How To Pick Aubergines

How to pick aubergines is a skill that every home cook can master with a few simple tricks.
 
If you’ve ever stood in the grocery store wondering how to pick aubergines that are fresh, tender, and full of flavor, you’re in the right place.
 
Picking the best aubergine isn’t complicated, but it does require knowing what to look for.
 
In this post, we’ll walk through exactly how to pick aubergines, including what signs to check for and what to avoid.
 
Let’s dive in so you can pick aubergines like a pro.
 

How to Pick Aubergines: What to Look For

Knowing how to pick aubergines starts with paying attention to a few key details.
 
When you pick aubergines, your senses are your best tools.
 
Here’s what to check every single time.
 

1. Check the Skin for Shine and Smoothness

The first thing to look at when learning how to pick aubergines is the skin.
 
A fresh aubergine should have glossy, shiny skin that reflects light.
 
If the skin looks dull or matte, that aubergine is probably old.
 
You also want skin that’s smooth and free from wrinkles, bruises, or brown spots.
 
Wrinkled skin is a clear sign that the aubergine is past its prime.
 
So when you pick aubergines, always go for the shiniest one in the pile.
 

2. Press Gently to Test Firmness

Knowing how to pick aubergines also means testing how they feel.
 
Pick up an aubergine and press it gently with your thumb.
 
A good aubergine will feel firm but give just slightly under pressure.
 
If it’s rock hard, it might be underripe.
 
If it feels soft, spongy, or mushy, that aubergine is overripe and won’t taste good.
 
The flesh inside should be creamy and dense, not cottony or seedy.
 
So when you pick aubergines, always give them a gentle squeeze first.
 

3. Look for a Green, Healthy Stem

The stem is another clue for how to pick aubergines correctly.
 
A fresh aubergine should have a green, firm stem attached to the top.
 
If the stem is brown, dry, or missing, the aubergine has likely been sitting around too long.
 
The calyx, which is the leafy green cap around the stem, should also look fresh and not wilted.
 
When you pick aubergines, a vibrant green stem means it was harvested recently.
 

4. Choose the Right Weight and Size

How to pick aubergines also involves judging weight and size.
 
A good aubergine should feel heavy for its size.
 
That heaviness means it’s full of moisture and the flesh is fresh.
 
If an aubergine feels light, it’s probably dried out inside.
 
When it comes to size, medium aubergines are usually the best choice.
 
Very large ones can be seedy and bitter, while tiny ones may not have much flesh.
 
So when you pick aubergines, aim for a medium-sized one that feels substantial in your hand.
 

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Picking Aubergines

Even if you know how to pick aubergines, it’s easy to make a few common mistakes.
 
Avoiding these will help you pick aubergines that taste great every time.
 

1. Don’t Judge by Color Alone

When you pick aubergines, don’t assume that darker is always better.
 
While the classic deep purple is a good sign, some varieties are naturally lighter.
 
What matters more is the shine and firmness, not just how dark the skin is.
 
So when you pick aubergines, focus on texture and feel over color.
 

2. Avoid Aubergines with Soft Spots

How to pick aubergines also means checking for soft spots or blemishes.
 
Any mushy area or dark patch usually means the aubergine is rotting inside.
 
Even a small soft spot can spread quickly and ruin the whole vegetable.
 
When you pick aubergines, run your fingers over the surface to catch any hidden soft spots.
 

3. Don’t Buy Wrinkled or Dull Aubergines

If you want to know how to pick aubergines that taste fresh, skip the wrinkled ones.
 
Wrinkles mean the aubergine has lost moisture and is past its best.
 
Dull skin is another sign that it’s been sitting too long.
 
So when you pick aubergines, always choose the smoothest, shiniest option available.
 

Storing Aubergines After You Pick Them

Once you know how to pick aubergines, storing them properly keeps them fresh longer.
 
After you pick aubergines, keep them at room temperature if you’ll use them within a day or two.
 
For longer storage, place them in the crisper drawer of your fridge.
 
Wrap them loosely in a paper towel or plastic bag to protect them from cold damage.
 
But don’t store aubergines for more than a few days, as they lose flavor quickly.
 
So when you pick aubergines, plan to cook them soon for the best taste.
 

So, How to Pick Aubergines?

How to pick aubergines comes down to checking for shiny skin, firm flesh, a green stem, and a good weight.
 
When you pick aubergines, avoid wrinkled, dull, or soft ones.
 
With these simple tips, you’ll always know how to pick aubergines that are fresh and delicious.
 
So next time you’re at the market, use these tricks to pick aubergines like a pro.