Chinese eggplant.
The Chinese eggplant — not to be confused with the similar-looking Japanese eggplant — has a long, narrow body with a light to mid-toned purple exterior and white flesh. Because it has fewer seeds that the familiar globe (American) variety, it’s less bitter in taste.
What is the difference between Japanese eggplant and regular eggplant?
Japanese eggplants, like the Chinese variety, have an oblong shape, but they’re not quite as long or thin and have a darker hue. They have a delicate, spongy texture that works well in stir-fries and a creamy, slightly sweet taste. Japanese eggplant is often grilled, as the variety takes on a beautiful, smoky flavor.
What is long eggplant?
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.
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.
Are there different varieties of eggplant?
From Japanese to Italian to Thai
No doubt that that is the most common type of eggplant found in the U.S., yet the world of eggplants is much bigger—and sometimes smaller, fatter, or skinnier. Some are sweeter than others, or more bitter. You’ll find greener varieties, as well as white.
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 does a Sicilian eggplant look like?
Sicilian Eggplant is a round Eggplant with lavender skin color that varies dark to light. Careful, there can be some gnarly spikes on the calyx. This variety is the very best type for making classic Eggplant Parmesan thanks to its firm texture and round shape for cutting.
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 tall is a long purple eggplant?
Slender Italian style fruit with gorgeous dark purple coloring and mild flavor. Productive plants grow 22-38″ high. Harvest when fruit is 8″ long. Start eggplant seeds indoors 6-9 weeks before the last frost is expected.
What are the long purple?
Long Purple is an Italian heirloom eggplant that produces dark purple cucumber-shaped fruit with firm mild flesh.
What’s the difference between eggplant and aubergine?
Aubergine is a French word, used primarily in Europe to refer to an eggplant. The name, which is actually the original term (not eggplant), refers to its color.
What is zebra eggplant?
This unique African variety has a delicious, unexpectedly semi-sweet flavor. The fruit are versatile and can be eaten raw, boiled, sautéed, or in soups. Many traditional African recipes can be found online but they also are excellent simply grilled or sautéed with other veggies.
What is the name of Japanese eggplant?
There are many varieties of Japanese eggplants, including Hari, Ichiban, Machiaw, Millionaire, and Little Fingers, that come in various shades of pink, green, purple, and black.
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 does Chinese eggplant look like?
Chinese eggplants are long and thin with vibrant lavender skin and white flesh, and can appear either crooked or straight. They taste mildly sweet and hold up when cooked.
What is Rosa Bianca eggplant?
The Rosa Bianca eggplant variety produces 4–6″ round, white and lavender-colored fruits which have very little bitterness and a rich, creamy texture. An Italian variety, it prefers warmer climates, particularly overnight. A favorite for chefs, it’s ideal for baking or making preserves.
Why do you have to soak eggplant in water?
Many recipes call for salting and rinsing eggplant before cooking it to draw out its bitterness. Brining can be used instead and has the added advantage of helping the eggplant keep its shape when it’s cooked, whether your recipe calls for baking, frying, or grilling.
What’s the difference between Italian eggplant and regular 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.
Should fresh picked eggplant be refrigerated?
The best place to store eggplant is not in the refrigerator, but at room temperature, where it’s likely to last longer. Keep eggplant in a cool spot, away from direct sunlight, and use it as soon as possible after harvesting or buying.
What is Ichiban eggplant?
One of the first to mature; grows long, slender, midnight purple fruit. Upright, thornless plants are highly productive. These tender eggplants can be stir-fried, grilled, baked or fried. Prime when picked at 6-8 inches long.
How big do Italian eggplants get?
18 to 36 inches tall
Eggplants typically grow 18 to 36 inches tall with a spread of 24 to 36 inches.