How to Store Eggplant
Eggplant stores best for a short time at cool, not cold, temperatures. It loses quality quickly if chilled too hard or left warm too long.
Best storage conditions
Store at 46 to 54 F with high humidity, about 90 to 95 percent. Keep it in the dark or low light, with gentle air circulation.
How long it keeps
Usually 4 to 7 days, sometimes up to about 1 week under good conditions.
Storage methods
Keep fruit dry and unwashed until use. A cool basement or moderately cool room is often better than the coldest part of the refrigerator. Do not store below about 45 F for long because chilling injury can show up as pitting or browning.
Freezing & preserving
Freeze cooked or blanched slices, cubes, or puree. Drying is possible for some uses. Pickled and canned eggplant products should follow tested USDA or NCHFP recipes.
Tips
Use fruit with glossy skin first. Store away from ethylene-producing apples, bananas, and tomatoes.
General home-storage guidance. For home canning and preserving safety, follow USDA and National Center for Home Food Preservation (NCHFP) guidelines. Page updated Aug 4, 2026.