Eggplants , also know as mad apple , are a staple in many cuisines worldwide . With their vivacious colors , singular shapes , and various culinary uses , eggplants have become a front-runner for nurseryman and chefs likewise .
In this guide , we ’ll explore 21 types of eggplant , their typical features , uses , and how to care for them .
Common Eggplant Varieties (with Pictures)
Globe Eggplant (American Eggplant)
The globe eggplant is large , round to slightly ellipse , with deep purple and shiny skin , making it one of the most recognizable varieties . It has a meaty grain and a soft flavor , though it can be slightly bitter if not groom properly ; salting and draining before cookery help reduce this . This versatile eggplant is perfect for hearty dish like Eggplant Parmesan , and its large size make it ideal for roasting , broiling , frying , stuff , or slicing into thick rounds for layered recipe .
Italian Eggplant
little than the orb variety , the Italian mad apple often has a teardrop shape and a standardized recondite purple colour . It is mellisonant and more untoughened , with a ticklish flesh that ready speedily and absorbs look beautifully . Italian eggplants are a basic in dish like Caponata and Melanzane alla Parmigiana , and they are also delectable when grill with Olea europaea rock oil or bring to alimentary paste recipes for a full-bodied , angelic flavor .
Japanese Eggplant
Japanese brinjal are foresighted , slender , and dark purple , with a lean skin and fewer seeds than other varieties . They are less bitter and develop a creamy , bland grain when cooked , making them particularly appeal in lighter dish . These eggplants are perfect for flurry - nestling , grilling , or braising . Their shape and tenderness make them idealistic for formula like miso - glass eggplant or quick sautés .
Chinese Eggplant
Chinese eggplants are longer and slight than Nipponese aubergine , with a delicate lavender color that set them apart . They have a angelic , tender flesh with fewer seminal fluid , work them less bitter and gentle to fix with . These eggplants are ideal for stir - fries , braised dishes , or any recipe where they can absorb ample flavors , such as garlic sauce or spicy marinade .
Fairy Tale Eggplant
Fairy tale eggplants are little and uniquely beautiful , with purple and white striped exteriors that give them a impulsive , storybook - like show . Their form is sweet , tender , and has minimum seminal fluid , making them perfect for grill whole or slicing into round for appetizers or side dishes . Their size and esthetical collection make them a pet for refined plating .
Graffiti Eggplant (Zebra or Sicilian Eggplant)
Graffiti eggplants are intermediate - sized with eye - catching purple and white stripes , rounder in chassis than Italian variety . They have sweet flesh and flimsy pelt , with a mild relish that ’s never excessively biting . These various garden egg work well in any lulu that calls for ball eggplant and are fantabulous for grilling , roasting , or pureeing into smooth dip and spreads .
Indian Eggplant (Baby Eggplant)
Indian eggplants are small , round to ellipse , with dark purple skin and gullible calyx . They are slightly crunchy when young but become tender as they mature . This variety is a staple fibre in Indian and Pakistani culinary art , normally used in curries , sweat , and stuffed dishes like Baingan Bharta . Their size of it and physique make them ideal for whole cookery , absorbing spices and flavour attractively .
Thai Eggplant
Thai eggplants are small and circular , often green or livid , though over-embellished varieties also exist . They have a crisp grain when bare-assed but can be more or less bitter , especially if the seeds are not removed . These eggplants shine in Thai curry , where they fleece up the bold , gamy flavors . They can also be used sore in salad or pickle for a tangy twist .
White Eggplant
lily-white mad apple lay out in shape from egg - like to oval , with smooth , pure white tegument . They have a meek flavor and a creamy grain , with less bitterness compare to their purple counterparts . These eggplants are various and mould well in grilling , baking , or any dish where a aristocratical eggplant flavor is desire , get them a refined choice for many formula .
Rosa Bianca Eggplant
Rosa Bianca mad apple are big and round , with a sensational ombre of purple and lily-white skin that makes them visually unique . They have a very meek , almost sweet-scented relish with no bitterness and a tender grain when cooked . This kind is pure for grilling , roasting , or featuring in bag where the eggplant bush takes center stagecoach , such as overindulge aubergine or graceful layered recipes .
Listada de Gandia Eggplant
Listada de Gandia eggplants are medium - sized with an elongated , teardrop physique , adorned with striking violet and white stripes . They have a mild , sweet flavor and very flimsy skin , with affectionate seeds that are not to a fault bitter . This variety is ideal for dish where presentation is key , like caponata or grilled slice . Its artistic solicitation also makes it democratic ingardens as a decorative plantalongside its culinary uses .
Turkish Orange Eggplant
Turkish orangish brinjal are small to medium in sizing , round to slightly oval , with shining orange peel when to the full mature . They are sweet with a dense , creamy grain when ready . These vibrant brinjal are versatile and can be roasted , gormandize , or supply to salads , bringing a pop of color and redolence to any dish antenna . Their singular visual aspect also makes them a outstanding addition to any board setting .
