Eggplant Variety Believe it or not, eggplant isn’t always purple. There are many types of eggplant that come in a variety of colors ranging from white to a deep violet that’s almost black. What is this? It’s entirely possible the eggplant you’re growing is merely a different variety from any that turns purple.
Why is my eggplant yellow instead of 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. Note that some eggplant varieties are naturally yellow when unripe, too.
Why is my purple eggplant turning white?
Discoloration and Other Eggplant Problems
If you have a purple eggplant turning white or developing a pale brown patch, that can be caused by sunscald. Eggplants are a heat-loving plant but direct sunlight can damage the fruit, causing brown or pale patches where the skin becomes leathery.
Does green eggplant turn purple?
Green Eggplant Varieties
If you planted eggplant that’s supposed to bear purple fruit, its color is purple from the start, unlike tomatoes, that are green, and then turn red as they ripen. If your eggplants are green, even when first bearing fruit, then you probably planted a green cultivar without knowing it.
Are eggplants white before they turn purple?
Once the skin is peeled off, the white eggplant has a white flesh whereas the purple eggplant has a greenish hue. 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.
How often should eggplant be watered?
Eggplant also needs consistent water, at least 1 inch per week. It is better to give one thorough soaking than several frequent, short waterings, because frequent watering promotes shallow roots. Weather and soil type, of course, will affect water demand.
What is the best fertilizer for eggplant?
A balanced fertilizer (10-10-10) is often recommended for eggplant. Feeding too much nitrogen at this point can result in large, leafy plants that fail to produce fruit.
How can you tell if eggplant is ripe?
Ripe eggplants should be firm but not hard. Flesh should be white with a slight green tint (orange eggplants ripen orange/green inside). If you are unsure of your eggplant’s ripeness, cut one crosswise and check the seeds. They should be clearly visible.
Do eggplants continue to ripen after picking?
You can ripen eggplants after harvesting, but results vary, depending on the problem. Ripen them on the counter at room temperature. It helps to put the eggplants in a paper bag where they should ripen within a few days.
What does it mean when eggplant is green?
If your eggplant is green, it might be because of the type you’ve picked, it’s overripe, it’s sunburnt, or you’re just seeing the slight greenish tint that’s normal to eggplant in general.
Is it OK to eat green eggplant?
What you want to see in eggplants is shades of green because that will often mean they’re ripe. Eggplant flesh typically has a slightly green hue. The flesh is not meant to be entirely green (and I’ve never seen such an eggplant), but if all you’re seeing is a little hint of green, that is supposed to be normal.
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.
Why are some eggplants white?
White eggplants refer to any cultivator of eggplants whose skin is the color white. There are many different varieties, from old heirloom ones to much more recently cultivated hybrids. Nutritional Value: white eggplants are high in potassium and also offer some B vitamins, magnesium, and copper.
When should I harvest white eggplant?
Harvesting Time
The fruit is usually between 4 and 7 inches (10 to 18 cm), depending on the cultivar. It would be best if you harvested white eggplants before the skin turns yellow. Ripe eggplants should feel firm to the touch but not hard, with white, glossy skin.
What does an overwatered eggplant look like?
An overwatered eggplant will also show symptoms of this problem on its leaves. Look for leaves that feel wet, soft, and limp. More symptoms of overwatering include premature leaf drop of new growth and soft, brown, or mushy roots that prevent the plant from taking water, causing leaf curl and wilting.
What can you not plant near eggplant?
Eggplant – A good companion for amaranth, beans, marigolds, peas, peppers, spinach, and thyme. Do not plant eggplants near fennel.
Does eggplant like full sun?
As a basic rule of thumb, vegetables grown for their fruit or roots—such as tomatoes, eggplant, peppers, squash, potatoes, or carrots—require full sun, which is defined as a garden location that receives at least six hours of direct sun each day.
Is Miracle Grow good for eggplants?
If you are looking for an all-around great option for eggplants then I recommend the Miracle-Gro All Purpose Plant Food. This is one of the Best Eggplant Fertilizers EVER! This fertilizer instantly feeds providing bigger, better eggplants. You can apply it every two weeks with a garden feeder.
Can I use Miracle Grow on eggplant?
Applying Miracle Gro’s All-Purpose fertilizer is easy since it comes in a water-soluble powder. We recommend using Miracle-Gro’s sprayer if you have a large eggplant garden. That way, you can attach your hose and fertilize it fast.
Is coffee grounds good for eggplants?
What plants like coffee grounds? Like a tomato plant or roses, eggplants thrive in acidic soil, and adding coffee grounds is an easy way to ensure your soil reaches the proper pH.
How do you keep eggplant from browning?
Add a hint of acidity (lemon or vinegar) to the cooking water. This will prevent discoloration during the cooking process. Another way to reduce the pH is to sprinkle salt over eggplant prior to cooking. This will ward off browning, as it somewhat protects the eggplant against oxidation.
Lorraine Wade is all about natural food. She loves to cook and bake, and she’s always experimenting with new recipes. Her friends and family are the lucky beneficiaries of her culinary skills! Lorraine also enjoys hiking and exploring nature. She’s a friendly person who loves to chat with others, and she’s always looking for ways to help out in her community.