While eggplants are grown as annual crops in North America, they actually grow wild in South Asia as perennial plants!
Is Chinese eggplant easy to grow?
Eggplants from China tend to be elongated and deeply purple with glossy skin. They are excellent in stir fry and soup. They are quite easy to grow as long as they receive plenty of sun and heat.
Where does eggplant grow best?
Plant eggplant in a location that gets full sun—at least 6 to 8 hours of direct sunlight per day—for the best results. Eggplant grows best in a well-drained sandy loam or loam soil that is fairly high in organic matter.
Is Chinese eggplant the same as regular eggplant?
China is the world’s top producer and consumer of eggplant, so it’s apt that the Chinese eggplant variety is so distinct. It has a lighter, almost pastel exterior, with a white flesh and sweeter taste that fits its appearance. The Chinese variety contains fewer seeds than globe eggplants, and are therefore less bitter.
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.
Can you eat raw Chinese eggplant?
Can You Eat Eggplant Raw? Luckily, the answer is yes! While the leaves and flowers can be toxic, the eggplant itself is safe to consume both raw and cooked, and the compound that some might be sensitive to, solanine, is only toxic when consumed in large quantities.
How long does it take to grow Chinese eggplant?
50-65 days
Days to Maturity:
They take an average of 50-65 days to mature after transplanting, depending on the variety. We sowed our eggplant seeds in late March, planted them out into the garden in late-May, and began harvesting eggplants in the third week of July.
What climate does eggplant grow in?
Eggplants are a warm-season crop that cannot tolerate frost or freezing temperatures. Eggplants can only grow in warm soil—50 degrees Fahrenheit or above. The best time to plant eggplant is in late spring after the last threat of frost.
What state is the top producer of eggplant?
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 weather does eggplant like to grow?
The plant comes from warm climates. It is a plant sensitive to low temperatures and frost. It requires on average temperatures from 21 to 30°C (70 to 85 °F), while soil temperature should not fall below 20°C (68°F).
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.
Are Chinese eggplants healthy?
Nutritional value: Chinese eggplants contain manganese, potassium, and vitamin B6. They also have anthocyanins which give the eggplant a deep purple color and are known for antioxidant properties.
Is Chinese eggplant from China?
Chinese eggplant, botanically classified as Solanum melongena, is the name given to hundreds of eggplant varieties that are considered native to or cultivated throughout China and Asia.
What is another name for Chinese eggplant?
Also known as Oriental Charm and Pingtung Long, Chinese eggplant inherently has fewer seeds than Western eggplant varieties making them less bitter and meatier. Chinese eggplants are popularly used in stir-fries and will hold its shape when cooked.
Does Chinese eggplant cause gas?
Eggplant- This purple guy has a ton of fiber so eating too much will cause gas and bloating.
What is Chinese eggplant good for?
Low in carbs and calories, it contains fiber, protein, manganese, folate, potassium, vitamin K, vitamin C, and small amounts of niacin, magnesium, and copper. Because Chinese eggplants are high in fiber, they are filling, so they are a good choice for weight loss regimens.
Why does my tongue feel weird after eating eggplant?
Turns out, it is not uncommon to experience an itchy mouth and throat after eating eggplant. This could be attributed to the fact that the vegetable has a high concentration of histamine and serotonin.
When should you not eat eggplant?
If there are any brown or dark spots in the flesh, it’s best to toss the vegetable—however, there’s one exception to this rule. Eggplant is susceptible to enzymatic browning, when fruits and veggies begin to brown after being exposed to oxygen (think: an apple or avocado that turns brown).
Can you eat the skin of Chinese eggplant?
Do you have to peel eggplant before you cook it? You don’t. The skin is entirely edible, though with larger eggplants it can be a little tough. If your eggplant is young, tender, and on the small side, the nutrient-rich skin can probably be left on for skillet frying or braising.
What is the easiest eggplant to grow?
Eggplant Varieties Easy to Grow include large oval eggplants, elongated eggplants, and white eggplants. Give eggplants a warm location, warm soil and keep them evenly watered and stress free and they will reward you with beauty and flavor.
Do eggplants need a lot of water?
In hot climates, young plants need to be watered twice a week, to a depth of 12 inches. Eggplants do not like standing water, so mature plants should be watered deeply and infrequently. But do not allow the leaves to wilt during the day.