A Surprising History Behind This Unique Vegetable

Despite often being enjoyed in savory dishes, when we envision an eggplant, our minds typically conjure up the image of a lengthy, purple fruit, distinct from other variations.

Eggplant is a wonderful complement in any dish or enjoyed on its own! Whether added to recipes, grilled to perfection, or baked with cheese and tomato sauce, its versatility shines through.

Have you ever pondered the peculiar name of this fruit? Traditional eggplants bear no resemblance to eggs whatsoever.

However, this name suddenly becomes much more sensible after seeing this popular Reddit image!

Now that we've gained insight into how eggplants actually appear before maturing into the familiar purple variety we adore, let's delve into the differences between the white and purple eggplants.

In contrast to the common deep purple hue, white eggplants, also known as white aubergines, belong to the eggplant family.

Although the image might suggest that all white eggplants are petite, they can also grow to be elongated. Likewise, there are instances when purple eggplants are small and round.

Fresh organic white eggplant vegetable

In terms of flavor, all eggplants have the potential to be quite bitter and tough when eaten raw. If not cooked beforehand, the fruit tends to have a texture reminiscent of a sponge.

Eggplant excels at absorbing the flavors of its cooking companions. Whether grilled, roasted, sautéed, fried, or baked, it adapts beautifully to various cooking methods. It pairs particularly well with dishes boasting delicate flavors or light sauces.

It can overcook and become too mushy to enjoy.

According to Specialty Produce, white eggplant is described as having a "fruity and mild" flavor. When cooked, it takes on a "warm" and "mellow" profile.

It's recommended to remove the thicker skin from a white eggplant before cooking or consuming due to its denseness. Purple eggplant, on the other hand, can be eaten with its thinner skin intact.

While white eggplants are less prevalent compared to traditional varieties, home gardeners can often locate them in specialty stores or through online seed catalogs.

In a Chinese agricultural manuscript dating back to 544, eggplants were initially mentioned, bearing a peculiar name. Legend has it that European farmers in the 1700s bestowed upon them their name, associating their appearance with that of goose or duck eggs, owing to their resemblance to small, white, or yellow eggs at the time.

Were you aware that eggplants could look like this? Drop a comment below and share your thoughts!

0/Post a Comment/Comments

Previous Post Next Post