Fengyuan eggplant, Solanum melongena L., is the given name to an heirloom eggplant that has also co-produced a hybrid offspring known as 'fengyuan No.4'. Fengyuan eggplants are prolific producers and easy to grow. It is common for fruits to reach well over a foot long in length.

Fengyuan eggplant is characterized by its long, thin cylindric deep purple fruits with skin so thin that it does not require peeling. The fruit's flesh is creamy white and lacks the trademark bitterness associated with eggplants. The flavor is mild and insipid until it is cooked. Then the flesh develops a rich and complex flavor. Ripe fengyuan eggplants are shiny and firm to the touch. Dull skin and brown seeds mean that the fruit is overripe.

Nutritional Value

Fengyuan eggplants contain rich levels of anthocyanins, a pigment not only responsible for the fruit's 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

As fengyuan eggplant is native to Taiwan and heavily used for culinary purposes in Asia, many recipes reflect the region. Fengyuan eggplant is often stir fried and roasted. It can be grilled and stewed as well. Complimentary ingredients include cumin, garlic, ginger, cilantro, fermented beans, chiles, soy sauce, vinegar, mushrooms, onions, sugar, olive oil, sesame oil, chicken, pork and summer vegetables such as tomatoes and squashes.

Geography/History

Eggplant is native to the Indian Subcontinent. It 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. Fengyuan eggplant is native to Taiwan. Though, still heavily popular in Taiwan and China, the fengyuan eggplant varieties have become a mainstay in newer regions throughout the Western Hemisphere. Fengyuan eggplants thrive in humidity and warm weather.

Seasons/Availability

Fengyan eggplant is harvested from spring through late summer.