The best eggplant fruits are so young that the seeds are barely visible when you….

Cut them open and are about 4-5” long for standard varieties, a bit smaller for mini types. Skin should be glossy and tight. If skin is dull, eggplant is overripe and flesh will be tough and losing its flavor. Overripe eggplant also have black seeds forming inside. Cut fruits from plants with 1” of stem attached. Store in refrigerator.