Though the name Italian eggplant eludes to these eggplants being native to Italy, their heritage lies further east in India and China, where the first domestication of Solanum melongena occurred.
What country is eggplant native to?
India
Its origin is considered to be India where it continues to grow wild. This spiny, bitter, orange, pea-sized fruit has been cultivated throughout India and China for more than 1500 years. As trade routes opened, eggplant was introduced to Europe by the Arabs and transported to Africa by the Persians.
When did eggplants come to Italy?
The eggplant arrived in Italy during the 15th century – when the Arabs brought it from India.
Are eggplants native to Europe?
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.
What is an Italian eggplant?
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.
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.
What came first eggplant or aubergine?
Aubergine is a French word, and it is how Europeans refer to what Americans would typically call an eggplant. We call it eggplant because the original aubergine that was brought to North America by immigrants looked like white eggs.
Why do Italians eat eggplant?
The eggplant reached Southern Italy by the 9th century CE. Arabs brought the fruits along with them as they expanded their territory into the region. Melanzane was consumed by fearless foodies in the Calabrian and Sicilian regions of Italy, although some people were initially wary of the funny egg-shaped produce.
Is eggplant parmesan actually Italian?
Eggplant parmigiana hails from coastal southern Italy, and it’s a dish originally born slightly of necessity — with a helping of irony.
Where do eggplants grow in Italy?
“And the most important region for the production is Sicily, starting from the province of Syracuse and it goes all the way to the province of Palermo, so it covers a big area,” he said. “In Europe it’s not usual to grow this kind of eggplant. Around 90% is grown in Sicily and the other 10% is in the rest of Italy.”
How did the eggplant evolve naturally?
‘ The team found that the group containing the relatives of the aubergine originated in northeastern Africa some two million years ago. Plants then dispersed eastwards to tropical Asia, and to southern and western Africa. In Asia, the dispersal gave rise to a species that scientists call Solanum insanum.
What is eggplant called in England?
Aubergine
Aubergine (UK) / Eggplant (US)
The word aubergine, used in the UK, comes from French.
Why do British call eggplant aubergine?
Eggplant or Aubergine
The British have borrowed quite a few foods terms from their French neighbors and none is more well-known than aubergine,known as eggplant in the U.S.. The word aubergine comes from the Catalan word alberginia, which came from the Arabic al-badhinjan and the Persian word badingan before that.
What is the difference between eggplant and Italian eggplant?
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 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.
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).
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.
When was the eggplant first domesticated?
59 bc
They also indicate that the domestication of the eggplant took place not later than 59 bc in China. As far as is known, this is the earliest record of eggplant, the time of which is precisely determined.
Why is 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.
What do British people call Cilantro?
Coriander
Coriander + Cilantro = Ciliander The British know this Mediterranean herb as coriander, but the Americans know it as cilantro, together we get ciliander. Cilantro is also the term used by the Spanish. While generally both terms refer to the same food product, there is a difference.
Which is healthier zucchini or eggplant?
Zucchini contains almost two times more vitamins compared to eggplant. Zucchini contains eight times more vitamin C and vitamin A; it is richer in vitamins B1, B2, and B6, and vitamin K too. Eggplant contains two times more vitamin E, and it is also richer in vitamins B3 and B5.