Feb 27, 2025 · Ripe eggplants boast a deep purple color that’s glossy and inviting. If the skin appears shiny and has that signature purple hue, it’s likely at its peak. The deep purple, almost black coloration is a reliable sign that the eggplant is mature and ready for harvest.

Eggplants should be picked as soon as they are ripe, with slightly immature fruits tasting best. One of the easiest ways to determine if they are ripe is to gently squeeze the eggplant. Once you release, the skins should "bounce back". If indentations remain, the fruit is not quite ripe yet.

Jul 11, 2024 · Eggplants are ready to pick when they have reached their full size, are firm and shiny, and give slightly when you press your fingernail in the skin. Read on to get the details about picking perfectly ripe eggplants for your dinner table.

Apr 25, 2023 · Knowing when an eggplant is ripe is key to getting the best flavor and texture, and making sure the plant is at its peak of nutritional value. Here, we’ll discuss the signs of a ripe eggplant, so you can make the most of your harvest.

Dec 7, 2022 · When is the perfect time to harvest eggplant? Learn the easy ways to know when an eggplant is ripe for the perfect flavor and texture.

Feb 27, 2025 · Eggplants are ripe when their skin is deep, glossy purple and they feel firm to the touch. It’s like they’re giving you a little nudge to signal they’re ready to join your dinner table.

Oct 1, 2024 · Here are some key characteristics to look for: 1. Firmness. Ripe eggplants have a firm and smooth skin that is free from wrinkles or bruises. Gently press the skin with your finger. If it gives slightly but bounces back quickly, it’s a sign of ripeness. 2. Color.

When choosing an eggplant, look for one that is firm to the touch and has smooth, shiny skin. Avoid eggplants that are soft or have wrinkled skin, as this is a sign that they are overripe. Additionally, ripe eggplants should feel heavy for their size. Another way to tell if an eggplant is ripe is by pressing your thumb against the skin.

Dec 28, 2021 · An eggplant is ripe when its skin looks a bit shiny. When pressed, the outside of the eggplant will indent briefly, then plump back up to its usual shape if it is ripe.

There are several ways to tell if your eggplant is ripe: When Is Eggplant Overripe? If the color of your eggplant appears dull, and the skin is wrinkled or loose, then it’s overripe. Another method to see if your eggplants are past their prime is to press your finger gently into the skin.