CAN YOU FREEZE EGGPLANT? HERE’S WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW

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Can you freeze eggplant? Here's what you need to know

Can you freeze eggplant? Here’s what you need to know

You really can! The delicious and versatile nightshade is usually in season from July to October, but if you find a way to freeze at least part of your eggplant harvest, you can enjoy it at any time.
 
When buying eggplant, look for firm and plump ones. It should give a little when you put your pressure and fingers, but if it’s soft, turn it. About the freezing, though we do not recommend to stick to all your eggplant in your freezer, there are many ways to limit and save the colorful fruit. And whole eggplant in is a fruit.
 
Keep reading to learn our tips for freezing eggplant so you can use it for all kinds of delicious meals all year round.

How to freeze eggplant

 There are different ways to freeze eggplant, and the method you choose really depends on how you plan to use the eggplant once it’s thawed. Since eggplant is rich in water, it is best to cook it (even partially) before storing it in the freezer.

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 For the best way to freeze eggplant, follow these steps.

For the sliced ​​eggplant:

  • Cut the eggplant into about one-inch rounds, about 1/2 inch. (Note: If you want to bread your rounds, dip them in egg, then dredge them in seasoned breadcrumbs before baking.) 
  • Bake at 350 degrees for 15 to 20 minutes, until the eggplant rounds are tender when pierced with a fork. The exact cooking time will depend on the size of the eggplant and the thickness of the slices.
  • Once the eggplants have cooled, store them in an airtight freezer bag or food storage container with a sheet of parchment paper in the center to prevent sticking. Stored this way, eggplant will stay fresh for months.

 For the roasted eggplant:

  • Cut the eggplant into cubes.

  • Place the eggplant slices on a sheet of water and sprinkle with olive oil, salt, and minced garlic, if desired.

  •  Bake at 375 degrees for about 45 minutes, until the eggplant pieces are brown and have a soft center.
  • Let the eggplant slices cool and place them on a sheet of parchment paper. 
  • Freeze the eggplant for 1 to 2 hours, or until frozen, then transfer to an airtight container.
  • Return the bag full of eggplant to the freezer, where it will be good for several months. 

Smart tips for preparing eggplant to perfection

For the eggplant puree:

  • Cut the eggplant in half and arrange the halves on a sheet of paper.
  • Bake at 400 degrees for 35 to 45 minutes, until the eggplant is tender.
  • Let the eggplant halves cool and collect the meat. Add the eggplant meat to the food processor and process until smooth. 
  • Transfer the eggplant puree to a food-safe container and place in the freezer. It should be fresh for several months. 

How long does frozen eggplant last?

 When frozen using any of the above methods, frozen eggplant should last about eight to twelve months in the freezer. Although it will still be good to eat after a year, you may notice a change in appearance and taste over that time.

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How to thaw frozen eggplant

How (or even) you thaw your eggplant depends on how you plan to use it. If you have frozen eggplant slices (breaded or not) and plan to use them with eggplant parmesan or as a snack, no thawing time is necessary. Instead, pop a few frozen cans right into your Eggplant Parm before cooking, or add them to a pan with a little oil and cook. If you like to make your eggplant slices, take it out of the freezer, put it on a baking sheet and put it in the oven until it is cooked.

What do you use frozen eggplant for?
 
There’s no limit to what you can do with thawed frozen eggplant! However, the freezing method you choose can affect how you use this healthy food after you thaw it. Who knows? Japanese and Chinese eggplants are delicious and different
 
If you have around in the freezer, (breaded or not), making a deep dish of eggplant parmesan or eggplant parmesan rollatini is a no-brainer. Hot and roasted eggplant works best in stews, like chicken stew with eggplant count, or comforting like eggplant shepherd’s pies, with eggplant puree.

Frequently Asked Questions

 Can you freeze fresh uncooked eggplant?

To get the most out of your frozen eggplant, we recommend cooking it before storing it in the freezer. However, if you prefer not to bake or roast your eggplant, you can blanch the eggplant slices instead. To do this, add about ½ cup of lemon juice to a gallon of water and bring to a boil. Once the water is boiling, add the eggplant slices and leave them in the water for about four minutes. While the eggplant is boiling, prepare a bowl of ice water. After four minutes, carefully transfer the eggplant slices from the boiling water to the water bath. Once the eggplant is cool, remove it from the ice water and cool it. From here, you can freeze your circle before transferring it to the freezer for a longer period of time.

  Can you freeze whole eggplant? 

Because of its high water content, eggplant is best cooked first. Resist the urge to put an eggplant in your freezer instead of following one of the above freezing methods. Was this page useful to you?

 

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