We roasted many eggplants in testing the Pasta alla Norma recipe, and along the way we engaged in the age-old debate: to salt or not to salt? Many cooks argue that salting eggplant and letting it rest, or "sweat," for an hour or so before cooking draws out the vegetable's bitter juices. However, according to Nicholas Clee, author of Don't Sweat the Aubergine (Short Books, 2005), the varieties of eggplant typically available today don't have the bitterness that characterized popular varieties of decades ago. He also points out that the salting doesn't eliminate bitterness; it simply masks it. To prove his point, Clee performed an experiment: he presalted half an eggplant and salted the other half right before roasting. Cooked side by side, their taste was exactly the same; one was no more bitter than the other. Another argument in favor of salting claims that it draws moisture out of the eggplant's cells that will, in turn, block the absorption of oil during cooking. But we know from experience that a salted eggplant still soaks up quite a bit of oil. So, in the end, we're with Clee on this one: don't sweat it.
FAQs
Bitter Truths: Why You Shouldn't Sweat Eggplant? ›
Another argument in favor of salting claims that it draws moisture out of the eggplant's cells that will, in turn, block the absorption of oil during cooking. But we know from experience that a salted eggplant still soaks up quite a bit of oil. So, in the end, we're with Clee on this one: don't sweat it.
Is it really necessary to sweat eggplant? ›It's always best to cook with fresh eggplants when possible, since older eggplants may have acquired some unpleasant notes as they've aged. If your eggplants have gotten bitter, sweating them can help draw out any dissonant notes, though salting them right before cooking may be just as good at taming their bitterness.
How do you get the bitterness out of eggplant without salt? ›If you don't want to lose time by salting or soaking, you can always just cut away the seeds. The seeds tend to hold in most of the bitterness, and older eggplants can have a whole lot of seeds.
How long do you rinse eggplant after sweating? ›All the eggplant slices sweat: Place the seasoned eggplant in a colander for 30 minutes to an hour. Once little droplets of moisture start to appear, rinse your eggplant slices under cold water to remove excess salt.
Can you sweat eggplant without salt? ›Modern Eggplants Are Less Bitter — No Salt Required.
Is it safe to eat bitter eggplant? ›In general, it's safe to eat bitter eggplant unless you are sensitive to the compound solanine. There's usually not enough present to cause serious health issues. But if you can't tolerate this chemical compound, you might have digestive problems. Other people might simply not enjoy the bitter flavor.
Is it really necessary to salt eggplant? ›Older recipes call for salting eggplant to draw out the bitter juices, but today's eggplants are less bitter (unless very large), so salting is largely unnecessary. It will, however, help the spongy flesh absorb less oil and crisp up like a dream.
What will happen if you don t salt and drain eggplant slices before sauteing? ›Salting the eggplant before cooking draws out excess moisture so the eggplant has a stronger flavor and a softer, more tender texture. Less water = more flavor.
Can you skip salting eggplant? ›Sara Jenkins, chef and owner of Porsena in New York City has cooked many an eggplant in her career and firmly believes salting is unnecessary. "I have rarely found an eggplant that is so bitter that it needs salting. I just cut it up, toss the pieces with olive oil, and start cooking." she says.
Is sweating eggplant necessary? ›Another argument in favor of salting claims that it draws moisture out of the eggplant's cells that will, in turn, block the absorption of oil during cooking. But we know from experience that a salted eggplant still soaks up quite a bit of oil. So, in the end, we're with Clee on this one: don't sweat it.
Can you refrigerate eggplant after salting? ›
Community Q&A. Can I salt eggplant and leave it overnight? With the soaking method you can put them in the fridge overnight. With the salt only method the eggplant will oxidize and turn brown after a while.
How do you store sweated eggplant? ›To store your eggplant in the fridge, wrap it in a paper towel and place it in the crisper drawer. It should last there for up to a week, but if ethylene-producing fruits and veggies are nearby, it may go bad sooner. For the best results, try to store it away from other produce.
Is it really necessary to salt eggplant before cooking? ›Salting: Salting removes excess liquid and some of the bitterness. Today's eggplants are bred for mildness, though, so it's not as important as it used to be (if you are frying eggplant, salting will ensure a creamy texture and rich flavor). This method works for eggplant slices, cubes, or planks.
Can you still use wrinkled eggplant? ›They should have a gentle give when squeezed but not feel rubbery or limp. Most eggplants should still have a firm, green top attached. A few wrinkles on the skin can simply mean the eggplant is ripe, but avoid eggplants with significant bruising, cuts or damage to the skin.
Why do people leave the skin on eggplant? ›If it's an extra-large eggplant, the vegetable could be older and the skin tougher, therefore, it's a smart idea to peel it. But small, young eggplant have thin, tender skins that add great texture to the vegetable when cooked.