Maturity Indices Eggplant fruit are harvested at a range of developmental stages. Depending on cultivar and temperature, the time from flowering to harvest may be 10 to 40 days. Generally fruit are harvested immature before seeds begin to significantly enlarge and harden. Firmness and external glossiness are also indicators of a pre-maturity condition.
Eggplant fruit become pithy and bitter as they reach an overmature condition.
The diversity of eggplant types being marketed has increased greatly in recent years. Additional quality indices are size, freedom from growth or handling defects, freedom from decay, and a fresh green calyx. Chinese - elongated, slender, light purple U.S. grades are Fancy, No. 1, and No. 2, and No. 3. Distinction among grades is based solely on size, external appearances, and firmness. Decay is likely to increase following storage beyond two weeks, especially after removal to typical retail conditions.