Eggplants (Solanum melongena) grow wild in South Asia as a perennial plant, but these warm-season vegetables are treated by most North American gardeners as annuals.
Where are eggplants naturally?
India
There is no consensus about the place of origin of eggplant; the plant species has been described as native to India, where it continues to grow wild, Africa, or South Asia. It has been cultivated in southern and eastern Asia since prehistory.
Are wild eggplants edible?
Wild eggplants are best suited for cooked applications such as grilling, frying, baking, pureeing, stewing, braising, and pickling. At the most primitive and basic level, Wild eggplants can be used in complex, rich, and spicy sauces.
Is eggplant native to North 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.
Where are the majority of the world’s eggplants grown?
China was by far the largest producer of eggplants, accounting for nearly 65% of global production at 36,557,611 tonnes.
Do eggplants grow in the wild?
Eggplant is a member of the Solanaceae or nightshade family, which includes tomatoes, potatoes, and peppers. Its origin is considered to be India where it continues to grow wild.
How did eggplants become 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.
Is bitter eggplant toxic?
The good news is that you can eat bitter eggplant. It’s safe to eat them but… do you really want to? Bitter eggplants are usually overripe, old, or quite possibly starting to rot. So although it is okay to eat them, they won’t taste very good.
How many years does an eggplant live?
How long do eggplant plants live? Eggplant plants can live up to three years in very warm climates, like zones 10-12. But in most regions they’re grown as annuals, and only live for one season.
Why do they call it an eggplant?
Those plants flowered and grew small white and oval fruits that looked just like chicken eggs. British gardeners named these “egg-plants” for their attractive appearance on plants they entered in competitions.
How did eggplant get to America?
The eggplant was among the plants introduced early into America by the Spaniards. It was grown in Brazil before 1650. In the United States purple and white varieties for ornament were described in 1806. Until a mere 50 years ago many varieties of eggplant grown in America were for ornament only.
Is eggplant good for u?
Eggplant is a high-fiber, low-calorie food that is rich in nutrients and comes with many potential health benefits. From reducing the risk of heart disease to helping with blood sugar control and weight loss, eggplants are a simple and delicious addition to any healthy diet.
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.
Why does New Jersey grow so many eggplants?
Because they need well-drained, sandy-loam soil to grow, New Jersey offers the perfect conditions for this purple plant. Among others, Ferrari Farms in South Jersey is a huge eggplant grower and a friend, and his eggplants in the field are a beautiful sight.
Which countries eat the most eggplant?
Which European countries offer most opportunities for aubergines? Southern European countries such as Italy and Spain have the highest consumption, but they are also big producers themselves.
Which state produces the most eggplants?
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.
What are eggplants called in England?
Aubergine
Aubergine (UK) / Eggplant (US)
The word aubergine, used in the UK, comes from French.
What is the eggplant emoji called?
The Eggplant emoji (?), also known by its Unicode name of Aubergine, is an emoji featuring a purple eggplant. It is one of the most commonly used emojis on social media websites such as Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
How long does it take to grow an eggplant?
Eggplants do not mature until around the 100-day mark, but you should not wait that long to harvest because young eggplants have the best taste. Prepare to harvest eggplants around 70 to 80 days after transplanting. If your eggplant is about six to nine inches and its skin is glossy, you can begin harvesting.
Do eggplants taste like eggs?
Raw, this large purple vegetable doesn’t look anything like an egg. When cooked, it doesn’t taste or look egg-like either. So how did the word “egg” become attached to an aubergine, etymologically speaking? Here’s how: In England in the 1700s a new vegetable made an appearance on the culinary scene.
Why is cooked eggplant bitter?
Eggplants are made bitter by phenolic compounds known as Anthocyanins, and this effect usually occurs when the eggplant is old and has been stored for too long. The seeds are often responsible for the bitterness, but the flesh and skin can also be bitter in some cases.