Native to South Asia, eggplant is a member of the nightshade family, Solanaceae. It is a botanical relative of tomatoes, potatoes, and peppers. Like other members of the family Solanaceae, its leaves and flowers are poisonous.
Can you eat eggplant leaves?
Eggplant is another member of that infamous nightshade family. Sometimes people are under the impression that eating raw eggplant is poisonous, which isn’t true. However, the leaves and flowers of eggplants will probably make you sick, as that’s where most of the toxic solanine is concentrated.
Can you cook eggplant leaves?
Boil leaves in water and salt (to taste) until soft/cooked. Drain and press out excess water. Sauté with tomatoes etc. or cook with a peanut sauce; or you can add meat or fish.
How do you know when to pick Japanese eggplant?
Prepare to harvest Japanese eggplants around 70 to 80 days after transplanting, or when they’re about the size of a finger (for the Little Finger variety) or a hot dog (for the Ichiban variety), and the skin is glossy and wrinkle-free.
Are Japanese eggplants nightshades?
Eggplants are members of the nightshade family, which includes tomatoes, peppers, and potatoes.
What can you do with eggplant leaves?
When harvesting your eggplant, pumpkin and sweet potatoes in the fall, pay close attention to the leaves on these vegetables. These leaves are edible and may be eaten cooked or fresh, or used as a garnish. Add them to casseroles, soups, salads and other dishes for some added protein.
What is the benefit of eggplant leaves?
It is packed with vitamins like vitamin C, K and B6 and an ample amount of potassium, manganese and fiber. Even the leaves and roots of the plant are widely used for treating various infections and to heal wounds.
What vegetable leaves are not edible?
Rhubarb leaves are very high in oxalic acid, which quickly causes kidney failure in humans. About 25 grams of pure oxalic acid is the average amount needed to kill a human.
Which vegetable plant leaves are edible?
Many plants have edible leaves too, although most of them are eaten cooked not raw. So what vegetable leaves are edible? Well, lots of veggie plants have edible leaves.
The leaves of these plants are edible too:
- Green beans.
- Lima beans.
- Beets.
- Broccoli.
- Carrots.
- Cauliflower.
- Celery.
- Corn.
Are eggplant leaves poisonous to dogs?
All green parts of the plant and immature/green eggplants can be toxic. Consuming eggplant leaves can make your dog very sick, and even lead to death.
How big do Japanese eggplants get?
If grown under the right conditions, Japanese eggplants grow up to 4-feet tall and 3-feet wide. The plants reach full size in 50 to 60 days. They need plenty of space in the garden, so all parts of the plant get direct sunlight.
How do you prune Japanese eggplant?
After the eggplant begins to flower, clip the lower leaflets from the main branch. Removing these leaves boosts air circulation and allows light to penetrate the canopy. Continue to prune away suckers throughout the entire growing season to boost plant vigor and increase food production.
How big do Japanese eggplant plants get?
A healthy and mature Japanese eggplant plant will take up about 3 feet of space in the garden for its canopy to expand and will grow about 4 feet tall. Space the plants a minimum of 24 inches apart so that the leaves and fruit aren’t crowded. The eggplants need to be in well-drained soil that is rich in nutrients.
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.
What grows well with Japanese eggplant?
Additional Eggplant Companions
- Peppers, both sweet and hot, make good companion plants, as they have the same growing needs and are susceptible to the same pests and diseases.
- Tomatoes are often used as eggplant companions.
- Potatoes and spinach are also said to make great companion plantings too.
What is the nutritional value of Japanese eggplant?
Asian Items Japanese Eggplant (0.2 average eggplant) contains 5g total carbs, 3g net carbs, 0g fat, 1g protein, and 25 calories.
What are my eggplant leaves?
Eggplant is a favorite host of multiple species of flea beetles, which are mostly in the genus Epitrix. Flea beetles have chewing mouthparts and feed on leaves, making small, shot-like holes. Their damage is most serious when the plants are small and have just a few leaves.
What animal eats eggplant leaves?
The types of animals that can devastate your eggplant crops are the usual suspects like rabbits, squirrels, deer, rats and raccoons.
Are eggplant stems edible?
The stems are the most delicious part of the eggplant, yet they get discarded; this stew does not! Throw in the stems (after washing them) in the pot and let them cook alongside the veggies and meat (if using). You will be rewarded with tender, full of silky meat eggplant stems to suck on and finally discard.
When should you not eat eggplant?
If there are any brown or dark spots in the flesh, it’s best to toss the vegetable—however, there’s one exception to this rule. Eggplant is susceptible to enzymatic browning, when fruits and veggies begin to brown after being exposed to oxygen (think: an apple or avocado that turns brown).
Is eggplant good for your kidneys?
Eggplant, also known as aubergine, is a great vegetable choice for kidney diets because it is low in potassium, sodium and phosphorus. One cup of steamed eggplant contains 2 mg sodium, 167 mg potassium and 17 mg phosphorus.