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You can preserve aubergines in several ways.
Here are the best methods to keep them fresh, frozen, pickled, or dried.
If you want to enjoy aubergines long after the season ends, learning how to preserve aubergines properly will save you money and reduce waste.
In this post, we will walk through the most reliable ways to preserve aubergines at home.
Let’s dive in.
Why Preserving Aubergines Is Worth It
Aubergines are versatile and nutritious, but they don’t last long on the counter.
When you preserve aubergines, you lock in their flavor and texture for months.
Plus, preserving aubergines means you can buy them in bulk when they’re cheap and abundant.
Here are the main reasons to preserve aubergines today.
1. You Avoid Waste
Fresh aubergines spoil quickly if left at room temperature.
By learning how to preserve aubergines, you prevent them from going soft or moldy.
This saves you from tossing money into the bin.
2. You Enjoy Them Year-Round
When you preserve aubergines, you get to enjoy them in winter soups, stews, and dips.
No need to rely on expensive imported aubergines from the store.
3. You Control the Ingredients
Store-bought preserved aubergines often contain additives and excess salt.
When you preserve aubergines yourself, you choose exactly what goes in.
How to Preserve Aubergines: 5 Reliable Methods
There are five main ways to preserve aubergines, and each one suits different needs.
Let’s break them down.
1. Freezing Aubergines
Freezing is one of the easiest ways to preserve aubergines.
Start by washing and trimming the aubergines.
Slice them into rounds or cubes, then blanch them in boiling water for three minutes.
Blanching stops enzyme activity that turns aubergines bitter.
After blanching, plunge the aubergine pieces into ice water to cool them fast.
Pat them dry, spread them on a baking sheet, and freeze until solid.
Then transfer the frozen pieces to airtight bags or containers.
When you preserve aubergines this way, they last up to ten months in the freezer.
2. Pickling Aubergines
Pickling is a tangy and tasty way to preserve aubergines.
Slice the aubergines thinly, sprinkle them with salt, and let them sit for an hour.
Rinse and squeeze out excess moisture.
Pack the slices into sterilized jars with garlic, chili, and herbs.
Bring vinegar, water, sugar, and salt to a boil, then pour the brine over the aubergines.
Seal the jars and let them cool.
When you preserve aubergines by pickling, they keep for six to twelve months in a cool pantry.
3. Drying Aubergines
Drying is an old-school method to preserve aubergines.
Slice them thinly and lay them on a dehydrator tray or a baking sheet.
Dry at 135°F (57°C) for six to eight hours until leathery.
You can also sun-dry them in hot, dry climates.
Store dried aubergine slices in airtight jars away from light.
When you preserve aubergines by drying, they last up to a year.
Rehydrate them in warm water before cooking.
4. Canning Aubergines
Canning requires a pressure canner because aubergines are low-acid.
Cube and blanch the aubergines first.
Pack them into hot jars with tomato sauce or brine.
Process the jars at 11 PSI for 75 minutes for pints and 90 minutes for quarts.
When you preserve aubergines by canning, they stay shelf-stable for a year or more.
Always follow tested recipes to avoid spoilage.
5. Making Aubergine Dip or Puree
Roast or grill aubergines until soft, then scoop out the flesh.
Blend with tahini, lemon, and garlic for baba ganoush.
Freeze the dip in small containers for up to six months.
This is a clever way to preserve aubergines when you have too many.
You can also puree them plain and use the puree in soups later.
Tips for Storing Preserved Aubergines Safely
However you preserve aubergines, proper storage matters.
Always label containers with the date and method used.
Keep frozen aubergines at 0°F (-18°C) or lower.
Store pickled and canned jars in a cool, dark place.
Check seals before eating any canned or pickled aubergines.
If you see mold, smell off odors, or notice leaking, throw them out.
When you preserve aubergines correctly, they remain safe and delicious.
So, How to Preserve Aubergines?
You can preserve aubergines by freezing, pickling, drying, canning, or turning them into dip.
Each method helps you enjoy aubergines long after harvest.
Pick the method that fits your kitchen and taste buds.
Then you’ll never waste another aubergine again.