How do you tell if an eggplant is bad?

Here's how to tell if an eggplant is bad:

Visual Inspection:

* Color: Look for a bright, glossy skin with vibrant purple, white, or green hues. Avoid eggplants that have dull, faded colors or brown spots.

* Texture: The skin should be firm and smooth. Avoid eggplants that are soft, wrinkled, or have any squishy areas.

* Stem: The stem should be fresh and green, not dry and brown.

Smell Test:

* Fresh: A good eggplant should have no strong odor.

* Spoiled: A bad eggplant may have a sour or fermented smell.

Other Signs:

* Mildew: If you see white, fuzzy mold on the eggplant, it's definitely gone bad.

* Cuts or Bruises: While small bruises are okay, large cuts or deep bruising can indicate spoilage.

If you see any of these signs, it's best to discard the eggplant.

Important Note: Even if an eggplant appears okay, it's always a good idea to cut it open and check for any signs of spoilage before eating.