All eggplants are members of Solanaceae family, which includes several important agricultural crops, including the potato and tomato. The family is also informally referred to as the nightshade family. Tiger eggplant is a given name to a variety of eggplants within the Solanum genus. The name Solanum applies to thousands of eggplant varieties which share common ancestry and genomes, yet vary in shape, color, size and even flavor. Tiger eggplant may actually be another name for the Turkish Orange eggplant, scientifically classified as Solanum aethiopicum L. It is also known as the Scarlet eggplant, the Ethiopian eggplant, mock tomato garden egg.

Tiger eggplant is distinguished by its petite size, globular shape and linear variegations throughout its skin, hence its given name. When ripe the fruit will be colored in hues of red, orange and green. Its warm cotton colored flesh bears barely developed seeds that will brown when exposed to air (oxidization). Tiger eggplant is full flavored and fruity compared to many other varieties classified as Solanum melongena. Cooked tiger eggplant is robust, warm and rich in flavor.

Nutritional Value

Tiger eggplants are an inherently rich source of lycopene, a naturally occuring pigment that doubles as an antioxidant. The Lycopene is contained within the eggplant's skin and develops once the fruit ripens. Lycopene is known for its anti-cancer benefits such as preventing, fighting and repairing cell damage within human bodies.

Serving Ideas

Regardless of size, tiger eggplant can be as versatile as larger eggplant varieties and each fruit yields no waste as the skin is edible. Applications range from grilling, shallow and deep frying, baking, pureeing, stewing, stuffing and pickling. Eggplant’s overall culinary companions are other members of the nightshade family, including tomatoes, potatoes and peppers, both sweet and hot. The fruit also pairs well with garlic, onions and herbs such as basil, oregano, cilantro and parsley.

Ethnic/Cultural Info

It's native to tropical Africa, where the fruit, which is very bitter, is cooked in stews and used as medicine, and the leaves are commonly eaten as a vegetable.

Geography/History

Eggplant is native to Nepal, India, Bangladesh, Pakistan and Sri Lanka. Unlike other members of the Solanaceae family, which are native to the New World, eggplant varieties are native to the Old world. Eggplant has been cultivated in southern and eastern Asia prior to recorded history. The first documentation of eggplant is found within the Qí mín yào shù, an ancient Chinese agricultural manual completed in 544. Tiger eggplant is native to tropical Africa. Only via trade routes and natural evolution did the tiger eggplant begin being domesticated outside of Africa, first within the fertile Crescent, then Asia and Italy. Tiger eggplants continue to grow wild and domesticated throughout Africa. Their climate preference, like most eggplants, is hot and humid with absolutely no chance of frost.

Seasons/Availability

Tiger eggplants are available mid to late summer.