What are the varieties of eggplant?
The most common eggplant variety in the US is the globe eggplant: this hefty variety has glossy, deep-purple skin and spongy fruit. Other commonly cultivated varieties include white eggplants (used in Middle Eastern dishes like baba ganoush), Thai eggplants, Black Beauties, Ichiban, Rosa Bianca, and Little Fingers.
What is the difference between eggplant and baby eggplant?
The smaller version of the larger purple skinned eggplant is often called Italian or baby eggplant. These have a somewhat more intense flavor and the flesh is much more tender. The straight thin eggplants known as Japanese or Asian eggplant have thin delicate skins like Italian eggplant but the flesh is sweeter.
What are the tiny eggplants called?
5. Indian Eggplant. Also called baby eggplants, these adorable nightshades resemble grapes or cherries. They have a dark, reddish-purple color and a round shape.
How do I roast mini eggplants?
Wash the eggplant and cut them into halves. Place on a cookie sheet cut side up. Drizzle with the olive oil and then sprinkle with the fennel pollen (if using), salt and pepper. Bake in a 350 degree (F) oven for about 45 minutes, or until softened and lightly browned.
What does baby eggplant taste like?
Little Green Eggplant This heirloom variety is plump and round with a pale green-colored skin. It has a mild flavor and cooks up extra creamy. It can be used in any recipe that calls for regular eggplant.
Can you eat small eggplants?
Baby eggplants are a delight to eat. But you can leave them too long. Eggplant should be harvested when they are one-third to two-thirds full mature size.
What is the difference between Chinese and Italian eggplant?
Italian eggplant are more delicate and sweeter than their larger cousins, and their smaller size makes them a good choice for stuffing, roasting, and broiling. Chinese eggplant are easily identified by their pale violet skin and slender, cylindrical shape. They have the most delicate flavor of all the market varieties.
Is there a difference between Japanese and Chinese eggplant?
Characterized by their long, narrow shape, both Japanese and Chinese eggplant can be hard to differentiate. Japanese eggplant tends to have a much deeper purple color, while Chinese eggplant is usually lighter, more lavender-purple, and is sometimes even longer.
What are baby eggplants?
The term “baby” in Baby eggplant refers to its petite size and not the maturity level of the eggplant. Baby eggplants are sometimes marketed as Indian eggplant and Patio eggplant, and there are other baby-sized varieties like Thai and Bambino hybrid eggplant.
How do you cook small eggplant Indian style?
In a pan heat 2 tablespoons of oil on medium heat. Add the eggplants and cook on medium heat. Traditionally eggplants are deep fried in this recipe so you can go ahead and add a whole lot of oil and deep fry them if you want to. Cook till eggplants are little soft, around 10-12 minutes.
What is the difference between eggplant and Japanese eggplant?
Japanese eggplant are slightly smaller than Chinese eggplant and have the same dark purple skin as the American and Italian varieties. Also quick cooking but not as mild as Chinese eggplant, they’re excellent for grilling and broiling, and they stand up to the assertive flavors of garlic, soy, and ginger.
Do you have to peel baby eggplant?
The skin is entirely edible, though with larger eggplants it can be a little tough. If your eggplant is young, tender, and on the small side, the nutrient-rich skin can probably be left on for skillet frying or braising. Otherwise, peel the skin and then slice or cube the flesh.
What are the different types of eggplants?
11 Types of Eggplants to Know (and Grow) This Summer. 1 1. Chinese Eggplant. Credit: Stieglitz/Getty Images. The Chinese eggplant — not to be confused with the similar-looking Japanese eggplant — has a 2 2. Fairy Tale Eggplant. 3 3. Globe/American Eggplant. 4 4. Graffiti/Zebra/Sicilian Eggplant.
What are the best eggplant recipes to try?
Recipes to try: Eggplant Lasagna, Eggplant Rollatini, Lamb and Rice Stuffed Eggplant. Also known as striped eggplants, graffiti eggplants are distinguishable by their purple and white exterior. Unlike other varieties, they don’t have a standard size. Their seeds and skin are pleasant, so they’re ideal for eating whole or pureeing.
What is the best Japanese eggplant to eat?
Japanese eggplant is often grilled, as the variety takes on a beautiful, smoky flavor. Recipes to try: Spicy Eggplant with Pork, Grilled Miso Salmon and Eggplant, Warm Pasta Salad with Tomatoes and Eggplant. Heirloom Rosa Bianca eggplants are one of the most eye-catching varieties around.
What are Indian eggplants called?
Purple and spherical, Indian eggplants—also known as baby eggplants—are known for their small, round appearance and tender texture. The velvety interior works well in soups, stews, and dips, but you can also prepare Indian eggplants whole.