Which Eggplant Is Best?

by | Last updated on January 24, 2024

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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.

What should I look for when buying eggplant?

“Eggplant

should be slightly firm but not hard

,” says Leone. In other words, if you push on it with your finger and the veggie feels very soft, or you’re able to puncture the skin, it’s too far gone. A perfectly ripe eggplant will not have as much give when touched as a ripe tomato or peach.

What is the difference between Italian eggplant and regular eggplant?

Italian eggplant are

similar in shape and color to American eggplant

, but diminutive in size—only a few inches in diameter and 5 to 8 inches long. 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.

What’s the difference between Indian eggplant and regular eggplant?

Indian eggplants are

sweeter and more tender than American and Italian Eggplants

. These eggplants are small and round, just a few inches long, and have a smooth, dark purple skin. … For cooking, Indian eggplants are a bit sweeter and creamy in texture.

Are male or female eggplants better?

Despite the ages old, old-wives tale that there are

male and female eggplants

and the male of the species is better eating – detected because it has an “outie” blossom end as opposed to the female “innie” blossom end – there is no such thing.

Should eggplant be refrigerated?

Eggplants do not store well for long periods of time. … If you don’t intend to eat the eggplant within 2 days, it should be refrigerated. To refrigerate, wrap in a paper towel and place in a reusable container or perforated plastic bag in the crisper section of your refrigerator for use

within 5 – 7 days

.

Why are eggplants bad 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.

What is the eggplant good for?

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.

Does Chinese eggplant taste different than 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

.

Why is my eggplant 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.

How many eggplants do you get per plant?

The standard eggplant produces egg-shaped, glossy, purple-black fruit. ‘Black Beauty’ is the traditional eggplant size.

One plant produces 4 to 6 large rounded fruit

.

Does eggplant cause diarrhea?

Raw eggplant can cause a number of issues.

Although you’d have to eat a significant amount of raw eggplant for the effects to be lethal, Glatter said eating raw eggplant

can still lead to nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea

.

What eggplant has no seeds?

Answer:

Male eggplants

have fewer seeds and are less likely to be bitter. To differentiate between male and female eggplants, inspect the flower end. The male has a small, round, smooth end; the female has an irregular, less smooth end.

How big do Ichiban eggplants get?

Ichiban Eggplant. Pretty, productive, and delicious—Ichiban-type Japanese eggplant meets all of your garden goals! The slim,

10-inch-long

, deep purple fruit tastes sweet and mild, making it a perfect choice for grilling and roasting.

Should eggplant be peeled?

While the skin of a small young eggplant is edible,

the skin becomes bitter on larger or older eggplants

and should be peeled. … Use a vegetable peeler (we love this OXO Softworks Y Peeler, $9, Target) or paring knife to remove the skin. The flesh discolors soon after peeling, so peel eggplant right before using.

Sophia Kim
Author
Sophia Kim
Sophia Kim is a food writer with a passion for cooking and entertaining. She has worked in various restaurants and catering companies, and has written for several food publications. Sophia's expertise in cooking and entertaining will help you create memorable meals and events.