Where Is Chinese Eggplant Grown?

Chinese eggplants originated in tropical and subtropical regions, so they require full sun and warm temperatures for adequate growth.

Is Chinese eggplant from China?

The eggplant is originally from India and reached coastal regions of mainland China first and then Taiwan; the long slender variety is the preferred one for cooking.

How does Chinese eggplant grow?

Eggplants need fertile, well-draining soil with a pH of 6.2-6.8. Sow seeds indoors in flats 6-8 weeks before the date of the last frost. The soil must be kept warm to ensure germination. Thin plants after 2-3 true leaves have formed.

Where are eggplants mainly grown?

New Jersey leads the nation in acres of eggplant harvested with 849 acres of harvested eggplant in 2019, ahead of California’s 705, Florida’s 685 and Georgia’s 624. During peak season, farmers can harvest 900 or more bushels of eggplant per day. No other state harvested more than 500 acres.

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.

How is Chinese eggplant different from 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.

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.

How long does it take to grow Chinese eggplant?

around 60 days
Depending on the cultivar, Asian eggplants are ready to pick as early as 50 days after sowing outdoors, although most varieties take around 60 days. Using gardening scissors, cut the fruit off the vine, half an inch from the top’s green part (the calyx).

What is eggplant called in China?

In Chinese cuisine, eggplants are known as qiézi (茄子).

How do you harvest Chinese eggplant?

Harvesting Your Chinese Eggplant
If they are dull they may have a bitter taste. Hold the eggplant and snip from the fruit and not the stem. Leave 1″ of the stem attached so it can continue to produce more eggplants. Use them right away.

Which country eats the most eggplants?

China
China (34M tonnes) constituted the country with the largest volume of eggplant consumption, accounting for 67% of total volume.

Where is the eggplant capital of the world?

Did you know that New Jersey grows about 66 percent of the world’s eggplants? It’s true! The majority of eggplant production is located in South Jersey, especially Gloucester, Cumberland, Salem and Atlantic counties, and smaller production sites are also located in Monmouth and Burlington counties.

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 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.

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.

Can you eat the skin of a Chinese eggplant?

The skin is entirely edible, though with larger eggplants it can be a little tough. If your eggplant is young, tender, and on the small side, the nutrient-rich skin can probably be left on for skillet frying or braising. Otherwise, peel the skin and then slice or cube the flesh.

What is the biggest eggplant in the world?

3.12 kg
The heaviest aubergine (Solanum melongena) weighed 3.12 kg (6 lb 14 oz) and was grown by Peter Glazebrook (UK) for entry in the CANNA UK National Giant Vegetables Championships, held at the Three Counties Showground in Malvern, Worcestershire, UK, on 23 September 2021.

What does Chinese eggplant taste like?

Chinese eggplants are long and thin with vibrant lavender skin and white flesh, and can appear either crooked or straight. They taste mildly sweet and hold up when cooked.

Can I substitute regular eggplant for Chinese 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. Some cooks are concerned that their eggplant might be bitter.

Can you eat raw Japanese eggplant?

Like all other eggplant, Japanese eggplant is never eaten raw. But unlike larger, seedier eggplant, Japanese eggplant generally doesn’t need salting. Because of its firm texture, which turns creamy during cooking yet holds its shape, Japanese eggplant is especially good for baking, broiling, grilling, and stir-frying.

Can you eat the skin of a Japanese eggplant?

The Japanese eggplant’s thinner skin may be more easily cooked and consumed than the thick skin of a normal eggplant. The skin is also full of fiber that can help keep you feeling full, regulate your digestion and even lower cholesterol.