What Does Eggplant Taste Like (+ How to Cook Eggplant)
on Feb 24, 2022
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If you’re at the grocery store and glance at the different vegetables available, you’re probably familiar with the look of an eggplant. After all, there aren’t a lot of deep purple veggies out there. But if you’ve tasted eggplant and are asked to describe the flavor, what would you say?
Eggplant is a very versatile vegetable that’s available in different varieties and enjoyed in many cultures. Let’s take a deep dive into the taste, and how to choose, prepare, and cook eggplants.
What is Eggplant?
Large and egg-shaped, long and slender, or even miniature sized, eggplant is enjoyed worldwide and dates back to prehistoric times.
The skin color can range from deep purple to white, and the flesh varies from pale white to light tan.
Eggplant is part of the nightshade family of fruit, which also includes tomatoes, potatoes, and sweet peppers.
What Does Eggplant Taste Like?
There are many different types of eggplant, but the flavors are similar. On its own, eggplant can be somewhat bland and mild, similar to a zucchini or summer squash.
The texture of cooked eggplant has some substance but is also tender and creamy. The key to eggplant is to add flavors that complement it. That’s why you’ll often find it in well-seasoned dishes that also include zucchini, tomatoes, and peppers.
Raw eggplant is slightly bitter and has a bouncy, spongy texture that can be compared to some varieties of mushrooms.
Does Eggplant Taste Like Zucchini?
Both zucchini and eggplant are known for their mild flavor and can be slightly bitter. Eggplant tends to absorb more of the flavors it is cooked with.
What Does a Good Eggplant Feel Like – How to Choose the Best Eggplant
When selecting an eggplant, it’s important to choose one that feels heavy for its size and has no dark or soft spots. To check for ripeness, gently press the skin. If it bounces back, it’s ripe and ready to use. If it stays indented, it’s underripe and will need a few more days to ripen before using. Dark or soft spots indicate that the eggplant has passed its prime or is starting to spoil.
How to Store Eggplant Properly
Similar to potatoes, eggplants are best stored in a cool, dark area away from direct light instead of in the fridge. Note that eggplants stored in the fridge will only last for a few days. They last longer stored at room temperature.
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How to Cook Eggplant
Ingredients
- 1 pound eggplant
- salt
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 2 tablespoons minced garlic
Instructions
- After rinsing and slicing the eggplant, sprinkle it with coarse or fine salt.
- Let it sit in a strainer over a bowl or in the sink for 15-20 minutes.
- Pat the slices dry with paper towels or a kitchen towel.
- Heat a large non-stick skillet with oil. Add a couple cloves of minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute. Do not let the garlic burn.
- Add the eggplant, and any additional ingredients you like, and then stir fry for a few minutes until cooked through.
Nutrition information provided is an estimate only and will vary based on ingredient brands and cooking methods used.