Tips, Tricks, Lessons-Learned, and so much more
It started with a mistake. I thought I grabbed purple eggplant seeds from the garden shop. Turns out, they were white. Go figure. Markos laughed when they started to grow. “They look like eggs,” he said. He wasn’t wrong.
Arya called them “ghost veggies.” Leo refused to touch them for two weeks. Honestly, I didn’t know what to do with them either. They sat on our kitchen counter for days. I mean, have you ever cooked with white eggplants? I hadn’t. Not until that one Sunday afternoon when I gave in, sliced one up, and tossed it in the oven just to see what would happen.
Surprise, Soft, creamy, slightly sweet. Nothing like the purple ones I usually wrestle with. I didn’t even salt them first.
Have you ever stumbled into something better than you planned? That’s what white eggplants became for us. A happy little accident that’s now a regular in our kitchen. Imperfect, a bit weird, but kind of perfect too.
So if you’ve got one of these snow-white beauties in your hand and you’re not sure what the heck to do with it, don’t worry. You’re not alone. Let’s figure it out together.
What Are White Eggplants?
White eggplants are special veggies that look like purple eggplants, but they’re white! They have smooth, shiny skin and a creamy white color. Their shape can be round like a ball or long like a tube.
These eggplants grow on green plants and are part of the nightshade family, just like tomatoes and potatoes. White eggplants are used in cooking around the world. They’re perfect for baking, frying, roasting, and grilling.
How to Cook White Eggplant?
Cooking white eggplant is fun and easy. There are many ways to cook it, and all of them make it soft and tasty. Here are four popular ways to cook it:
1. Roasting:
Cut your white eggplant into slices or cubes. Put them on a tray with olive oil and a little salt. Bake in the oven at 400°F (200°C) for about 25 minutes until they are soft and golden.
2. Frying:
Slice the eggplant into circles. Dip each slice in egg and then in breadcrumbs. Fry them in a pan with hot oil until they are crispy and brown. Yum!
3. Grilling:
Slice your eggplant, brush with olive oil, and grill for 3–4 minutes on each side. This gives a smoky flavor that’s so delicious.
4. Sautéing:
Chop it into cubes and cook in a pan with oil, garlic, and your favorite herbs. Stir until it’s soft and golden.
How to Prepare White Eggplant?
Before cooking white eggplant, you need to get it ready. Preparing it the right way makes it taste better.
Step 1: Wash it well.
Rinse the eggplant under water to remove any dirt.
Step 2: Peel it (optional).
You can keep the skin, but if it’s thick, you can peel it off. White eggplant skin is often softer than purple, so it’s okay to leave it on.
Step 3: Slice it.
Cut it into the shape you need: circles, cubes, or long strips.
Step 4: Salt it (optional).
If you want it to be less watery or to remove any bitterness, sprinkle salt on
How Big Do White Eggplants Get?
White eggplants come in different sizes, depending on the type. Some grow as small as a chicken egg, and others can be as long as your arm!
- Small kinds grow about 2 to 4 inches.
- Medium kinds can be 5 to 6 inches long.
- Big ones might grow up to 8 or even 10 inches!
They also grow fast if they get lots of sun and water.
Notes
- White eggplants are sweeter and milder than purple ones.
- Don’t overcook them, they become too mushy.
- Store them in the fridge if you’re not using them right away.
- They taste best when picked fresh from the garden.
- You can grow them at home in a pot or garden bed!
FAQ
What does white eggplant taste like?
White eggplant tastes soft, mild, and not bitter. It’s a little sweet.
Do I need to peel white eggplant?
You don’t have to. The skin is usually soft.
Is white eggplant better than purple?
It’s not better or worse, it’s just different.
Can you eat white eggplant raw?
It’s not tasty raw.
How do I know if a white eggplant is ripe?
It should be shiny, and not too hard or soft.
Can white eggplants go bad?
Yes. If they have soft spots, wrinkles, or smell bad, toss them.
How do you store white eggplant?
Keep it in the fridge, not the freezer. Use it within a week.
What can I eat with white eggplant?
You can eat it with rice, pasta, bread, or in sandwiches.
Why is my white eggplant bitter?
Old or undercooked eggplant can be bitter. Salt it first to help.
