Purple Eggplant
Estimated Inventory, 18 ct : 46.54
This item was last sold on : 05/13/25
Description/Taste
Purple eggplants are large, oval-shaped vegetables with a bulbous bottom that slightly narrows towards their green-stemmed top. They measure about 18 to 25 centimeters long and 5 to 12 centimeters wide and have a dark purple-black hue with occasional faint patches of lighter purple. Their thin skin is smooth and shiny, requiring peeling in order to remove. Purple eggplants’ cream-colored flesh has a firm, spongy texture that becomes meltingly tender as it cooks and contains many small edible seeds. Purple eggplants have a mild and sweet flavor with a slight vegetal bitterness.
Seasons/Availability
Purple eggplants are available year-round with a peak season in summer.
Current Facts
Purple eggplants are botanically classified as Solanum melongena and belong to the Solanaceae, or nightshade, family along with potatoes, bell peppers, chilis, and tomatoes. They are technically fruits because they have seeds but are often labeled as vegetables because of how they are used in culinary applications. Purple eggplants are the most common cultivar in the Western world, with many varieties such as Chinese, Fairytale, Sicilian, Indian, Italian, Japanese, and Rosa Bianca eggplants. While most of these varieties are solid purple, others may be covered with varying degrees of white stripes. Although purple is the more common color, eggplants got their name because white varieties resemble eggs. This vegetable is referred to as Terung in Indonesia, Brinjal in Malaysia, Aubergine in France, and Alberengena in Spain. While Purple eggplants are primarily valued for their culinary uses, varieties like Solanum aethiopicum, also known as African eggplants or Pumpkin on a Stick, are grown mainly for their ornamental appeal.
Nutritional Value
The fiber in Purple eggplants supports digestion, helps regulate blood sugar levels, and promotes heart health by lowering cholesterol. The potassium in these vegetables is essential for maintaining healthy blood pressure, supporting muscle function, and reducing risk of stroke. Their vitamin C content acts as a powerful antioxidant, boosting the immune system and aiding in the repair and growth of tissues. Vitamin B-6 in eggplants plays a crucial role in brain development and function, as well as in the production of serotonin and norepinephrine, which regulates mood. Purple eggplants contain nasunin, an anthocyanin found in the skin that has potent antioxidant properties, protecting brain cells from oxidative stress and potentially slowing cognitive decline.
Applications
Purple eggplants are best suited for cooked applications such as grilling, pan frying, baking, sauteéing, and roasting. They are popularly breaded and fried into eggplant parmesan or used in pasta, stir-fries, pizzas, calzones, sandwiches, and casseroles. These vegetables are incorporated into foods across the world like ratatouille in France, moussaka in Greece, and baba ganoush in the Middle East. Purple eggplants can also be slow cooked in stews with rice, meats, vegetables, lentils, and noodles. They pair well with tomatoes, squashes, peppers, stewed meats, grilled and baked fish, chicken, chickpeas, lentils, basil, mint, cilantro, parsley, and mozzarella cheese. Purple eggplants will keep for up to three days when stored in a cool and dry place.
Ethnic/Cultural Info
In Northern Europe, eggplants were once called mad apples because they were thought to turn people insane. This was partially because their color caused them to be associated with a toxic dark purple berry plant called the Deadly Nightshade. Eggplants also had a reputation for giving people bad breath. It took centuries for people to accept eggplants as an edible and beneficial culinary ingredient, particularly in the United States. It wasn’t until Thomas Jefferson introduced them as an easily sown and cultivated vegetable that Americans started accepting eggplants into their diets.
Geography/History
Purple eggplants likely originated in China and India, where they have been cultivated for centuries. They flourish in warm climates with rich, sandy soils and full sun exposure. They can be found in the wild and in naturalized settings on commercial farms and home gardens. Purple eggplants were introduced into Southern and Eastern Europe by the Spanish Moors. They were brought to America in the 1500s but didn’t catch on until centuries later. Common Purple eggplant varieties with a large, oblong shape can be found at most supermarkets in the United States, Europe, Asia, and South America. Thinner, elongated eggplant varieties may be sourced from Asian and international specialty stores or farmers' markets.
Featured Restaurants
Restaurants currently purchasing this product as an ingredient for their menu.
| Armonia LLC | San Diego CA | 619-724-7210 |
| The Besta-Wan Pizza House | Cardiff CA | 805-231-2515 |
| Pacific Regent La Jolla | San Diego CA | 858-597-8008 |
| Kingfisher | San Diego CA | 619-861-8074 |
| Higher Grounds Coffee + Cafe | San Diego CA | 831-247-5395 |
| Savory Moment (1) | Carlsbad CA | 619-633-8863 |
| Leucadia Pizza Point Loma | San Diego CA | 619-295-2222 |
| Inn at Rancho Santa Fe | Rancho Santa Fe CA | 858-381-8289 |
| Tartine | Coronado CA | 619-435-4323 |
| Firefly Beach | San Diego CA | 619-222-6440 |
| Chateau La Jolla | San Diego CA | 858-459-4451 |
| RoVino Rotisserie + Wine | San Diego CA | 619-972-6286 |
| KI's | Encinitas CA | 760-586-8289 |
| Isola Pizza Bar | San Diego CA | 619-564-2938 |
| Parkhouse Eatery | San Diego CA | 619 295 7275 |
| Jack & Giulio's | San Diego CA | 619-294-2074 |
| Marriott Gaslamp | San Diego CA | 619-696-0234 x6051 |
| Flora Cafe | Bonita CA | 619-339-6604 |
| Bar Same Same (Kitchen) | Carlsbad CA | 760-470-9143 |
| Red Tail Catering | San Marcos CA | 858-605-8219 |
Recipe Ideas
Recipes that include Purple Eggplant. One
is easiest, three is harder.
Latest in season fruits and vegetables posted from the Specialty Produce App
