Don’t forget the cap! The stem should be green and look alive, like a little green hat. If it’s dry, brown, or feels like a piece of old twig, the eggplant has been sitting around too long. A green stem is a sign of youth and freshness.
Now, flip it over and look at the blossom end (the opposite side from the stem). That little green or brown spot matters. If it’s turning dark brown or looks moldy, that’s a clear signal the eggplant is starting to spoil from the inside out. It’s like checking the bottom of a mushroom; if it’s funky, it’s done.
Remember, a good eggplant should look like it just got picked yesterday. If it looks like it’s been through a long, boring road trip, it’s probably not usable.
