Chinese eggplants have fewer seeds than globes, which reduces their bitterness. And they have a thin skin. While they can be substituted for each other, globes may be less sweet, influencing the outcome of the final dish.
Which eggplant does not have seeds?
Male eggplants tend to have fewer seeds, and are therefore less bitter than female eggplants. To sex an eggplant, look at the indentation at bottom. If it’s deep and shaped like a dash, it’s a female.
What is the difference between Chinese eggplant and regular eggplant?
China is the world’s top producer and consumer of eggplant, so it’s apt that the Chinese eggplant variety is so distinct. It has a lighter, almost pastel exterior, with a white flesh and sweeter taste that fits its appearance. The Chinese variety contains fewer seeds than globe eggplants, and are therefore less bitter.
Does all eggplant have seeds?
Eggplant (Solanum melongena) is a fruit, rather than a vegetable, and belongs to the nightshade family. Depending on the variety, they can be black, purple, white or yellow. All eggplants contain many soft, small, edible seeds.
What does Chinese eggplant look like?
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.
How can you tell if an eggplant has no seeds?
Male eggplants have fewer seeds and are less likely to be bitter. To differentiate between male and female eggplants, inspect the flower end. The male has a small, round, smooth end; the female has an irregular, less smooth end.
Does Japanese eggplant have seeds?
Japanese eggplants are known for their long, slender fruit, with thin skins and few seeds.
Do you need to peel Chinese eggplant?
Chinese eggplant is thin and long, making it very easy to cut into pieces. There’s no need to peel this variety since the skins cook up very quickly. You can cut them however you prefer (round slices, cubes, etc), but traditionally, this type of dish uses eggplant that’s cut into thick matchsticks.
How do you cut Chinese eggplant?
To cut an eggplant, all you need is a stable cutting board and sharp kitchen knife, like a chef’s knife, santoku, or serrated knife. Older or larger eggplants may be better eaten with their skin removed, which you can do with a vegetable peeler or paring knife.
Is Chinese eggplant good for you?
Eggplant has antioxidants like vitamins A and C, which help protect your cells against damage. It’s also high in natural plant chemicals called polyphenols, which may help cells do a better job of processing sugar if you have diabetes.
Is it OK to eat eggplant with seeds?
You don’t have to remove the seeds to eat an eggplant, but they do sometimes have a bitter flavor that you might like to get rid of before cooking the eggplant.
Should I remove seeds from eggplant?
The seeds of a fresh eggplant should be soft and barely visible and if they are, there’s no need to remove them. If seeds are brown, scoop them out with a spoon.
Are eggplant seeds toxic?
Because eggplants belong to the nightshade family, they contain an alkaloid called solanine, which can be toxic if consumed in large amounts. Eating the leaves and tubers of nightshade plants can be fatal, as there are large amounts of the alkaloid in parts of the plant that are not normally consumed.
Whats the difference between Japanese and Chinese eggplant?
Characterized by their long, narrow shape, both Japanese and Chinese eggplant can be hard to differentiate. Japanese eggplant tends to have a much deeper purple color, while Chinese eggplant is usually lighter, more lavender-purple, and is sometimes even longer.
When should I pick Chinese eggplant?
Asian eggplants are ready to pick as early as 50 days after planting outside.
Why is it called Chinese eggplant?
Chinese eggplant, botanically classified as Solanum melongena, is the name given to hundreds of eggplant varieties that are considered native to or cultivated throughout China and Asia.
Why is my eggplant full of seeds?
Eggplant seediness is usually due to improper harvesting or harvesting at the wrong time.
How do you get seeds out of eggplant?
Slice open the eggplant and separate the flesh from the seeds. Put the seeds in a bowl of water and wash the pulp away. Strain the seeds, pat them dry, and spread them out on a tray to dry not more than two seeds thick.
What does the inside of a Japanese eggplant look like?
Underneath the surface, the cream-colored flesh is tinged with green and is nearly seedless with a dense, firm, and spongy texture. Japanese eggplants should feel heavy for their size and appear relatively unblemished for the best quality.
How long do Chinese eggplants grow?
After you transplant your seedlings, they take from 50 to 60 days to mature, depending on the Chinese eggplant variety. They should be about 18-inches long with firm skin when they’re ripe.
Should I salt Chinese eggplant?
In summary, the Chinese eggplant should be treated with salt and vinegar and coated with either egg white or cornflour if you intend to deep-fried the eggplant. Once you have got it right on how to treat the eggplant before cooking, everything that followed after that is easy peasy.
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.