Produce Briefs...
Fingerling Russian Banana Potatoes
Although very petit in size, fingerlings are fully mature when harvested, thus they should not to be confused with new potatoes, potatoes that are harvested when immature.
White Corn
White corn is a sweet corn variety. Its ears are wrapped in tightly layered pale lime green to white husks. One ear of corn can contain up to 400 kernels growing in rows lengthwise.
Seasons/Availability
Although eggplant thrives in the hot summer months, it is cultivated year-round.
Current Facts
Eggplant is actually a perennial fruit, (agriculturallly grown as an annual) as it bears seeds within its body; it is classified as a berry.
Description/Taste
Growing up to eight inches in length, Italian eggplants elongated and wider at the blossom-end. Their glossy, indigo-black skin is thick and the flesh is a creamy white color. The texture of an Italian eggplant is succulent and porous like a sponge; when cooked the flesh becomes creamy and tender.
Nutritional Value
Eggplant skin contains 'nasunin,' a potent antioxidant and free radical scavenger that protects cell membranes from damage. Nasunin protects the lipids (fats) in brain cell membranes.
Applications
The eggplant's sponge-like texture qualities allow it to easily take on flavorings. Cube, saute in garlic and toss with diced peppers, tomatoes and fresh pasta. Slice eggplant into rounds, layer in a baking dish with tomato sauce and mozzarella cheese, then bake into eggplant parmesan. Half eggplant and roast until flesh is very soft and cooked, then puree with yogurt, garlic and olive oil into baba ganoush. Saute diced eggplant with chopped swiss chard and onions, then add vegetable mixture to beaten eggs and bake into a frittata. Eggplant will keep, dry and refrigerated, for one to two weeks.
Geography/History
The first clear reference to the eggplant in Sicily is from 1309, where they are called melingianas and are grown in a garden along with cucumbers and a kind of gourd. There are dozens of Italian varieties of eggplants grown today, both heirloom and hybrid, including Listada de Gandia, Rotonda Bianca di Imola, Cucuzzi, Prosperosa, Vittoria PS, Violette di Firenze and Nadia (to name a few).
Featured Restaurants
Restaurants currently purchasing this product as an ingredient for their menu.
Recipe Ideas
Recipes that include Italian Eggplant. One
is easiest, three is harder.
Although eggplant thrives in the hot summer months, it is cultivated year-round.
Current Facts
Eggplant is actually a perennial fruit, (agriculturallly grown as an annual) as it bears seeds within its body; it is classified as a berry.
Description/Taste
Growing up to eight inches in length, Italian eggplants elongated and wider at the blossom-end. Their glossy, indigo-black skin is thick and the flesh is a creamy white color. The texture of an Italian eggplant is succulent and porous like a sponge; when cooked the flesh becomes creamy and tender.
Nutritional Value
Eggplant skin contains 'nasunin,' a potent antioxidant and free radical scavenger that protects cell membranes from damage. Nasunin protects the lipids (fats) in brain cell membranes.
Applications
The eggplant's sponge-like texture qualities allow it to easily take on flavorings. Cube, saute in garlic and toss with diced peppers, tomatoes and fresh pasta. Slice eggplant into rounds, layer in a baking dish with tomato sauce and mozzarella cheese, then bake into eggplant parmesan. Half eggplant and roast until flesh is very soft and cooked, then puree with yogurt, garlic and olive oil into baba ganoush. Saute diced eggplant with chopped swiss chard and onions, then add vegetable mixture to beaten eggs and bake into a frittata. Eggplant will keep, dry and refrigerated, for one to two weeks.
Geography/History
The first clear reference to the eggplant in Sicily is from 1309, where they are called melingianas and are grown in a garden along with cucumbers and a kind of gourd. There are dozens of Italian varieties of eggplants grown today, both heirloom and hybrid, including Listada de Gandia, Rotonda Bianca di Imola, Cucuzzi, Prosperosa, Vittoria PS, Violette di Firenze and Nadia (to name a few).
Featured Restaurants
Restaurants currently purchasing this product as an ingredient for their menu.
| Pacifica Del Mar | Del Mar CA | 858-792-0505 |
| Barbarella | San Diego CA | 858-454-7373 |
| Inn at Rancho Santa Fe | Rancho Santa Fe CA | 800 843 4661 |
Recipe Ideas
Recipes that include Italian Eggplant. One
is easiest, three is harder.
