When To Pick Aubergines

When to pick aubergines depends on a few clear signals that tell you they’re ready.

 

If you’ve been wondering when to pick aubergines from your garden, the answer is simpler than you might think.

 

You can pick aubergines when they reach their full size but before they lose their glossy shine.

 

In this post, we’ll explore exactly when to pick aubergines, how to tell when they’re ripe, and what happens if you wait too long.

 

Let’s get into it.

 

When to Pick Aubergines: The Key Signs

Knowing when to pick aubergines comes down to watching for a few reliable indicators that the fruit is at its peak.

 

When you pick aubergines at the right moment, you get the best flavor and texture.

 

Here’s how to tell:

 

1. Check the Size

When to pick aubergines often comes down to size first.

 

Most varieties are ready when they reach about six to eight inches long, though smaller varieties may be ready sooner.

 

The key is to pick aubergines when they’ve stopped growing but are still firm.

 

If you wait too long, they become tough and seedy.

 

2. Look at the Skin

The skin tells you a lot about when to pick aubergines.

 

You want to pick aubergines while the skin is still glossy and shiny.

 

Once the skin turns dull or starts looking bronze, that’s a sign you’ve waited too long.

 

A glossy finish means the aubergine is still fresh and tender inside.

 

3. Press Test

When you press an aubergine with your thumb, it should feel firm but give slightly.

 

If it’s rock hard, it’s not ready yet.

 

If it feels soft or spongy, it’s overripe.

 

Knowing when to pick aubergines means finding that sweet spot where the fruit is firm but not hard.

 

4. Check the Cap and Stem

The green cap at the top of the aubergine should look fresh and healthy.

 

When to pick aubergines is also about watching the stem.

 

If the stem is green and the cap is tight, it’s a good time to pick aubergines.

 

If the stem turns brown or the cap starts to loosen, the fruit is past its prime.

 

Best Time of Day and Season to Pick Aubergines

When to pick aubergines also depends on the time of day and the growing season.

 

Timing matters just as much as the signs themselves.

 

1. Morning Is Best

The best time to pick aubergines is in the morning before the heat sets in.

 

At this time, the fruit is cool and firm.

 

You can pick aubergines in the morning when they’re well-hydrated and at their freshest.

 

This is when the flavor is at its peak.

 

2. Late Summer to Early Fall

When to pick aubergines also depends on your growing season.

 

Most aubergines are ready to pick anywhere from 65 to 80 days after transplanting.

 

This usually falls in late summer to early fall.

 

If you’re wondering when to pick aubergines in your area, count the days from when you planted them.

 

3. Don’t Wait for Frost

You should pick aubergines before the first frost hits.

 

Cold temperatures damage the fruit quickly.

 

If frost is coming, pick aubergines even if they’re slightly underripe.

 

They’ll still taste better than frost-damaged fruit.

 

What Happens If You Wait Too Long?

Knowing when to pick aubergines also means understanding what happens if you don’t.

 

If you wait too long to pick aubergines, the skin becomes dull and tough.

 

The inside gets seedy and bitter.

 

You might also notice the aubergine starts to wrinkle or feel hollow.

 

When you pick aubergines too late, they also don’t store well.

 

So it’s always better to pick aubergines a little early than a little late.

 

How to Store Aubergines After Picking

Once you know when to pick aubergines, storing them properly matters too.

 

Freshly picked aubergines last about a week in the fridge.

 

Keep them in the crisper drawer and don’t wash them until you’re ready to use them.

 

If you pick aubergines and can’t use them right away, you can also freeze them.

 

Just slice them, blanch them briefly, and pop them in a freezer bag.

 

That way, you can enjoy them even when they’re out of season.

 

So, When to Pick Aubergines?

When to pick aubergines comes down to watching for the right size, glossy skin, and firm texture.

 

You can pick aubergines in the morning during late summer or early fall for the best results.

 

If you’ve been unsure about when to pick aubergines, just remember that waiting too long ruins the fruit.

 

Pick aubergines when they’re glossy and firm, and you’ll always get the best flavor and texture from your harvest.