Availability: All Year Around
What to look out for
Aubergines don’t like to live off the vine very long, therefore, we recommend buying and cooking Aubergines if not in the same day, the next.
Try to select the most dense Aubergine available, you can do it by comparing a few Aubergines of the same size. Also, the skin of the Aubergine matters, it should be smooth and sleek that feels firm to the touch. Avoid any Aubergine with soft or bruised signs as it may indicate it is already past its prime.
Storage
It’s possible to store it on the counter for 1 or 2 days, as long as it is kept in the coolest part of the counter, away from sunlight and from other fruits and vegetables that produce a lot of Ethylene gas, such as bananas, apples, tomatoes, melons, and peaches.
Fridge: Aubergines do not like very cold temperatures, therefore, if you need to store it in the fridge make sure it’s placed into the ‘warmer’ drawer and a paper wrapper is surrounding the vegetable.
Freezer: In order to freeze Aubergines for later use we must first cook it. Slice the vegetable in thumbnail sizes, and place it over a baking tray with parchment paper. After 15 minutes at 180 C on the oven, let it cool completely. Place the cooled Aubergine into the freezer inside an airtight container and consume it within 6 months.
Benefits
Cancer-Fighting Benefits
Aubergine contains several substances that may help to fight cancer cells. One of this substances is Solasodine Rhamnosyl Glycosides, which showed effects in aiding cancer treatments in test-tube studies.
Blood Sugar Control
Aubergines are high in fibre. Fibre can slow the rate of digestion and absorption of sugar in the blood, thus potentially lowering blood sugar levels. A study found that the Polyphenols present in Aubergines can also help with blood sugar levels by reducing levels of specific enzymes that influence sugar absorption.
Reduce the Risk of Heart Diseases
Studies done on animals showed that Aubergines can help to improve heart function and reduce the “bad” LDL cholesterol and Triglyceride levels.
Rich in Antioxidants
Aubergines are rich in Anthocyanins, which is a pigment with antioxidant properties that may help to protect against cellular damage. Antioxidants help to protect the body from the damages caused by toxic and harmful substances such as free radicals.
Easy to Consume
Aubergines are extremely easy to consume, they can be baked, grilled, or fried and with only a pinch of salt and a drizzle of olive oil it’s already done. It also can be used as a calorie replacement for many other high in calories ingredients.