Produce Briefs...
Orange Honeydew Melon
Oval-to-round and a delicious cross between a cantaloupe and a honeydew, the very fleshy juicy orangish-yellow pulp of the orange honeydew melon is encased in a hard very yellow matching rind.
Mangosteen
The Purple mangosteen, botanical name Garcinia magostana, simply referred to as mangosteen, is an ultra-tropical slow growing evergreen tree that is cultivated for its edible fruit.
Seasons/Availability
Italian eggplant is available commercially year round.
Current Facts
Italian eggplant is the generic name given to hundreds of eggplant varieties that are classified within the most common known domesticated eggplant species, S. melongena.
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. All eggplants are amenable to a variety of cooking methods including sautéing, pan-frying, deep frying, baking, stir frying, and especially grilling. Whatever variety, choose eggplants with a firm, smooth, unblemished skin devoid of any soft spots. Japanese eggplant has a short post-vine shelf life, thus should be used within a few days of harvest.
Geography/History
Though the name Italian eggplant eludes to these eggplants being native to Italy, their heritage lies further east in India and China, where the first domestication of S. melongena occurred. Trade routes brought eggplants to the southern warm climates of Italy and Sicily. Italian farmers embraced eggplants and soon the eggplant would become a symbolic vegetable of the Italian food culture. As Italian cuisine is dominated by the seasons, eggplants are one of the most popular vegetables of the summer and fall tables throughout much of Italy.
Featured Restaurants
Restaurants currently purchasing this product as an ingredient for their menu.
| J six | San Diego CA | 619-531-8744 |
| Four Seasons Residence Club | Carlsbad CA | 760 603 3700 |
| Saiko Sushi | Coronado CA | 619-435-0868 |
| La Jolla Country Club | San Diego CA | 858-454-9601 |
| Del Mar Country Club | Rancho Santa Fe CA | 858-759-5500 x207 |
| Gossip Grill | San Diego CA | 619-260-8023 |
| Inn at Rancho Santa Fe | Rancho Santa Fe CA | 800 843 4661 |
| Paradise Point Resort Main Kitchen | San Diego CA | 858-490-6363 |
| Whisknladle | San Diego CA | 858-551-7575 |
| Jake's Del Mar | Del Mar CA | 858-755-2002 |
| Vista Valley | Vista CA | 760-758-2800 |
| Giuseppe Restaurants & Fine Catering | San Diego CA | 760-822-3593 sal |
| Piatti | San Diego CA | 858-454-1589 |
| The Village at 631 | San Diego CA | 619-255-9405 |
| Barbarella | San Diego CA | 858-454-7373 |
| US Grant Hotel Main | San Diego CA | 619-232-3121 |
| Paradise Point Resort Baleen | San Diego CA | 858-490-6363 |
| Bridges at Rancho Santa Fe | Rancho Santa Fe CA | 858-759-6063 |
| Monello | San Diego CA | 619-501-0030 |
| 333 Pacific | Oceanside CA | 760-433-3333 |
| Bertrand at Mr A's | San Diego CA | 619-239-1377 |
| Toast Enoteca Cucina | San Diego CA | 619-269-4342 |
| Queenstown Public House | San Diego CA | 619-546-0444 |
| Crust Pizzeria | Carlsbad CA | 760-944-1111 |
| Akinori | San Diego CA | 619-220-4888 |
| Kappa Sushi | San Diego CA | 858-566-3388 |
| Roppongi | San Diego CA | 858-551-5252 |
| Wine Vault & Bistro | San Diego CA | 619-295-3939 |
| Cucina Urbana | San Diego CA | 619-239-2222 |
| Hilton San Diego Gaslamp | San Diego CA | 619-231-4040 |
Recipe Ideas
Recipes that include Italian Eggplant. One
is easiest, three is harder.Recently Spotted
Someone spotted Italian Eggplant using the Specialty Produce app for iPhone and Android.
Produce Spotting allows you to share your produce discoveries with your neighbors and the world! Is your market carrying green dragon apples? Is a chef doing things with shaved fennel that are out of this world? Pinpoint your location annonymously through the Specialty Produce App and let others know about unique flavors that are around them.
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Whole Foods Market Near Lake Grove, New York, United States About 50 days ago |
