Although the Greeks and Romans knew about eggplant, they didn’t really get into it at all until the 7th and 8th centuries, as part of Muslim expansion into Europe.
When did eggplant become popular?
It wasn’t until immigrants from the Middle East and Italy brought their recipes for eggplant to America late in the 19th century that it began to be a popular vegetable, though its popularity was still confined mainly to the East Coast and the South throughout much of the 20th century.
Where did eggplant come from originally?
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.
How has the eggplant changed over time?
The domestication process increased the fruit size and weight of eggplants and altered the prickliness, flavor, and flesh and peel color, a centuries-long process which is carefully documented in ancient Chinese literature.
What country eats the most eggplants?
China
Global Eggplant Consumption
With nearly X thousand tons, China became the world’s leading eggplant consuming country, making up X% of global consumption.
What country uses eggplant the most?
China
Production by country
| Rank | Country/region | 2018 |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | China | 34,482,916 |
| 2 | India | 12,801,000 |
| 3 | Egypt | 1,179,173 |
| 4 | Turkey | 836,284 |
Why is eggplant called eggplant without the egg?
According to research from Purdue University’s department of Horticulture & Landscape Architecture, the English-language use of the name “eggplant” dates to the British occupation of India, where white egg-shaped fruits were spotted.
What did eggplants originally look like?
While we enjoy eggplants of different shapes, colors and sizes, the early plants bore fruit that was considered ornamental instead of edible. Those plants flowered and grew small white and oval fruits that looked just like chicken eggs.
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 color were eggplants originally?
The first eggplants grown weren’t the large purple varieties frequently grown today, but rather small, white varieties with fruits shaped like eggs (thus the name eggplant).
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 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.
What culture eats eggplant?
Eggplant or aubergine is used in the cuisine of many countries. It is often stewed, as in the French ratatouille, or deep fried as in the Italian parmigiana di melanzane, the Turkish karnıyarık or Turkish and Greek musakka/moussaka, and Middle-Eastern and South Asian dishes.
What is the eggplant capital of the world?
New Jersey
Did you know that New Jersey grows about 66 percent of the world’s eggplants? It’s true!
Is eggplant native to America?
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.
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.
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 do they call eggplants in Europe?
Aubergine (UK) / Eggplant (US)
The word aubergine, used in the UK, comes from French. The word eggplant, which Americans use, was popular in different parts of Europe because they were more used to seeing small, round, white versions that looked a bit like goose eggs.
What do Aussies call eggplants?
Eggplant = aubergine
Americans and Aussies call it eggplant because of its shape. Brits still refer to it by its original French name.
Why eggplant is not a vegetable?
Why is an eggplant considered a fruit? Eggplants are fruits due to the way they grow. Fruits develop from the flower of a plant and contain seeds, whereas vegetables are any other part of the plant: roots, stems, or leaves. Eggplants belong to the nightshade family, which includes tomatoes and potatoes.
What is skinny eggplant called?
1. 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.