When it comes to storing food in the fridge, particularly cooked foods, you have to be very careful when doing it. This is because there are certain rules to follow when it comes to storing such items.
If it is not stored properly then not only is there a chance of the food getting ruined and being wasted, it will also leave your fridge smelling bad for ages.
How long does eggplant parmesan last in the fridge?
It depends on the way you are storing your eggplant parmesan. If you can store it properly then it will last you anywhere between three to five days maximum. In that case, you will need to seal it inside a container that is fully air-tight and also wrap it in plastic paper wrap.
Raw eggplants can actually be kept in the fridge for a longer period of time. It can survive up to ten days maximum. However, when it comes to cooked eggplant it is prone to get ruined quicker.
This is because of the spices and especially the cheese present. These are all items that do not work well or survive well in the fridge despite the low temperature and proper storage.
If you end up cooking your eggplant you will have to make sure to pick the firmest and best ones. This will make sure that despite having cooked your eggplant and making eggplant parmesan out of it, the texture will not go bad over the few days stored in the fridge.
Even though it can survive till five days maximum, it is still plenty of time to consume the eggplant parmesan. It gives you enough time to not waste the food and still enjoy it after a couple of days.
However, do ensure to follow proper basic guidelines and store them properly. If they are not stored properly and exposed to too much air and particles present in the atmosphere then they will get more prone to getting spoiled quicker.
How to store eggplant parmesan in the fridge properly?
When it comes to storing eggplant parmesan in the fridge, you must follow some steps to help preserve it better.
Purchasing it the same day:
If you have the intention of storing it or if you know that there is a chance you might have to store your cooked eggplant then be prepared beforehand.
One important tip to keep in mind is to purchase your eggplant the same day that you might cook it. This ensures better shelf life in the fridge.
Purchasing proper eggplants:
Aside from purchasing your eggplants on the same day, you will also have to make sure to buy proper eggplants. This includes buying ones that feel the densest and also ones that look smooth from the outside from all around.
It should not have any spots or dents because that means that the eggplant is already at its end.
Storing it smartly:
When you have leftovers after cooking your eggplant parmesan the next step is for you to think about storing it in a proper way.
One very important tip you must follow is ensuring to store your eggplant parmesan in a container that is fully air-tight. Bring out your best containers or else it might not even last two days before it starts to smell.
Extra protection:
An air-tight container might not always be enough so there are a few more tips you can follow for extra protection.
This includes wrapping an extra layer of plastic wrap on top of your container. This will act as a barrier and give extra protection to your eggplant parmesan.
Keep it in the fridge properly:
Also keep in mind to store your sealed eggplant parmesan at the back of the fridge. This will ensure minimum contact with the outside environment and keep your leftover eggplant parmesan fresh for five days maximum.
Can I freeze eggplant parmesan? How long does eggplant parmesan last in the freezer?
It is completely possible to freeze your eggplant parmesan as long as you are doing it properly. Using parmesan is completely fine for your dish, but ensure to not use ricotta or cottage cheese.
This is because both of the cheeses do not do well in the freezer. Eggplants also end up absorbing a lot of water and oil so you must also ensure to properly deal with your eggplant by salting it.
Freezing your eggplant parmesan might also end up ruining the taste and quality. To avoid that, you must freeze it properly by keeping it inside a sealed container and also covering it with freezer-safe plastic.
You must also preserve it at a temperature of zero degrees. This will ensure the best quality and taste.
If you can manage to store it at a temperature of zero degrees then you can store it in your freezer and make it last indefinitely.
If you are looking for better quality and better tasting eggplant parmesan then it is best to not keep it in your freezer for any more than ten months.
Can you reheat eggplant parmesan?
Yes, it is perfectly fine to reheat eggplant parmesan. As long as you are doing it properly then it will taste as good as fresh eggplant parmesan. This includes preparing your eggplants before cooking by salting and draining them.
You should also cook it just until it is done so that it does not end up being too soggy when you reheat it later on.
You must also ensure to thaw it out properly and evenly so that it gets cooked evenly inside the oven when you are reheating it. These steps will ensure that your eggplant will not be soggy when you reheat it again by putting it inside the oven for at least ten minutes.
How to reheat eggplant parmesan?
Reheating eggplant parmesan and having it still taste good will not be very difficult if you follow certain tips.
Taking care of your eggplants beforehand:
This includes salting and draining your eggplants even before you proceed to cook them. It will ensure that your eggplants do not absorb too much oil and water when reheating.
When you are cooking it also ensures to cook it just until it is done. If you cook it too much then it can get soggy when reheating afterward.
Measures when storing:
Other than cooking measures, you must also follow storing measures.
This includes properly keeping your eggplant parmesan sealed inside an air-tight containers you must also keep in mind to wrap it again with a protective plastic wrap. This makes sure the sauces do not get separated or dried.
Not doing it can drain the flavours out of your eggplant parmesan when you reheat it in the future.
Thawing it out:
If kept in the freezer then switch it to your normal fridge and let it stay there for the entire night so that it thaws evenly. If yours was in the fridge then you can normally take it out and put it inside your microwave for twenty seconds.
Reheating in the oven:
Preheat your oven to 150 to 160 degrees and then keep your eggplant parmesan inside it for ten to fifteen minutes until it is fully warm and the cheese is melted.
Is eggplant parm good leftovers?
Eggplant parmesan can be great leftovers. This is because it is not a simple dish that will not taste that great later on. Other than that, eggplant parm is also not any bread or flaky goods that will not be crispy or fresh later on to eat.
It has so many layers and so many dense flavors that despite how you eat it later on it will still taste delicious.
You will just have to keep in mind to prep your eggplants and cook it in the proper way to avoid them getting soggy later on. Also, ensure to store it properly so that the sauces and the flavor stay intact.
Final Thoughts
If you have any plans to store your eggplant parm in the fridge for a longer period then it is best to keep it inside the freezer. The zero degrees help you to store it and still enjoy your eggplant parm for up to 10 months to come. Besides, it will stay fresh for 3-5 days in the fridge.