Fruit VegetablesIntermediate
Eggplant
Solanum melongena
Scientific Name
Solanum melongena
Family
Solanaceae
Origin
India and Southeast Asia
Type
Annual (perennial in tropics)
70-85 days
Culinary Uses
Flavor: Mild, slightly bitter, spongy texture absorbs flavors
- Grilled or roasted slices
- Baba ganoush and dips
- Portuguese 'Beringela à Alentejana'
- Ratatouille and stews
- Stuffed eggplant
Planting Calendar
Sow Indoors
FebruaryMarch
Sow Outdoors
Not recommended
Harvest
JulyAugustSeptember
Health Benefits
- High in antioxidants, especially nasunin
- May help lower cholesterol
- Good source of fiber for heart health
- Contains chlorogenic acid for blood sugar control
- Low calorie, aids weight management