There are three cultivated eggplants; the gboma eggplant Solanum macrocarpon L. and the scarlet eggplant S. aethiopicum L. All eggplants are members of the nightshade family, Solanaceae, and through extensive DNA mapping have been found to be close relatives to tomatoes, peppers and potatoes. Chinese eggplant, scientific classification Solanum melongena L., is the given name to hundreds of eggplant varieties that are considered native to or cultivated throughout China and Asia.

Chinese eggplant are characterized by their long, thin shape and unique purple coloring (though there are also white and variegated varieties). Chinese eggplant can grow up to eighteen inches in length and two inches in diameter. They are known to have the sweetest, mildest flavor of all eggplant varieties. Their flesh is cotton white, semi-firm and nearly seedless.

Nutritional Value

Chinese eggplants contain rich levels of anthocyanins, a pigment not only responsible for the fruit's deep purple skin coloring, but it is also loaded with antioxidant properties. Research suggests that anthocyanins have strong healing properties in vitro, yet it is yet to be definitively determined how well the anthocyanins, once digested, will express their value thoroughly for human health benefit.

Serving Ideas

Chinese eggplant inherently have less seeds than Western eggplant varieties, making them less bitter. They are well suited for braising, stir frying, grilling, baking and frying. Chinese eggplant holds up well to strong spicy, sweet and savory flavors. Complimentary ingredients include cumin, garlic, ginger, cilantro, fermented beans, chiles, soy sauce, vinegar, mushrooms, onions, sugar, olive oil, sesame oil, chicken, pork, chickpeas, lentils, hardy greens and summer vegetables such as tomatoes and squashes. Chinese eggplant will keep, refrigerated, for up to ten days.

Geography/History

Eggplant, unlike its relatives the potato, tomato and peppers, is of Old World origin. Chinese eggplant varieties have historically been referred to as having "Indo-Chinese" origins, though there is also evidence of domestication in Indonesia and Malaysia. Further complicating the Chinese eggplant's origins is the fact that the Solanum species considered to be the closest wild relatives of the eggplant are all African. Regardless of continual research and discovery, the first known documentation of eggplant is found within the Qí mín yào shù, an ancient Chinese agricultural manual completed in 544. Thus, Chinese eggplant has been a significant agricultural crop in China for well over a millennia. Its origins and name however do not give full credit to its global relevance. Chinese eggplant varieties are cultivated in a wide variety of habitats on every continent in the world outside of Antarctica.

Seasons/Availability

Chinese eggplant is available year round.