Everything you need to know about brown inside eggplants: good or bad?
What To Know
- When eggplant is exposed to air, the enzymes in the flesh react with oxygen and cause the flesh to turn brown.
- In addition to oxidation, there are a few other factors that can affect the color of eggplant flesh.
- Brown eggplant is safe to eat and can be used in any recipe that calls for eggplant.
If you’ve ever cut into an eggplant and found the flesh to be brown, you may have wondered if it was still good to eat. After all, most fruits and vegetables are at their best when they’re bright and colorful.
What Causes Eggplant to Turn Brown Inside?
The browning of eggplant flesh is a natural process called oxidation. When eggplant is exposed to air, the enzymes in the flesh react with oxygen and cause the flesh to turn brown. This process is similar to what happens when apples or bananas turn brown after being cut.
Is Brown Eggplant Safe to Eat?
Yes, brown eggplant is safe to eat. The browning of the flesh does not affect the flavor or nutritional value of the eggplant. In fact, some people believe that brown eggplant has a sweeter flavor than white eggplant.
How to Prevent Eggplant from Turning Brown
There are a few things you can do to prevent eggplant from turning brown after you cut it.
- Store eggplant in the refrigerator. Eggplant will keep for up to a week in the refrigerator.
- Cut eggplant just before you’re ready to cook it. This will help to minimize the amount of time that the eggplant is exposed to air.
- Brush eggplant with lemon juice. Lemon juice contains citric acid, which helps to slow down the oxidation process.
- Store eggplant in a sealed container. This will help to keep the eggplant from being exposed to air.
How to Use Brown Eggplant
Brown eggplant can be used in any recipe that calls for eggplant. Here are a few ideas:
- Eggplant parmesan: This classic Italian dish is made with breaded and fried eggplant slices.
- Baba ghanoush: This Middle Eastern dip is made with roasted eggplant, tahini, and lemon juice.
- Moussaka: This Greek dish is made with layers of eggplant, ground beef, and vegetables.
- Ratatouille: This French stew is made with eggplant, zucchini, tomatoes, and peppers.
Other Factors That Can Affect Eggplant Flesh Color
In addition to oxidation, there are a few other factors that can affect the color of eggplant flesh.
- Variety: There are many different varieties of eggplant, and each variety has a slightly different flesh color. Some varieties of eggplant have white flesh, while others have green, yellow, or purple flesh.
- Ripeness: Eggplant that is not fully ripe will have a greener flesh color. As eggplant ripens, the flesh color will become lighter.
- Cooking method: The cooking method can also affect the color of eggplant flesh. For example, eggplant that is roasted will have a darker flesh color than eggplant that is steamed.
Final Thoughts
So, there you have it. Brown eggplant is safe to eat and can be used in any recipe that calls for eggplant. If you’re concerned about the appearance of brown eggplant, you can always peel it before cooking.
Questions We Hear a Lot
Is brown eggplant bitter?
No, brown eggplant is not bitter. The bitterness in eggplant is caused by a compound called solanine. Solanine is found in the skin and seeds of eggplant. When eggplant is cooked, the solanine is broken down and the bitterness disappears.
Can you eat the skin of brown eggplant?
Yes, you can eat the skin of brown eggplant. However, the skin can be tough, so it’s best to peel it before cooking.
How do you store brown eggplant?
Brown eggplant can be stored in the refrigerator for up to a week. Store eggplant in a sealed container to help keep it from being exposed to air.
