Eggplant, locally known as Balanjay (Boulanger) and Baigan in Guyana is a genus of flowering plant that belongs to the nightshade family. It is often called the “king of vegetables” even though it’s technically a berry.
What do Caribbean people call eggplant?
balanjay – Caribbean Dictionary. Eggplant. A species of nightshade grown for its edible fruit.
Where is eggplant from?
Its origin is considered to be India where it continues to grow wild. This spiny, bitter, orange, pea-sized fruit has been cultivated throughout India and China for more than 1500 years. As trade routes opened, eggplant was introduced to Europe by the Arabs and transported to Africa by the Persians.
What do Jamaicans call aubergine?
I decided I would do a re-interpretation of what the Trini’s and Guyanese call “Baigan Choka.” Baigan, melangine, aubergine, balinghanna and mad apple are some of the other names for eggplant throughout the rest of the Caribbean, where it is more widely used and accepted.
What are Jamaican vegetables?
Top 5 Jamaican Vegetables
- Callaloo. Callaloo is a Jamaican variety of spinach, a leafy vegetable and it plays an important role in the Jamaican diet.
- Okra. A great Jamaican vegetable, the okra was said to be have been brought to Jamaica by the salves of West Africa.
- Cassava.
- Breadfruit.
What is another name for eggplant?
eggplant, (Solanum melongena), also called aubergine or Guinea squash, tender perennial plant of the nightshade family (Solanaceae), grown for its edible fruits. Eggplant requires a warm climate and has been cultivated in its native Southeast Asia since remote antiquity.
What is the common name of eggplant?
aubergine
Introduction. Eggplant (Solanum melongena L.; 2n = 24), commonly known as brinjal, aubergine, or guinea squash, belongs to the Solanaceae family and is included under the genus Solanum, one of the largest genera covering more than 1550 species (Chen, 1997).
Why is eggplant not good for you?
Eggplants are part of the nightshade family. Nightshades contain alkaloids, including solanine, which can be toxic. Solanine protects these plants while they are still developing. Eating the leaves or tubers of these plants can lead to symptoms such as burning in the throat, nausea and vomiting, and heart arrhythmias.
What are Caribbean vegetables?
Caribbean vegetables and fruits migrated in and out of the southern hemisphere by way of exploration and trade.
15 Caribbean Vegetables and Fruits to Try Now
- Mango. Photo by Shutterstock.
- Prickly Pear. Photo by Shutterstock.
- Plantain.
- Guava.
- Mamey Sapote.
- Tamarind.
- Chayote Squash.
- Boniato.
What is a Caribbean fruit?
Banana, mango, and coconut are undoubtedly the staple fruits from the islands of the Caribbean. With sunshine all year round and just the right amount of rain, these fruits grow in abundance. If you look closely enough, you’ll find them lined up on the shelves of your local supermarket.
What do Jamaicans call cassava?
Bammy
Bammy is a Jamaican staple, it is a less expensive alternative to wheat, it is popular in rural Jamaica where cassava is grown and made into bammy almost on a daily basis.
How do Jamaicans say hello?
Ello is the most common way to say hello in Jamaican patois. It is very similar to the English version but they don’t pronounce the ‘h’ at the start. Wah gwaan is a casual and friendly greeting which literally means ‘what’s going on’. It can be used to say hello or to ask someone how they are.
What fruit is native to Jamaica?
ackee
Jamaica’s national fruit, the ackee is commonly used as the main ingredient in the island’s traditional food dish, ackee and saltfish. This pear-shaped produce features a mild, nutty taste, which is why it is commonly curried over rice or cooked with tomatoes, onions, and codfish.
What is Jamaica fruit in English?
Ackee (Blighia sapida) is the national fruit of Jamaica as well as a component of the dish – ackee and codfish.
What type of vegetable is eggplant?
The eggplant is a nightshade vegetable, like potatoes, tomatoes, and peppers. It originally comes from India and Asia, where it still grows wild.
What is eggplant called in India?
Bt Brinjal
35: Bt Brinjal in India. Brinjal or baingan, known as eggplant and aubergine in North America and Europe respectively, is a very important common man’s vegetable in India. It is often described as a poor man’s vegetable because it is popular amongst small-scale farmers and low income consumers.
Why is it called eggplant?
Well, way back in the 1700s, early European versions of eggplant were smaller and yellow or white. They looked like goose or chicken eggs, which led to the name “eggplant.”
Can you eat eggplant raw?
Can You Eat Eggplant Raw? Luckily, the answer is yes! While the leaves and flowers can be toxic, the eggplant itself is safe to consume both raw and cooked, and the compound that some might be sensitive to, solanine, is only toxic when consumed in large quantities.
Is there a difference between eggplant and aubergine?
Aubergine is a French word, used primarily in Europe to refer to an eggplant. The name, which is actually the original term (not eggplant), refers to its color.
What are eggplants good for?
Here are 7 surprising benefits you’ll experience if you include eggplant in your regular diet.
- A GREAT SOURCE OF VITAMINS & MINERALS. The vitamin & mineral content of eggplants is quite extensive.
- HELPS WITH DIGESTION.
- IMPROVES HEART HEALTH.
- PREVENTS CANCER.
- IMPROVES BONE HEALTH.
- PREVENTS ANEMIA.
- INCREASES BRAIN FUNCTION.
Why do you soak eggplant before cooking?
Eggplant works like a sponge, soaking up the milk into the flesh of the fruit. The final result is creamy and juicy, and the bitterness is all gone. The quickest way to make your eggplants less bitter is to scoop out and throw away the seeds of the fruit.
Elvira Bowen is a food expert who has dedicated her life to understanding the science of cooking. She has worked in some of the world’s most prestigious kitchens, and has published several cookbooks that have become bestsellers. Elvira is known for her creative approach to cuisine, and her passion for teaching others about the culinary arts.