Italian eggplant are more delicate and sweeter than their larger cousins, and their smaller size makes them a good choice for stuffing, roasting, and broiling. … Japanese eggplant are
slightly smaller than Chinese eggplant
and have the same dark purple skin as the American and Italian varieties.
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.
Can you substitute regular eggplant for Japanese eggplant?
One regular or American eggplant
is equivalent to 3 Japanese eggplants. So if you plan to use Japanese eggplant as the substitute for regular eggplant, try to adjust the recipe according to this measurement.
Are Japanese eggplants 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.
Which 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 eggplants 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 is the sweetest eggplant?
Italian eggplant
are more delicate and sweeter than their larger cousins, and their smaller size makes them a good choice for stuffing, roasting, and broiling. Chinese eggplant are easily identified by their pale violet skin and slender, cylindrical shape. They have the most delicate flavor of all the market varieties.
Why is eggplant not good for you?
Eggplants are part of the nightshade family. Nightshades contain alkaloids, including solanine, which can be
toxic
. Solanine protects these plants while they are still developing. Eating the leaves or tubers of these plants can lead to symptoms such as burning in the throat, nausea and vomiting, and heart arrhythmias.
Can you use regular eggplant instead of Chinese?
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.
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.
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.
Should I peel Japanese eggplant?
The Japanese eggplant and the smaller varieties are not as bitter, so
their skin doesn’t need to be peeled
and the extra salt preparation is not necessary. Sliced eggplant can turn brown quickly, so cook it soon or sprinkle lemon juice on it to keep the colour.
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.
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.
Is white eggplant edible?
White eggplants are best suited for
cooked applications
such as sautéing, pan-frying, deep-frying, grilling, and baking. Their skins are firmer than purple varieties and should be peeled before cooking. They can be sliced and grilled, used in stir-fries, or sautéed with other vegetables as a side dish.
How can you tell if eggplant is ripe?
Ripe eggplants should be firm but not hard.
Flesh should be white with a slight green tint
(orange eggplants ripen orange/green inside). If you are unsure of your eggplant’s ripeness, cut one crosswise and check the seeds. They should be clearly visible.
