As the name suggests, Indian eggplants are native to the warm climate of India, where they grow wild. In recent years, the small egg-shaped veggies, also known as baby eggplants, have become highly desired for their mild sweet flavor and creamy texture.
What’s the difference between Indian eggplant and regular eggplant?
Indian eggplants are sweeter and more tender than American and Italian Eggplants. These eggplants are small and round, just a few inches long, and have a smooth, dark purple skin. Indian eggplants have a thicker skin than Chinese and Japanese, however, still not as thick as Americaan and Italian Eggplants.
What do Indians call aubergines?
Eggplant (US, Canada, Australia), aubergine (UK, Ireland) or brinjal (Indian subcontinent, Singapore, Malaysia, South Africa) is a plant species in the nightshade family Solanaceae.
Is eggplant native to India?
Eggplants originated in China and India and have been cultivated there for thousands of years. The Spanish Moors introduced the eggplant into southern and Eastern Europe where it became very popular. The early explorers of the New World introduced eggplant into the Americas in the 1500s, but the plant never caught on.
What is the best tasting eggplant?
Sweet, tender, flavorful and creamy, Fairy Tale are simply the best eggplants we’ve ever tasted,” says Taylor. This quick-cooking variety is so delicious that it doesn’t even need to be salted. Taylor suggests slicing them lengthwise, then tossing them into stir-fries or sautés, or skewering them on the grill.
Can you substitute regular eggplant for Japanese eggplant?
In most recipes, the different types of eggplant are interchangeable. If you would like to serve a more delicate eggplant than the common type, use the mild-flavored, excellent Chinese and Japanese varieties.
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.
Why is aubergine called brinjal in India?
The British got aubergine via the French which, in turn, came from the Arabic al Badinjan. So that’s how the world got brinjal – in various languages as well as the paleobotanical evolution that started from this subcontinent. “The cultivation and use of brinjal (eggplant/aubergine) is of great antiquity.
What is eggplant called in England?
Aubergine
Eggplant or Aubergine
The British have borrowed quite a few foods terms from their French neighbors and none is more well-known than aubergine,known as eggplant in the U.S.. The word aubergine comes from the Catalan word alberginia, which came from the Arabic al-badhinjan and the Persian word badingan before that.
How does Indian eggplant grow?
Indian eggplant likes fertile, well-drained soil. Dig in a generous amount of compost, well-rotted manure or other organic material before planting. Mulch the plants well to keep the soil moist and discourage growth of weeds. Provide Indian eggplants with at least an inch (2.5 cm.)
What are tiny eggplants called?
Indian Eggplant
Also called baby eggplants, these adorable nightshades resemble grapes or cherries. They have a dark, reddish-purple color and a round shape. They’re commonly used in Indian dishes like curry.
Will eggplant ripen off the vine?
Eggplants do not ripen off the vine and deteriorate rapidly, becoming spongy. Eat the eggplant as soon as possible after picking it. You can store it overnight at room temperature.
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.
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.
Are eggplants poisonous?
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.
What’s the difference between Italian eggplant and regular eggplant?
Italian eggplant are similar in shape and color to American eggplant, but diminutive in size—only a few inches in diameter and 5 to 8 inches long. Italian eggplant are more delicate and sweeter than their larger cousins, and their smaller size makes them a good choice for stuffing, roasting, and broiling.
What type of eggplant that is not 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.
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 does Indian eggplant taste like?
Description/Taste
The inner flesh is firm, crisp, and creamy white with a few, small edible seeds. When cooked, Indian eggplants offer a mild flavor with sweet notes and a creamy texture.
What’s the difference between Chinese eggplant and Japanese 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.
Should I peel Japanese eggplant?
Japanese eggplant has a thin skin, so it is no need to peel it and you can grill or bake them. It will be soft and pleasant to eat!
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.