Italian Eggplant Not to be confused with its doppelganger the globe eggplant, the Italian eggplant has a similar color and shape, but is slightly smaller and sweeter. Plus, it has a more tender flesh than it’s meatier American counterpart.
What are Italian eggplants?
Italian Eggplant can be an elongated pear-shape or almost cylindrical, with a glossy deep purple skin. This is a meaty, mild-tasting vegetable that is low in calories. It is never eaten raw, but it can be baked, grilled, or sautéed.
What is the difference between Sicilian eggplant and regular eggplant?
SICILIAN EGGPLANT
Italian Eggplant, also called “Baby Egg- plant”, looks like Regular Eggplant only smaller and more slender. This variety is ideal for roasting and can be used in ways similar to regular eggplant. White Eggplant is round, smooth, and white, with a green calyx on top.
Can you use Italian eggplant instead of Chinese eggplant?
Substitutions. Japanese eggplant is the best substitute for Chinese eggplant because they contain similar amounts of seeds and they both have a delicate sweet flavor. Italian eggplants are the second best substitute since their flavor is milder and sweeter than American eggplant.
What kind of eggplant is best?
Italian Eggplant
These are by far the most commonly used (at least in American cuisine), and are what you’ll usually find in your eggplant lasagna, eggplant parmesan, ratatouille, or even eggplant curry. They’re deep purple, sweet in flavor, and perfect for using in a wide variety of eggplant dishes.
Are there different types of eggplant?
Here are 11 of the most common types of eggplants, and how to cook them.
- Chinese Eggplant. Stieglitz/Getty Images.
- Fairy Tale Eggplant. David Speer/Meredith.
- Globe/American Eggplant. Kindra Clineff/Meredith.
- Graffiti/Zebra/Sicilian Eggplant.
- Indian Eggplant.
- Italian Eggplant.
- 7. Japanese Eggplant.
- Little Green Eggplant.
What does Italian eggplant taste like?
Italian eggplants are like smaller, slightly sweeter, versions of globe eggplants that still maintain a thick, spongy texture. The sweeter notes in Italian eggplant work well with salty and umami flavors, such as those in meat or cheese, making them perfect for an eggplant Parmesan or a layered dish like lasagna.
Does Sicilian eggplant taste different?
When it comes to taste, the Sicilian eggplant is the sweetest I have ever eaten. The simple and light dish delivers on taste and educates the palate in fresh and seasonal produce. Travelling and eating around Italy and France, I have come to appreciate and enjoy what is available in season.
What is the difference between Chinese and Italian eggplant?
Of the asian variety of eggplants, Chinese eggplants are a lot thinner than American and Italian eggplants. They have a thinner skin and are less bitter as it has less seeds (the seeds are what makes an eggplant slightly bitter).
What’s the difference between eggplants?
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.
Can I substitute regular eggplant for Thai 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.
What is the difference between Japanese and Italian eggplant?
The smaller version of the larger purple skinned eggplant is often called Italian or baby eggplant. These have a somewhat more intense flavor and the flesh is much more tender. The straight thin eggplants known as Japanese or Asian eggplant have thin delicate skins like Italian eggplant but the flesh is sweeter.
How big are Italian eggplants?
Galene. ‘Galene’ is an Italian eggplant variety that is known for its exceptionally high yields. This plant produces glossy, uniform fruits that are black to purple and up to 7-inches long. Even for gardeners with shorter growing seasons, this is a high-yielding variety to consider.
Does all eggplant taste the same?
Some are sweeter than others, or more bitter. You’ll find greener varieties, as well as white. There are varieties with a lot of stripes while others are completely solid in color. The flavor is generally consistent, but there is more range than most people realize.
What does Sicilian eggplant look like?
Sicilian eggplant are big and round, about the size of a grapefruit, and lighter purple in color. Sicilian eggplant are lighter in color and quite round.
What are skinny eggplants called?
Japanese eggplant are long and thin, with a dark, almost black color and glossy appearance. They get very soft and creamy when cooked, and have an almost melt-in-your-mouth texture. These aren’t your eggplant parm guys, they are better for sautéing, stir-fried, or pickled.
What are the different names of eggplants?
eggplant, (Solanum melongena), also called aubergine or Guinea squash, tender perennial plant of the nightshade family (Solanaceae), grown for its edible fruits.
Can you substitute regular eggplant for Japanese eggplant?
First, use any of the different varieties of eggplant (globe, Japanese, baby, striped) interchangeably, substituting pound for pound. OR – Substitute okra which will offer a different flavor and texture. OR – Use zucchini, slice and use in pasta sauces and even dishes similar to eggplant parmesan.
Do you have to peel eggplant before you cook it?
While the skin of a small young eggplant is edible, the skin becomes bitter on larger or older eggplants and should be peeled. When in doubt, the answer to, “Do you peel eggplant before cooking?” is yes, peel it.
Does Italian eggplant have seeds?
Italian eggplants, botanically classified as Solanum melongena, are members of the nightshade family, Solanaceae, which contains over 3000 species along with tomatoes and potatoes. Although grown and treated as a vegetable, eggplant is in fact a fruit, as it bears seeds within its flesh.
How do Italian eggplants grow?
Quick Guide to Growing Eggplant
Space eggplant 24 to 36 inches apart and stake them once established to prevent toppling. Choose an area with abundant sunlight and fertile, well-drained soil. Improve native soil by mixing in several inches of aged compost or other rich organic matter.