Japanese eggplant are
slightly smaller than Chinese eggplant
and have the same dark purple skin as the American and Italian varieties. Also quick cooking but not as mild as Chinese eggplant, they’re excellent for grilling and broiling, and they stand up to the assertive flavors of garlic, soy, and ginger.
Does Japanese eggplant taste different than regular 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.
Is there a difference between Japanese and Chinese 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.
Can I substitute regular eggplant for Japanese eggplant?
In most recipes, the
different types of eggplant
are interchangeable. If you would like to serve a more delicate eggplant than the common type, use the mild-flavored, excellent Chinese and Japanese varieties. Some cooks are concerned that their eggplant might be bitter.
Are Japanese eggplant bitter?
The taste: Japanese eggplant
is milder and less bitter than other varieties
. Since it’s extra spongy, don’t overdo the marinades — a little goes a long way.
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.
Should you peel 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 you’re roasting the eggplant whole in the oven or on the grill, leave the skin on, then after roasting, let it cool, and scoop out the flesh.
Are Japanese eggplants good for you?
Because of its firm texture, which turns creamy during cooking yet holds its shape, Japanese eggplant is especially
good for baking, broiling, grilling, and stir-frying
. All eggplant is a good source of dietary fiber, B vitamins, and potassium. It’s also rich in powerful antioxidants.
Is Chinese eggplant good for you?
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 do you know when to pick a Japanese eggplant?
Harvesting:
Pick when skin is glossy
; dull fruit indicates over-ripeness. Both under-and over-ripe fruit tastes bitter. Pick white eggplants before skin turns yellow. Use pruning shears or a sharp knife to cut eggplants, keeping a short stub of stem attached.
What can you use instead of Japanese eggplant?
- First, use any of the different varieties of eggplant (globe, Japanese, baby, striped) interchangeably, substituting pound for pound.
- OR – Substitute okra which will offer a different flavor and texture.
- OR – Use zucchini, slice and use in pasta sauces and even dishes similar to eggplant parmesan.
What is Chinese eggplant called?
Also known as
Oriental Charm and Pingtung Long
, Chinese eggplant inherently has fewer seeds than Western eggplant varieties making them less bitter and meatier.
Can you eat graffiti eggplant?
Description/Taste
Graffiti eggplants are small and teardrop in shape, ranging from 7-15 centimeters in length, depending on the variety. The outer skin is shiny, thin, and smooth and is striped with violet with ivory white. The inner flesh is cream to pale white and has small,
edible seeds
.
Why is eggplant rubbery?
Vegetables are not like meat, which turn rubbery when
overcooked
. They turn soft rather. Watch out for the opposite as well: Eggplants when cooked for a long time may turn mushy. Cut them and keep them immersed in cool water prior to cooking to avoid discoloring.
Do you need to salt Japanese eggplant?
Salting will help draw out some — but not all — of the bitter juices. Long, thin Japanese eggplants are rarely bitter. Salting also helps collapse the eggplant’s spongy texture, so it won’t soak up as much oil when fried or sauteed. … When salting, it helps
to use a salt that’s coarser than table salt
.
Why is my eggplant so bitter?
Putting salt on the eggplant triggers osmosis
, which draws out excess moisture and the bitterness along with it. … Pressing the eggplant also collapses some of the eggplant’s air cells, so it absorbs less oil if it’s sautéed. When heated, eggplant tissues generally collapse quickly due to their high moisture content.
