How to Freeze Eggplant

We’re about to delve into a crucial aspect of home cooking today – how to freeze eggplant. This topic can seem daunting, but believe me, it’s easier than you may think.

Yes, we’re talking about that shiny, purple vegetable, the eggplant, also known as aubergine in some parts of the world.

With its unique flavor and texture, eggplant is a versatile ingredient that can be included in a plethora of recipes.

However, it can spoil quickly, and that’s where freezing comes in. Freezing your eggplant properly can maintain its freshness and flavor for those times when you’re ready to whip up your favorite dish.

Answer

To freeze eggplant, first, wash and cut it into slices or cubes. Blanch the pieces in boiling water for two minutes, then cool quickly in an ice bath. Pat dry and freeze on a baking sheet. Once frozen, transfer to airtight freezer bags for storage, lasting up to 8 months.

A whole and sliced fresh eggplant on a grey rustic wood

Preserving eggplants by freezing them can be a lifesaver when you’ve got an abundance from your garden or found a good deal at the grocery store.

Freezing helps retain the nutrients, color, and flavor of the eggplant, making it a great option for food preservation. There are three primary ways you can freeze eggplants: whole, sliced or diced, or cooked.

Each method offers its advantages, and the method you choose largely depends on your future cooking plans or personal preferences. Remember, proper packaging is essential to prevent freezer burn and to preserve the quality of your eggplants.

Sliced or diced eggplant

One of the most convenient methods for freezing eggplant is to slice or dice it. This method allows you to easily grab just the right amount of eggplant for your cooking needs, whether it’s for a comforting stew or a quick stir-fry.

Thoroughly wash the eggplant.
Cut the eggplant into slices or dice, depending on your preference.
Arrange the cut pieces on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Ensure the pieces aren’t touching each other.
Place the baking sheet in the freezer.
Allow the eggplant pieces to freeze until they are solid. This usually takes a few hours.
Once the pieces are fully frozen, transfer them into airtight freezer bags or containers.

Now, your eggplant is ready for long-term storage in the freezer. Whenever you need some for your recipes, simply take out the required amount.

If you are unsure of how to cut eggplant I have the post just for you that will walk you through the steps.

Cooked eggplant

You can also freeze eggplant after it has been cooked, whether roasted, grilled, or baked.

Start by thoroughly cooking your eggplant, using your preferred method – roasted, grilled, or baked.
Once the eggplant is cooked, allow it to cool completely.
After the eggplant has cooled, pack it into airtight containers or freezer bags.
Squeeze out as much air as possible from the containers or bags before sealing them. This step is crucial to prevent freezer burn.
Ensure you leave a bit of headspace in the containers or bags to allow for expansion as the eggplant freezes.
Your cooked eggplant is now ready for long-term storage in the freezer, making it an excellent option for meal prepping or whenever you need cooked eggplant for your dishes.

Remember to leave a little bit of headspace in the containers to allow for expansion as the food freezes. This method is fantastic if you like meal prepping or want your eggplant ready to go for dishes like pasta or casseroles.

Whole eggplant

Freezing the whole eggplant is a perfect option if you’re short on time or if you plan to use the whole eggplant in one go, perhaps for a recipe like stuffed eggplant or moussaka.

Start by thoroughly washing the whole eggplant.
Pat the eggplant dry to remove any excess moisture.
Tightly wrap the whole eggplant in plastic wrap.
Place the wrapped eggplant into a freezer bag.
Press out as much air as you can from the bag before sealing it. This helps to prevent freezer burn and preserves the quality of the eggplant.
Your whole eggplant is now ready for freezing and can be stored for use in your favorite recipes.

Should eggplant be blanched before freezing?

Many cooks recommend blanching eggplant before freezing it. Blanching is a process where the eggplant slices are briefly boiled and then rapidly cooled in an ice bath.

This process helps to preserve the texture, color, and flavor of the eggplant. It also helps to reduce the activity of enzymes that can cause the food to lose flavor and color over time.

Blanching is especially beneficial if you plan on freezing your eggplant for longer than a few months, as it can help maintain its quality during storage.

Also, learn how to store your artichokes to make them last you a long time by learning how to freeze artichokes.

How Long Does Eggplant Last?

Knowing how to store eggplant is going to help you keep it fresh for longer. If you plan to use it within a day or two you can leave it on the counter or in the fridge.

Fresh eggplant typically lasts for about a week when stored in the fridge. However, when properly frozen, eggplant can last for 6-8 months in the freezer.

That’s a significant extension! It’s worth noting though, that for the best flavor and texture, it’s advisable to use the frozen eggplant within 3-4 months.

Always remember to label your frozen items with the date of freezing. This way, you can keep track of how long they’ve been in the freezer and use them at their best.

It is important to know how to tell if eggplant is bad before you go through the process of freezing it, make sure that it is still fresh before you freeze it.

When it comes to freezing eggplant, it’s important to ensure the quality of your frozen produce. To learn more about how to tell if frozen foods are bad, including tips for evaluating the condition of frozen eggplant, refer to my detailed post on the subject.

It provides valuable insights on recognizing signs of spoilage and maintaining the best quality for your frozen foods.

How Do I Use Frozen Eggplant?

Frozen eggplant can be a real game-changer in the kitchen. It can be used in a multitude of dishes, adding nutritional value and taste to your meals.

From comforting ratatouille and smoky baba ganoush to creamy lasagna and more, the options are endless.

You don’t even need to thaw the eggplant before using it. Simply add it straight from the freezer into your dish, and it’ll defrost as it cooks, saving you time and effort.

Frequently asked questions about how to freeze eggplant

Yes, you can freeze whole eggplants. After washing and drying the eggplant, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then place it into a freezer bag. Ensure to press out as much air as possible before sealing the bag.

Absolutely! Cooked eggplant, whether roasted, grilled, or baked, can be frozen. Once it has completely cooled, simply pack it into airtight containers or freezer bags, making sure to squeeze out as much air as possible before sealing.

To prevent eggplant slices from turning brown due to oxidation, you can soak them in a bowl of water with a little lemon juice before blanching and freezing. The acid in the lemon juice helps prevent the browning process.

Conclusion

In conclusion, freezing eggplant is a practical and efficient way to preserve this fantastic vegetable. Not only does it allow you to store eggplant for a longer period, but it also ensures that you’ve always got this versatile ingredient ready for your next culinary adventure.

From freezing whole eggplants to slices, dice, or cooked eggplant, you’re now equipped with the knowledge to handle it all. And remember, blanching and using lemon water can help maintain the color, texture, and