The eggplant is a vegetable that has been cultivated for thousands of years. The seeds of the plant are generally used to grow eggplants, although they can be consumed as well. Most of the time, eggplants will be cooked before it’s consumed. What if you want to eat eggplant raw?
The answer is yes, you can eat raw eggplant. But it’s not recommended. Eggplants, like tomatoes and potatoes, are members of the nightshade family. The leaves and stems of eggplants are poisonous and contain solanine — a toxin that is harmful to humans and animals if consumed in large amounts.
Is Raw Eggplant Safe To Eat?
Yes, raw eggplant is safe to eat. It’s a common myth that eggplant is poisonous. The truth is that the raw fruit can irritate your mouth and throat if you’re allergic to it.
However, most people don’t have allergies to eggplant and can eat it without any problems.
The raw fruit does contain a protein called solanine, which can cause nausea and vomiting in some people who are sensitive to it. Cooking destroys solanine and makes eggplant safe to eat.
If you have an allergy to eggplant, you may experience itching or swelling in your mouth or throat after eating it raw. You might also experience stomach cramps, diarrhea, or vomiting within an hour of eating raw eggplant. If this happens, avoid eating more of the fruit for a few weeks or until your symptoms go away completely.
What Do Raw Eggplants Taste Like?
Eggplants have a mild flavor that is slightly bitter and sweet. It’s similar to that of tomatoes but less acidic. The texture of an eggplant is firm but tender when cooked. When compared with other vegetables, they’re more watery and have fewer calories per portion size (1/2 cup).
Eggplants should be stored in the refrigerator in a plastic bag or container with holes punched into it to allow for air circulation. They will last up to 10 days under these conditions. The skin of an eggplant may be tough, so it’s best to peel it off before eating it raw or cooking with it.
How To Prepare Raw Eggplants
Preparing raw eggplant is a little different from preparing cooked eggplant. The first step is to wash your eggplant. Then you need to slice it thinly so that it can soak up the flavors of whatever else you’re making. If you want to prepare raw eggplant for a salad or other dish where it will be mixed or tossed with other ingredients, cut it into thin strips.
If you want to serve the eggplant on its own as a side dish, cube or slice it.
There are different ways to cut raw eggplant depending on what kind of dish you are preparing and how thickly you want to slice the vegetable. For example, if you want long slices for a salad or other dish where the pieces will be combined with other ingredients, use a knife to make thin cuts across the flesh of the fruit (not lengthwise).
If you want thick chunks of eggplant for frying or roasting, cut them vertically in half lengthwise and then again crosswise into cubes about an inch wide but no more than an inch thick.
How To Eat Raw Eggplants
Eggplants are summer vegetables that can grow to be quite large. While they’re generally used in cooked dishes, raw eggplant can be used in salads, sandwiches, and even as a substitute for meat.
Here are some ways to use raw eggplant:
In Salads
There is nothing more delicious than a fresh eggplant salad. But I’m not talking about the typical salad with boiled eggplants, chopped onions, and tomatoes. I’m talking about the kind where you get to enjoy the taste of the raw eggplant.
The best way to eat it is by slicing raw eggplants up and tossing in some lemon juice. You can also sprinkle some salt and pepper on top for an even tastier experience.
This recipe is so easy to make and it’s healthy as well because raw eggplant has many health benefits!
In Sandwiches
You can make a sandwich with raw eggplants and it will be just as tasty, if not better than the grilled ones. The raw slices of eggplant will soak up all the flavors you add to them and give you a unique taste experience every time. Here are some ideas for making a sandwich out of raw eggplants:
1) Spread some mayonnaise on both sides of the bread slice and then place an eggplant slice on one side. Sprinkle some salt, pepper, and chili powder over the slice and top it with another slice of bread.
2) Place some cream cheese on both sides of the bread slice, followed by an eggplant slice on one side. Add some salt and pepper over it, along with chopped coriander leaves, and top it with another slice of bread.
3) Spread some hummus over both sides of the bread slice and then place an eggplant slice on one side. Top it with sliced cucumber, tomatoes, onions, and lettuce leaves followed by another slice of bread.
As a Meat Substitute
Raw eggplant is a great substitute for meat in many recipes. It has a mild flavor and is dense and meaty when cooked. It’s also low in calories and high in fiber, making it an excellent choice for those who are watching their weight or looking for ways to cut back on fat.
Conclusion
Raw eggplant is safe to eat if it has been cooked properly. When cooked properly, raw eggplant does not contain any harmful bacteria or toxins that could make you sick. However, uncooked eggplant may contain a compound called solanine that causes digestive issues when consumed in high quantities or over time.