Eggplants have been around for centuries. (In fact, they were first mentioned back in 544 in a Chinese book on agriculture.) And as the story goes, European farmers in the 1700s gave eggplants their name because at the time, the fruits were smaller and yellow or white.
Are eggplants originally white?
Eggplant was first cultivated and domesticated about 4,000 years ago. It may surprise you to learn that these original garden eggplants bore small, white, egg-shaped fruits, hence the common name eggplant.
Why are some eggplants white?
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. It can also be seen that white eggplant are less acidic.
Are there still white eggplants?
There are still many cultivars of the white eggplant around today. Some are old heirloom varieties, while others are more recently cultivated hybrids. And the fruits of these varieties come in all sorts of shapes and sizes – small and round, long and thin, or plump and oval.
What did the original eggplant look like?
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.” The eggplant has been around for a long, long time.
When did eggplants turn purple?
The pinkish-purple-grayish color shown in the color box as eggplant was introduced by Crayola in 1998. Different varieties of eggplant may range from indigo to white (the term eggplant originated as a description of white colored eggplants because they look like eggs).
Why did eggplants become purple?
Aubergines come in many different varieties, and not all of them are the characteristic colour. However, many of them are a shade of violet or purple, and this is caused by the presence of anthocyanins. Anthocyanins are pigments which often give red, blue or purple colouration in plants.
Can you eat a white eggplant?
White eggplants are best suited for cooked applications such as sautéing, pan-frying, deep-frying, grilling, and baking. Their skins are firmer than purple varieties and should be peeled before cooking. They can be sliced and grilled, used in stir-fries or sautéed with other vegetables as a side dish.
What do white eggplant taste like?
When it comes to white eggplant, Specialty Produce describes the flavor as “fruity and mild” when raw. Cooked white eggplant has a “warm, mellow” taste. Though you don’t always have to peel a purple eggplant, you should peel a white eggplant before cooking because the skin is a bit thicker.
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 did eggplants used to look like?
Eggplant. Now known for their deep aubergine color, historically eggplants have had several hues including white, yellow, azure and purple. In fact the English name “eggplant” comes from the fact that the plants were often white and round. Some plants even had spines.
What is the color of the freshly cut eggplant?
Freshly-cut eggplant, when exposed to the air, quickly oxidizes and turns black, kind of the way an apple goes brown after it is cut and exposed to air.
Were there any changes in the color of eggplant?
When you eat apples or bananas, or when peeling potatoes or eggplant, the color of the fruit and vegetables becomes brown and sometimes “changes to black color, the reason is due to oxidation of phenolic compounds in the fruit under the action of an enzyme called polyphenol oxidase .
Why is my eggplant not purple?
Eggplants naturally turn yellow/brown when they fully ripen, as purple eggplants are technically underripe fruit. However, fully ripe eggplants are not really edible, so pick them before they turn yellow.
Should I peel white eggplant?
While the skin of a white eggplant may be tougher than purple eggplants and should be peeled off before cooking, the dense white flesh makes them better suited to baking, steaming or frying as they can hold their shape better.
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.
Is eggplant a laxative?
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.
Is eggplant an inflammatory food?
Eggplant
Eggplant isn’t high in any one vitamin or mineral, but it contains small amounts of most essential vitamins and minerals. According to one 2015 study, eggplant stalk extract may help reduce inflammation. More research is needed to determine if eggplant fruit has the same abilities.
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.