Now, give it a gentle squeeze. I’m not saying you need to crush it, just a light press with your thumb. A fresh eggplant should feel firm but have a tiny bit of give, like a stress ball that’s not fully inflated. It should spring back.
If your thumb sinks in and leaves a permanent dent—like you pressed a marshmallow—that’s a bad sign. A super soft, almost squishy eggplant is past its prime. It’s like a sponge that’s been left in a puddle; it’s just not going to cook well.
My friend once proudly brought an eggplant to a cookout, and when he squeezed it, his finger went right through the skin. We called it “Eggplant Disaster 2019.” Don’t be that person. A firm squeeze is your best friend in the produce aisle and in your fridge.
How to Tell if Eggplant Is Bad: Signs & Storage Tips
