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Graffiti Eggplant Delivery or Pickup

The Instacart guide to graffiti eggplants


About graffiti eggplants

Graffiti eggplants are among several varieties of eggplants that shoppers can choose from. They are similar in size and shape to Italian eggplants, but their appealing color pattern makes them unique. These teardrop/oblong-shaped eggplants have smooth, thin, glossy skin with purple and ivory white stripes. Their length depends on the variety, ranging between 7 to 15 centimeters. On the inside, the graffiti eggplant's flesh is creamy white with tiny edible seeds. They are also known as Shooting Stars, Purple Rain, or Pandora Striped Rose. 

Graffiti eggplants are currently grown in the Netherlands and Mexico. Although used as a vegetable in cooking, eggplants are technically fruit.

How to tell if graffiti eggplants are ripe

You can tell if a graffiti eggplant is ripe by observing its peel. A glossy skin indicates that the fruit is ready to be used. You can also determine if it is ripe by seeing if it bounces back to shape after a gentle squeeze. If a depression remains, then the graffiti eggplant is not yet ripe. Overripe eggplants also have dull skin and brown seeds.

Are you thinking of trying out graffiti eggplant in your favorite eggplant recipe? Order through Instacart to make your day a little easier while saving you time and money. Log in to the Instacart app and add fresh graffiti eggplants to your cart. Instacart shoppers will have your order delivered to you in as little as 2 hours!

How to preserve graffiti eggplant

The first step to preserving graffiti eggplants is by unwrapping them as soon as you get them home. You can preserve them at room temperature or store them in the refrigerator. Although they may last longer in the vegetable compartment of your refrigerator, their taste and texture may still become bland in about three to four days. They can also stay frozen for up to a year when blanched or cooked in dishes. When cooked and stored in the refrigerator without freezing, they last up to five days. 

For short-term storage of about three to four days, the pantry works fine too. Try not to mix them up with ethylene-producing fruits such as bananas and melons. Ethylene speeds up the ripening process of other fruits and vegetables and thus their decay. Since they require airflow, you should not store whole eggplants in sealed bags or containers. The area should be well ventilated and away from direct sunlight too. 

Graffiti Eggplant Near Me

Buy your favorite Graffiti Eggplant online with Instacart. Order Graffiti Eggplant from local and national retailers near you and enjoy on-demand, contactless delivery or pickup within 2 hours.

FAQs about graffiti eggplants

Graffiti eggplants brown quickly after slicing and at times during cooking. So how can you prevent discoloration?

Instead of using kitchenware made of reactive metals, use a stainless steel knife and cooking ware. After peeling and slicing the eggplant, submerge it in a bowl of salty water for about 20 minutes to prevent oxidation. You can also use lemon water or a tablespoon of milk in place of salt. Ensure that the pH of the cooking water is acidic. Add vinegar or some lemon juice to lower the pH and prevent the eggplant from discoloring when cooking. 

Graffiti eggplants contain antioxidants, iron, fiber, potassium, vitamins K, C, and B6, niacin, copper, manganese, and magnesium.

There are various health benefits to eating graffiti eggplants. Some of the nutrients in these vegetables are essential for the heart's functionality. The fiber in cooked eggplants helps manage cholesterol levels and promote healthy digestion. Graffiti eggplants also contain manganese, which is good for healthy bones. The anthocyanin in these fruits is also crucial in reducing the risk of contracting cancer. Some of its other benefits are improving cognitive function and weight loss management.

You can quickly identify a graffiti eggplant that has gone bad by observing its external and internal structure. When eggplant is rotting, its skin becomes wrinkly, with soft spots and sinkholes. These might cover the entire fruit or just parts of it. The stem should be green. Its browning or developing of mold shows that it's decaying.

The flesh of the eggplant is also vital in determining whether it is spoiled or not. Its color should be creamy white, not brown when cut. However, be mindful that browning of eggplant flesh can result from oxidation after it's exposed to air. This is a commonly occurring biological process in some vegetables and fruits when cut, such as apples. It is unappealing but not harmful. Browning around the seeds is also considered safe. Be keen to notice large brown patches and discoloration on parts of or in the entire flesh. This is unsafe and shows its gone bad. A mushy and spongy flesh is also an indication of a bad eggplant.