Discoloration and Other Eggplant Problems
If you have a purple eggplant turning white or developing a pale brown patch, that can be
caused by sunscald
. Eggplants are a heat-loving plant but direct sunlight can damage the fruit, causing brown or pale patches where the skin becomes leathery.
Why are my eggplants turning white?
One of the most common reasons eggplant leaves turn white is
due to sun scorch
. In this instance, the white color starts out as a small spot here and there and eventually spreads to engulf the entire leaf. In some cases, it can appear as if you have splashed a bottle of bleach throughout the garden.
Why are my eggplant not turning purple?
Your eggplant
could be getting sunburnt
, may be over ripening, or you might simply be growing a variety of eggplant that’s naturally light-colored.
Why are my eggplants small and yellow?
When the weather gets hot,
eggplants can prematurely turn yellow due to sun overexposure
. Try using a shade cloth to protect those tender eggplants from sunburn, but don’t forget to watch them carefully so you don’t miss out! As you’ve discovered, some summer vegetables can overwinter in milder climates.
Why is my eggplant turning from purple to green?
Another reason your eggplants can turn green is
if they’re left on the vine too long
. When they become mature, the eggplants change from deep purple to bronze colored. While this is happening, they can go through a stage when they’re a dull, olive green color.
Why is my eggplant changing color?
What causes this color change? ANSWER:
Genes from the past are changing the color
and taste of the summer season eggplants.
How can you tell if eggplant is overripe?
Seeds of a ripe eggplant should be a light yellow.
If the seeds are brown, the eggplant is overripe
and likely bitter. The skin of purple varieties turns bronze when they are overripe. White eggplants will start turning yellow when overripe.
Do eggplants grow white?
White eggplants (Solanum melongena) have all the characteristics of a familiar purple eggplant, but
the skin is creamy white
. The white varieties belong to the same species as purple eggplants. The difference comes from the specific cultivated varieties.
How do you know when white eggplant is ready to pick?
Harvesting: Pick
when skin is glossy
; dull fruit indicates over-ripeness. Both under-and over-ripe fruit tastes bitter. Pick white eggplants before skin turns yellow. Use pruning shears or a sharp knife to cut eggplants, keeping a short stub of stem attached.
Does white eggplant taste purple?
Both species of eggplant do not taste the same either
. The White eggplant is less bitter than the purple eggplant. It is much denser and creamier than the purple eggplant. The difference between the two eggplants goes beyond the color of their skin or flesh.
What is the best fertilizer for eggplant?
A balanced fertilizer (10-10-10)
is often recommended for eggplant. Feeding too much nitrogen at this point can result in large, leafy plants that fail to produce fruit.
Can I eat overripe eggplant?
You should never consume eggplant if it has gone bad as the taste and smell will be unpleasant
. You should also stay away from consuming eggplant if you notice any bruises on the flesh or cracks in the skin and peel. If the eggplant is old, it will not be as firm and the flesh may separate from the skin.
Are yellow eggplant safe to eat?
In any event,
your eggplants are edible regardless of color
, though specimens that are yellow because they are overripe will not have the best taste as would an eggplant picked at the peak of ripeness.
Is it OK to eat eggplant that is green inside?
They’re naturally supposed to have a green tint.
By nature, a perfectly ripe eggplant will have a slight greenish hue to its flesh. We’re not saying it should be completely green, but if all you’re seeing is a little hint of it…it’s likely just the normal coloration, and
there isn’t anything you need to do
.
What does spoiled eggplant look like?
Eggplant flesh will have
tan to brown colored spots around the seeds
. … If the flesh is more brown than white, the eggplant may be spoiling and should be discarded.
Do eggplants continue to ripen after picking?
Eggplant doesn’t respond well to cool temperatures. This makes
it hard to ripen the fruit after harvesting
or to place them in a refrigerator for storage. Fruit that must be stored for one to two days after harvest can be wrapped in plastic and placed in the vegetable drawer of the refrigerator.
