The most common eggplant variety in the US is the globe eggplant: this hefty variety has glossy, deep-purple skin and spongy fruit. Other commonly cultivated varieties include white eggplants (used in Middle Eastern dishes like baba ganoush), Thai eggplants, Black Beauties, Ichiban, Rosa Bianca, and Little Fingers.
What’s the difference between eggplant and aubergines?
Two names for one plant. And much like courgette and zucchini, it’s a regional thing. Aubergine is a French word, and it is how Europeans refer to what Americans would typically call an eggplant. We call it eggplant because the original aubergine that was brought to North America by immigrants looked like white eggs.
What kind of eggplant is long and skinny?
Japanese eggplant
Japanese eggplant are long and thin, with a dark, almost black color and glossy appearance. They get very soft and creamy when cooked, and have an almost melt-in-your-mouth texture.
How many different kinds of eggplant are there?
18 Different Types of Eggplant.
What is the best type of eggplant?
Best Types of Eggplants
- Little Green Eggplant. This one is round, plump, and pale-green in color.
- Globe Eggplant.
- Italian Eggplant.
- 4. Japanese Eggplant.
- Ping Tung Eggplant.
- Rosa Bianca Eggplant.
- Graffiti Eggplant.
- Santana Eggplant.
Are aubergines poisonous?
As a member of the nightshade family, aubergine is related to tomatoes and potatoes, and like them its leaves are poisonous.
What are the health benefits of aubergine?
- Source of antioxidants. Aubergines are a source of protective compounds with antioxidant properties, one being nasunin, which is responsible for the fruit’s deep purple colour skin.
- May help manage blood sugar control.
- May help manage cholesterol levels.
- May help manage weight.
- May support heart health.
Which eggplant is best for cooking?
Chinese eggplant are easily identified by their pale violet skin and slender, cylindrical shape. They have the most delicate flavor of all the market varieties. Their even contours make them ideal for slicing, and because they cook quickly, they’re good in stir-fries and sautés.
What are small aubergines called?
Purple and spherical, Indian eggplants—also known as baby eggplants—are known for their small, round appearance and tender texture.
What are long purple eggplants called?
Globe/American Eggplant
If you grew up in the States, globe eggplants, also called American eggplants, are probably what you’re used to. They’re the kind you’re most likely to find at the supermarket. They have a short, squatty shape and a deep purple color.
Do different types of eggplant taste different?
Some are sweeter than others, or more bitter. You’ll find greener varieties, as well as white. There are varieties with a lot of stripes while others are completely solid in color. The flavor is generally consistent, but there is more range than most people realize.
What is the difference between white and purple eggplant?
When comparing the size, the white eggplant is smaller to purple eggplant. Unlike the purple eggplant, the white ones come less bitter, denser and creamier. Another difference seen between the two eggplants is in the seeds. When compared to purple eggplants, the white eggplants come with more seeds.
Which eggplant is less bitter?
Choose eggplants that are shiny and firm. At this stage, any seeds found inside are still small, so the flesh will not have accumulated the bitter compounds found in eggplants that have become overripe and puckery.
How do you pick a good eggplant?
It feels slightly firm.
If you press your finger against the eggplant, it should have a little give to it and bounce back, but not be as soft as, say, pressing your finger against a ripe piece of fruit. If it feels very soft, that means that the eggplant is old and overripe.
Can eggplant cause stomach pain?
Nightshades like tomatoes, peppers and eggplants have a bad reputation. Even the name “nightshade” sounds ominous. For some people, nightshades have been known to cause digestive issues and even aches and pains.
What is the difference between Japanese and Italian eggplant?
The smaller version of the larger purple skinned eggplant is often called Italian or baby eggplant. These have a somewhat more intense flavor and the flesh is much more tender. The straight thin eggplants known as Japanese or Asian eggplant have thin delicate skins like Italian eggplant but the flesh is sweeter.
Why we should not eat eggplant?
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.
Can I eat aubergine 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.
Do you eat the skin on an aubergine?
If the skin is in good shape, it is edible, though some varieties have skin that is too tough to eat. Peel the skin with a vegetable peeler if you think it’s wise – younger aubergine skin is fine to eat, but older, more ripened aubergine skin has a bitter taste. Cut off the stem and base, too.
When should you not eat eggplant?
8 Tips to tell if eggplant has gone bad
- Eggplant stopped being firm and starts getting soft.
- It is not so nicely shiny any more.
- The skin starts looking slightly shriveled’
- When cut, your eggplant is slightly slimy.
- The flesh, when cut, is turning brown.
- The seeds are slimy.
- There are rotting spots on the fruit.
Does aubergine make you poop?
Helps digestion– Eggplant is rich in fiber so it helps control your blood sugars and lower the risk of heart disease. Eggplants are often referred to as a natural laxative, helping to relieve constipation.
Justin Shelton is a professional cook. He’s been in the industry for over 10 years, and he loves nothing more than creating delicious dishes for others to enjoy. Justin has worked in some of the best kitchens in the country, and he’s always looking for new challenges and ways to improve his craft. When he’s not cooking, Justin enjoys spending time with his wife and son. He loves exploring new restaurants and trying out different cuisines.