creations.
How to Pick Eggplants
So, you're strolling through the produce aisle, minding your own business, when suddenly you come face to face with a bunch of eggplants. But wait, why are some of them shaped differently? Are they all the same on the inside? How do you pick the right one for its intended purpose? Fear not, because we’ve got the tips for picking out the perfect eggplant.
Male vs. Female Eggplants: What's the Difference?
First things first, let's address the elephant in the room (or should we say, the eggplant?). There are two main types of eggplant: male and female. Male eggplants tend to have fewer seeds and are less bitter than their female counterparts. So, how do you tell them apart? Well, male eggplants have a round indentation on the bottom, while female eggplants have a deep, dash-shaped indentation. Who knew eggplants had gender reveal parties too?
How to Pick the Perfect Eggplant for Cooking
Now that you know the gender differences, it's time to pick the cream of the crop (or should we say, the purple of the patch?). When choosing an eggplant, look for one that is firm, shiny, and heavy for its size. Avoid any with soft spots or wrinkled skin – nobody likes a wrinkly eggplant, are we right?
Size also matters when it comes to eggplants. Smaller eggplants tend to be less bitter and have fewer seeds, making them perfect for cooking. Plus, they cook faster, so you can whip up your eggplant parmesan in no time!
How to Cut Eggplant
Ready to slice or dice that eggplant? First, give it a nice rinse under cool water and pat dry. Next, get your cutting board ready by placing a folded, damp paper towel underneath to help stabilize. Then, grab your knife of choice – the chef's knife, the Santoku or the utility knife are all great options – and follow along with the how-to recipe video above or the instructions below.
To cut eggplant into slabs and sticks, first slice off both ends. Then, stand the eggplant up on one end to slice vertically down the length, cutting into quarter-inch thick slices. if it makes you feel more comfortable, you can lay the eggplant down and slice horizontally to create quarter-inch slabs, instead. To cut the slabs into sticks, simply slice lengthwise into quarter-inch sticks.
To cut eggplant into rounds, simply slice off both ends and continue slicing into about a quarter-inch thick slices.
To cut eggplant into a dice, follow the steps for cutting into slabs or rounds, then stack them up and make half-inch cuts one way, then turn and make half-inch cuts the other way.
When it comes to storing your eggplant, we've got some eggstraordinary tips for how to store it like a pro!First things first, when you bring home a whole eggplant, resist the urge to just toss it in the fridge and forget about it (we've all been there). Instead, place the eggplant in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. A pantry or countertop will do just fine. Just make sure it's not too close to any bananas, as they release ethylene gas that can cause the eggplant to ripen too quickly.
Now, let's say you've already sliced and diced your eggplant for that delicious stir-fry you're planning. To store cut eggplant, wrap the pieces in plastic wrap or place them in an airtight container. Pop them in the fridge and use them within a couple of days for the best taste and texture. Remember, no one likes a soggy eggplant!
If you find yourself with more eggplant than you can handle, don't fret because you can freeze it! Simply blanch the eggplant slices or cubes in boiling water for a couple of minutes, then plunge them into an ice bath to stop the cooking process. Pat them dry, place them in a freezer-safe bag or container, and pop them in the freezer. Frozen eggplant can last up to 6-8 months, giving you plenty of time to use them in soups, stews, or casseroles.
How to Cook Eggplant
If you’re tired of the same old boring vegetables and want to add a little pizzazz to your meals, then it might be time to add some eggplant! This purple beauty can be cooked in a variety of ways to suit any taste buds.
Grilled Goodness: One of the most popular ways to cook eggplant is by throwing it on the grill. Simply slice the eggplant, brush it with some olive oil, sprinkle on some salt and pepper, and grill it to perfection. The smoky flavor that the grill imparts on the eggplant will have your taste buds doing a happy dance!
Fried Favorite: If you're in the mood for something a little more indulgent, why not fry up some eggplant slices? Fried eggplant is so good, some Italian families use it as a bribe. All you have to do is slice it up, salt it up (and let sit for at least 30 minutes to remove excess moisture), then dip the slices in a light batter, fry ‘em until golden brown, and enjoy the crispy goodness. It's like a party in your mouth with every crunchy bite!
Baked Brilliance: When you need some comfort food, baked eggplant fits the bill – especially when it’s covered in melty cheese. Simply layer eggplant slices with tomato sauce and cheese for a classic Eggplant Parmesan. It's like a warm hug for your taste buds! (Cheesy goodness alert!)
Roasted to Perfection: Roasting eggplant is another fantastic way to bring out its natural flavors. Simply drizzle some olive oil over sliced eggplant, sprinkle on your favorite herbs and spices, and roast it in the oven until tender. The result? A melt-in-your-mouth dish that will have you coming back for seconds (and maybe even thirds)!
Stuffed Sensation: For a more filling meal, try stuffing eggplant with a delicious mixture of veggies, grains, and cheese. Bake the stuffed eggplant until everything is cooked through and the flavors have melded together. It's like a flavor explosion in every bite!
Curry Craze: Feeling adventurous? Why not add eggplant to a spicy curry? The eggplant soaks up all the delicious flavors of the curry sauce, making each bite a taste sensation. Serve it over rice or with some warm naan bread for a meal that will warm you from the inside out!
Healthy Substitute: Like zucchini, eggplant makes a great substitute to pasta in dishes. For example, you can cut it into thin slabs or rounds and use in place of noodles in a lasagna, or you can try spiralizing it up for your “spaghetti” dish.
Practice Your Eggplant Cutting Skills With These Recipes
Are you ready to master those eggplant-cutting skills? Here are a couple of recipes to try!
Air-Fried Eggplant Fries With Marinara Dipping Sauce
Slice up some eggplant into sticks and fire up the air fryer for this healthier alternative to French fries! Eggplant sticks, eggs, all-purpose flour, hot sauce, panko breadcrumbs, melted butter, freshly grated parmesan, roughly chopped fresh thyme, Italian seasoning, salt, pepper and some homemade marinara dipping sauce all come together in this recipe for air-fried eggplant fries!
Air-Fried Eggplant Parmesan Stack
Forget paying nearly $20 for a plate of eggplant parmesan and make it yourself with this air fryer recipe! Sliced eggplant rounds, freshly grated mozzarella cheese , panko breadcrumbs, Italian seasoned breadcrumbs, all-purpose flour, eggs, kosher salt, marinara sauce, freshly grated Parmesan-Reggiano, and fresh basil leaves all come together in this follow-along video recipe for air-fried eggplant parm!
Need More Fruit & Veggie Prep Tips? Check Out These A-Z Guides to Cutting Fruits & Veggies
The knife arrived quickly and in perfect condition. Not only is the knife well balance and very sharp, it is also beautiful. I'll be getting all my knives at F.N. Sharp in the future!
