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Picking aubergines is easier when you know exactly what to look for.
If you’ve ever stood in the produce aisle wondering how to pick aubergines that are fresh, tender, and full of flavor, you’re in the right place.
The good news is that choosing aubergines isn’t complicated once you understand a few simple cues.
In this post, we’ll walk through how to pick aubergines like a pro, from checking the skin and stem to testing weight and firmness.
Let’s dive in.
How to Pick Aubergines: What to Look For
When you pick aubergines, the goal is to find one that’s heavy, firm, and glossy.
Here’s what to check before you add aubergines to your basket.
1. Check the Skin
The skin of an aubergine tells you a lot about its freshness.
When you pick aubergines, look for shiny, taut skin without wrinkles or cuts.
If the skin looks dull or feels slightly loose, the aubergine is probably past its prime.
You want aubergines that reflect light and feel smooth under your fingers.
Brown spots or soft patches are a sign to put that aubergine back and keep looking.
2. Inspect the Stem and Cap
The stem and cap are great indicators of how recently an aubergine was harvested.
When you pick aubergines, check that the green cap is fresh, firm, and not dried out or moldy.
A brown, shriveled, or moldy cap means the aubergine has been sitting around for a while.
A bright green stem is a good sign that the aubergine is fresh and ready to cook.
3. Test the Weight
Heavier aubergines are usually better aubergines.
That’s because a good aubergine is packed with moisture and tender flesh, which gives it weight.
When you pick aubergines, hold one in your hand and compare it to others of similar size.
The one that feels heavier for its size is the one you want.
If an aubergine feels light and hollow, it’s likely dried out inside and past its best.
4. Press Gently for Firmness
Firmness is another key when you pick aubergines.
Gently press the skin with your thumb.
The flesh underneath should give slightly, then spring right back.
If it stays dented, the aubergine is overripe.
If it feels rock hard, it may be underripe and could taste bitter.
When you pick aubergines, aim for one that’s firm but not stiff, with just a little give.
Which Aubergines Are Best: Size and Variety Matters
Beyond freshness, the size and type of aubergine you pick aubergines affects how they cook.
Here’s what to keep in mind.
1. Smaller Aubergines Are Often Sweeter
When you pick aubergines, don’t overlook the smaller ones.
Smaller aubergines tend to have fewer seeds and a sweeter, less bitter flavor.
They also hold their shape better when roasted or grilled.
If you’re cooking a dish where aubergines are the star, small ones are a smart choice.
2. Match the Variety to Your Recipe
Different aubergine varieties work better for different dishes.
Globe aubergines are large and meaty, perfect for baking and stuffing.
Japanese and Chinese aubergines are long and thin, ideal for stir-fries.
When you pick aubergines for a specific recipe, consider which variety suits the dish best.
That way, your aubergines cook evenly and taste exactly how you want them to.
3. Watch Out for Oversized Aubergines
Very large aubergines can look impressive, but they’re not always the best pick.
Oversized aubergines often have more seeds and a spongier, sometimes bitter flesh.
When you pick aubergines, favor medium-sized ones for the best texture and flavor.
Bigger isn’t always better when it comes to aubergines.
Common Mistakes to Avoid When You Pick Aubergines
Even seasoned shoppers make a few mistakes when they pick aubergines.
Here’s how to avoid the most common ones.
1. Judging by Color Alone
Color is only part of the story when you pick aubergines.
Yes, a deep purple or glossy black is a good sign, but it doesn’t tell you everything.
An aubergine can look dark and shiny but still be spongy or old inside.
Always pair color with a check of firmness, weight, and the stem.
That’s how you pick aubergines that actually taste as good as they look.
2. Skipping the Squeeze Test
It’s tempting to grab the first aubergine that looks good.
But skipping the gentle squeeze test is a mistake when you pick aubergines.
A quick press tells you whether the flesh is tender or already going soft.
Take those few extra seconds to press each aubergine before buying it.
3. Storing Them Wrong After You Pick Aubergines
How you store aubergines after buying them matters just as much as how you pick aubergines.
Keep aubergines at room temperature and use them within a few days for the best flavor.
If you must refrigerate them, wrap them loosely and use them quickly, since cold can turn the flesh mushy.
Proper storage keeps your aubergines fresh long after you pick aubergines at the store.
So, How to Pick Aubergines?
Picking aubergines comes down to shiny skin, a fresh green stem, a heavy feel, and firm flesh that springs back when pressed.
When you pick aubergines with those four checks in mind, you’ll almost always bring home a winner.
You also want to choose the right size and variety for your recipe and avoid judging by color alone.
And once you pick aubergines, store them properly so they stay fresh until you’re ready to cook.
Now you know exactly how to pick aubergines every single time.