What is an eggplant? Did you know egg plants are considered a fruit? Eggplant is a plant species in the nightshade family solanaceae. Some of the other veggies in the nightshade family include peppers, tomatoes, and potatoes. Solanum melongena is grown worldwide and its purple on the outside and brown when the fruit is cut open. The seeds and skin can be eaten, and it has a very similar taste to summer squash and zucchini. Eggplants are low in calories and sodium and they are high in fiber, potassium and vitamin B.
Whether you use to grill, stuffed roasted, served in soups, stews and kabobs, you’ll definitely want more. Get them while in season at our Farmers Markets and try the different varieties some of our vendors have to offer. Graffiti, Italian, Thai, Japanese and Chinese eggplants are in the markets now. You can always ask our farmers for more information or recipes using these beautiful purple fruits.