Apple Green Eggplant
Apple Green eggplants are round and resemble an apple in shape , with a vibrant dark-green color that melt to icteric as they ripen . They have a mild flavor , less virulent than many empurpled varieties , and a supply ship , almost creamy texture when cooked . This variety is excellent for stir - Christopher Fry , broiling , or cellular inclusion in Thai or Indian dishes where a milder penchant is desired . Its unique colour adds a outstanding visual appeal to any dish .
Ping Tung Long Eggplant
Ping Tung Long eggplants are long and slender , alike in shape to Taiwanese eggplants but often with a productive purple hue . They are very untoughened and sweet , with minimum seeds , puddle them almost seedless . This variety is ideal for slice up lengthwise and grilling , or for enjoyment in dishes that call for retentive , graceful slices . It ’s especially suited for Asian hustle - fries or braised readiness .
Kermit Eggplant
Kermit aubergine are small-scale , round , and cryptic green in color , reminiscent of the shade of a Kermit salientian . They have a slightly biting smell when raw but sweeten as they cook , with a dense , meaty texture . These eggplants are perfect for farce due to their heavyset size or for pickle . Their unique relish and color bring an interesting twist to a assortment of dishes .
Ichiban Eggplant
Ichiban garden egg are slender and elongate with dark purple skin , resemble Nipponese brinjal but often longer . They are very crank and mellifluous , with minimum seeds , spend a penny them perfect for speedy preparation methods . This mixture excels in stir - Roger Eliot Fry , tempura , or any dish where a delicate , melting - in - your - mouth texture is desired .
Prosperosa Eggplant
Prosperosa eggplants are large and round , with a deep reddish - purpleness chromaticity . They are prized for their sweet , flavorous bod , which has few seed than many other motley , making them less reeking and more versatile in cooking . This eggplant is ideal for grill whole or halved , roasting , or featuring in traditional Sicilian dishes like caponata , where its natural pleasantness balances other racy feeling .
Santorini Eggplant (Long Eggplant)
Santorini eggplants are long and slight , with lighter purple skin that is sometimes vary . They have a creamy texture and a modest , unfermented taste , especially when cook . These eggplants are a staple in Greek and Middle Eastern cuisine , often used in dishes design to occupy the flavors of herbs , olive rock oil , and spiciness . They are utter for grilling , sauteing , or layer in dishes like moussaka .
Eggplant Care Guide
Growing Conditions
Eggplants want full sunlight to thrive , so they should be expose to lineal sunlight for at least 6 - 8 hour each day . This ensures they receive enough energy for healthy growth and yield product . For optimal growth , Solanum melongena need soil that drains well and is rich in food . The ideal pH range for the soil is between 6.0 and 6.8 , as this permit for unspoilt nutrient immersion .
In terms of temperature , eggplants grow well in warm climates . They expand when the temperature is between 70 - 85 ° F ( 21 - 29 ° C ) . Consistent warmth is primal for producing strong , goodly plants and yield .
Planting Tips
To get a fountainhead startle , it ’s good to commence sow eggplant seed indoors 6 - 8 weeks before the last expected frost . This gives the works a well head start before being transplanted outdoors . When planting outside , control that eggplants are spaced 18 - 24 inch apart . This distance tolerate for right airflow around each plant , reducing the hazard of disease and encourage goodly ontogenesis .
If you are growing taller miscellany , it ’s essential to use stakes or cages for documentation . These structure will keep the plants upright and preclude them from lessen over , especially when they start brook fruit .
Watering and Fertilization
eggplant need consistent wet to spring up , but it ’s of import to avoid waterlogging the stain . The stain should be save moist but not soggy , see to it the roots receive enough water without becoming submerged . Regular watering is crucial , particularly during hot periods .
For fertilization , use a balanced fertilizer every 4 - 6 hebdomad . This will provide the plant with the necessary nutrient to promote good for you ontogenesis and abundant fruiting . Be sure to follow the manufacturer ’s instructions to avoid over - fertilizing .
Common Pests and Diseases
Eggplants are susceptible to a few plague , including aphids , flea beetles , and spider mites . To keep these pests under dominance , neem oil or insecticidal Georgia home boy can be apply as needed . These treatments are efficient and blue on the plants .
In term of diseases , fungal problems can arise , particularly if the works are too crowded or watered improperly . To minimize the risk of fungal issues , make certain to space the plants appropriately . avert water the foliage , as this can promote fungal growth . tearing directly at the base of the plants insure the soil stays moist without wetting the leaves .
Conclusion
With so many character of eggplant to explore , there ’s avariety for every gardenand peach . By following this guidebook , you ’ll not only grow healthy eggplants but also delight their unparalleled flavors and grain in your cooking . Start experiment with these 21 varieties and elevate your garden and kitchen to novel heights !
