Freeze Them Slice the eggplant into 1/4″ slices. Lightly salt to remove bitterness. Blanch in boiling water for 5 minutes, then chill in an ice bath. Lay slices on a cookie sheet in a single layer. Flash freeze for 4-6 hours, and then place in ziploc bags.
One thought is that eggplant can be frozen if you intend to cook it after thawing it out. To freeze eggplant, you need to clean it, cut it into slices, and blanch it before placing it in the freezer. Alternatively, you can also freeze baked eggplant or slices of eggplant Parmesan .
If you plan to use eggplant for sandwiches, eggplant parm, or a dish that uses whole pieces off eggplant, it’s best to freeze in slices or rounds .
Can you use eggplant puree from frozen?
Eggplant puree can be used directly from frozen if adding it to a soup or casserole. If you need to defrost the eggplant for use in a dip or puree, thaw it overnight in the refrigerator or place the sealed bag in a bowl of room-temperature water to speed up the thawing process. How long does eggplant last?
Blanching destroys enzymes in the eggplant that cause the vegetable to break down over time. If you do not blanch the eggplant, it will begin losing nutritional value, color, and flavor within a month , even if you freeze it. How do you freeze fresh eggplant without blanching?
How long does frozen eggplant last?
Frozen eggplant can last up to a year in an airtight container. To use, remove eggplant from the freezer and defrost in the refrigerator . Frozen eggplant will not have the same consistency as fresh, it will be mushier.
You might be wondering “How long does eggplant Parmesan last in freezer?”
If properly prepared and stored in an airtight container or freezer bag, eggplant can last for up to 8 months in the freezer. As with all frozen produce, the longer the eggplant remains in the freezer, the poorer the quality will be. Can you freeze eggplant parmesan?
One frequent answer is, cut the eggplant into approximately one-inch-thick rounds, bake in a 350°F for about 15 to 20 minutes, depending on the size of the eggplant, just until tender . Once cool, place the slices between wax paper to prevent sticking, and store in freezer bags or containers.
Why is my eggplant soggy after thawing?
Water expands and forms ice crystals when it’s frozen. Those ice crystals melt when thawed, which results in soggy eggplant later. Slice the eggplant into 1-inch rounds. Place rounds on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Bake at 350° for about 15 minutes. Allow the rounds to cool completely (do NOT skip this step). Place slices in a freezer-safe bag.
Do you have to Blanch eggplant before cooking?
Place the eggplant slices in the boiling water and blanch them for 4 minutes. Blanching destroys enzymes in the eggplant that cause the vegetable to break down over time. If you do not blanch the eggplant , it will begin losing nutritional value, color, and flavor within a month, even if you freeze it.
Slice the eggplant into 1/4″ slices . Lightly salt to remove bitterness. Blanch in boiling water for 5 minutes, then chill in an ice bath. Lay slices on a cookie sheet in a single layer.