How to know if an eggplant is done

[Valerie]

I have an eggplant that looks like maybe it's ripe, but I don't know. It's pretty good size, but not massive. However, it's an heirloom variety, so maybe it doesn't get as big as the giant hybrids in the grocery store? It's nice and shiny purple, and still very firm.

There is a place on one side showing some greenish streaks. I know most eggplants I've eaten were kind of greenish inside.
I don't want to wait too long until it's bitter, ya know?

Should I go ahead and pluck it?

[BigM]

I say make a mental note of the look and feel, then try it. You'll have a better idea for the next one.

[Granny Smith]

Slightly immature fruits taste best. The fruits should be firm and shiny. Cut rather than pulling from the plant.

Source~
gardening.about.com/od/vegetablepatch/a/HarvestTimes.htm

Harvest when fruits are nearly full-grown but color is still bright and shiny. Overripe when color dulls and seeds turn brown.

Source~
www.gardening.cornell.edu/factsheets/vegetables/harvestguide.pdf

Harvest when the skin of the fruit is smooth, shiny, and unwrinkled. The color should be richly colored and the body should be heavy and firm. Avoid large-size eggplant.

Source~
www.almanac.com/content/ripeness-guide

[Valerie]

Oh yay! I guess I was right on time then!

A friend told me this week that she bakes her breaded eggplant slices instead of frying them, and they get nice and crispy.