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.
Where did the eggplant originate from?
Eggplant is believed to have originated in the Indian center of plant origins, which includes Assam and Burma. There are many entirely different names for it in ancient Sanskrit, Bengali, and Hindustani, indicating its antiquity in India.
Where are eggplants mainly grown?
Did you know that New Jersey grows about 66 percent of the world’s eggplants? It’s true!
When did eggplants originate?
Food historians have traced eggplants to their origins in either India or China. Some records show that eggplants were cultivated as early as 50 BCE. Travelers carried the fruit west to Europe, then eventually it arrived in America, thanks to Thomas Jefferson bringing seeds back from France.
Who invented eggplant?
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.
Is eggplant good for health?
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.
Is eggplant a natural vegetable?
Eggplants, also known as aubergines, belong to the nightshade family of plants and are used in many different dishes around the world. Although often considered a vegetable, they’re technically a fruit, as they grow from a flowering plant and contain seeds.
Which state produces most eggplant?
State of New Jersey
The top eggplant grower
According to the State of New Jersey Department of Agriculture, New Jersey is the top producer of eggplants in the Unites States. Harvesting 849 acres each year (as of 2019), New Jersey stands ahead of other leading producers like California, Florida, and Georgia.
Is eggplant a New World food?
As a member of the genus Solanum, it is related to the tomato, chili pepper, and potato, although those are of the New World while the eggplant is of the Old World. Like the tomato, its skin and seeds can be eaten, but, like the potato, it is usually eaten cooked.
What is eggplant called in England?
Aubergine
Aubergine (UK) / Eggplant (US)
The word aubergine, used in the UK, comes from French.
Why is eggplant called egg?
Well, way back in the 1700s, early European versions of eggplant were smaller and yellow or white. They looked like goose or chicken eggs, which led to the name “eggplant.” The eggplant has been around for a long, long time. It’s native to India and Southeast Asia.
How did eggplants turn purple?
Aubergines come in many different varieties, and not all of them are the characteristic colour. However, many of them are a shade of violet or purple, and this is caused by the presence of anthocyanins.
What is another name for eggplant?
aubergine
eggplant, (Solanum melongena), also called aubergine or Guinea squash, tender perennial plant of the nightshade family (Solanaceae), grown for its edible fruits. Eggplant requires a warm climate and has been cultivated in its native Southeast Asia since remote antiquity.
What is eggplant called in India?
Brinjal
Brinjal or baingan, known as eggplant and aubergine in North America and Europe respectively, is a very important common man’s vegetable in India. It is often described as a poor man’s vegetable because it is popular amongst small-scale farmers and low income consumers.
When did eggplants become purple?
The first recorded use of eggplant as a color name in English was in 1915. The pinkish-purple-grayish color shown in the color box as eggplant was introduced by Crayola in 1998.
Who should avoid eating eggplant?
The bottom line, if the level of inflammation in the body is low, one can enjoy eggplant and nightshades in moderation. But if you suffer from any chronic inflammatory conditions you might consider limiting your consumption of eggplant until the causes of inflammation resolved.
Is eggplant a blood thinner?
Examples of foods rich in vitamin K that you should limit or avoid while on blood thinners include spinach, green beans, kale, eggplant, collard greens and broccoli. In addition, do not take supplements that contain large amounts of vitamin K (more than 100 micrograms/day), such as some calcium supplements.
Can you eat eggplant skin?
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.
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.
Is eggplant A Superfood?
Superfood: Eggplant
Eggplant is low in calories and sodium, and is a great source of dietary fiber, potassium, and B vitamins. The next time you’re admiring a bright eggplant, just think of all the antioxidants and minerals it provides.
Is eggplant good for stomach?
HELPS WITH DIGESTION
The high fiber content in eggplants, which is a crucial element to maintaining a balanced diet, is a great way to improve your gastrointestinal health. This means that when you’ve gotta go, eating eggplant regularly will help everything move along smoothly!