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Produce Briefs...
Ramps
The wild ramp, AKA wild leek, botanical name Allium tricoccum, is a flowering perennial plant that grows in clusters. It is a member of the Allium family along with onions and leeks
Calamondin Limes
The Calamondin lime is a cross between a sour, loose skinned mandarin and a kumquat, therefore technically making it an orangequat.
Salanova Lettuces
Salanova® lettuce is a full-sized variety developed for the baby lettuce market. Botanically these varieties are scientifically known as Lactuca sativa.
Description/Taste
Graffiti eggplants are small and teardrop in shape, ranging from 7-15 centimeters in length, depending on the variety. The outer skin is shiny, thin, and smooth and is striped with violet with ivory white. The inner flesh is cream to pale white and has small, edible seeds. Graffiti eggplants are tender and smooth with a sweet and slightly fruity flavor when cooked.
Seasons/Availability
Graffiti eggplants are available during the summer through early fall.
Current Facts
Graffiti eggplants, botanically classified as Solanum melongena, is a name given to some different varieties of eggplants that are a part of the Solanaceae, or nightshade family along with tomatoes, potatoes, and peppers. Also known as Pandora Striped Rose, Purple Rain, Listada De Gandia, Shooting Stars, and the Fairytale eggplant, Graffiti eggplants are known for its unique shape, sweet flavor, and striped coloring.
Nutritional Value
Graffiti eggplants contain some vitamin C, iron, and fiber.
Applications
Graffiti eggplants are best suited for cooked applications such as sautéing, grilling, stewing, roasting, pan frying, and baking. They will cook quickly because of their small size, and the flesh is so thin and tender that it does not need to be removed. Graffiti eggplants can also be halved, hollowed slightly, stuffed, and baked with vegetables and grains. Graffiti eggplants pair well with tomato, squash, onions, red bell pepper, garlic, quinoa, chickpeas, coconut curry, heady spices such as cumin and zataar, rich grilled meats such as lamb, bright, fresh herbs, and young and melting cheeses such as chevre, feta, and mozzarella. Graffiti eggplants will keep up to three days when stored in a cool and dry place.
Ethnic/Cultural Info
Many cultures in ancient times, especially in Italy, believed eggplants could cause insanity and a general un-wellness if consumed. This folklore stemmed from the eggplants relation to other toxic items in the nightshade family and because of their exceptionally bitter flavor. As this legend was slowly disproved over time, new eggplant varieties such as the Graffiti were specially bred for a sweeter and non-bitter taste.
Geography/History
Graffiti eggplants are believed to be a part of the lineage related to the small teardrop multi-colored varieties of India. Trade routes would then transport earlier cultivars to Europe and the New World, where improved selections would be cultivated. Today Graffiti eggplants can be found at farmers markets and specialty grocers in Europe, Asia, and the United States.
Recipe Ideas
Recipes that include Graffiti Eggplant. One
is easiest, three is harder.Recently Spotted
People have spotted Graffiti 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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Central Market HEB Plano
Near Cockrell Hill, Texas, United States About 30 days ago, 11/11/18 Spotter's comments : Graffiti Eggplant spotted at Central Market HEB Plano. 
Virginia Park Farmer's Market
Weiser Family Farms
Near Santa Monica, California, United Stateshttp://www.weiserfamilyfarms.com About 66 days ago, 10/06/18 Spotter's comments : Graffiti Eggplant spotted at Virginia Park Farmer's Market. 
Bastille Market Paris
Bastille Market
Near Paris, Ile-de-France, Franceboulevard richard lenoir 75011 paris france 33143247439 About 69 days ago, 10/04/18 Spotter's comments : Graffiti Eggplant spotted at Bastille Market Paris . 
Mercer Island Farmers Market
Alvarez Organic Farm
Near Mercer Island, Washington, United States, Mabton 509-830-5242 About 135 days ago, 7/29/18 Spotter's comments : Graffiti Eggplant spotted at Mercer Island Farmers Market. Lovely! 
Vista Farmers Market
Bernardino Loera Farm Produce
Near Vista, California, United States760-271-5467 About 158 days ago, 7/07/18 Spotter's comments : Graffiti Eggplant spotted at Vista Farmers Market. 
Little Italy Mercato
Vang Farms
Near San Diego, California, United States, Fresno 559-776-4243 About 186 days ago, 6/09/18 Spotter's comments : Graffiti Eggplant spotted at Little Italy Mercato. 
Marqt
Near Amsterdam, North Holland, NetherlandsAbout 421 days ago, 10/17/17 Spotter's comments : Graffiti Eggplant spotted at Marqt. Fresh Dutch Graffiti eggplant in Amsterdam Greenfield Farmer's Market Near Chicopee, Massachusetts, United States About 493 days ago, 8/05/17 Spotter's comments : Though the vendor calls it "Fairy Eggplant". Pavilions Near Newport Coast, California, United States About 658 days ago, 2/22/17 Spotter's comments : Graffiti Eggplant spotted at Pavilions. |
