The definitive guide to preparing this purple vegetable.
But, fear notit’s not as difficult a vegetable as it seems.
Look for firm, glossy skin and a green, mold-free stem.
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There are green, white, or even striped eggplants.
Pick whichever you prefer, but for a less bitter end-product, choose smaller, younger eggplants.
Though eggplants are available year-round at most grocery stores, their peak growing season is July through October.
Credit:Caitlin Bensel; Food Styling: Torie Cox
Can You Eat Eggplant Skin?
Eggplant skin is edible, and it is even an essential part of the dish in some recipes.
Should You Salt Your Eggplant?
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To salt or not to salt: that is the question.
In addition to adding flavor, sprinkling salt over eggplant after slicing or chopping draws out excess bitter juices.
Plus, salting eggplant adds a number of steps and time to your prep work.
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How To Salt Eggplant:
How To Cook Eggplant
Eggplants are an incredibly versatile vegetable.
They can be grilled, fried, sauteed, and even pureed into delectably savory dips.
Frying gives it a crisp, golden exterior and tender center.
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Plus, the eggplant soaks up that delicious smoky aroma, making for a super savory dish.
