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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
Japanese eggplants are long, slender, and oblong, averaging 20-25 centimeters in length. This ink-colored fruit can be straight or slightly crooked and has a dark purple or green stem depending on the variety. Its glossy, smooth skin is thin and purple-black. The cream-colored inner flesh is spongy and nearly seedless. When cooked, Japanese eggplants are mild and sweet with a tender, meaty texture.
Seasons/Availability
Japanese eggplants are available year-round with peak season summer through fall
Current Facts
Japanese eggplants, botanically classified as Solanum melongena, belong to the Solanaceae, or nightshade family, sharing ancestry with tomatoes, potatoes, and peppers. Japanese eggplant is the Western name given to dozens of eggplant varieties, both heirloom and hybrid. The most common varieties on the market today are Millionaire and Orient Express. Japanese eggplants are also known to maintain their skin color when cooked which is a quality that makes them unique among many other eggplant varieties.
Nutritional Value
Japanese eggplants contain vitamin C, potassium, folate, and dietary fiber.
Applications
Japanese eggplants are best suited for cooked applications such as sautéing, pan-frying, deep-frying, grilling, pickling, and baking. The eggplant's thin skin and sponge-like texture allow it to quickly take on flavorings such as miso, soy sauce, and ginger. Its texture also makes for an excellent meat substitute in vegetarian and vegan preparations. It is commonly grilled as a side dish or sliced and stir-fried with other vegetables. Japanese eggplant pairs well with ginger, scallions, herbs such as basil and mint, liquids such as vinegar, soy sauce, miso, and sake, sesame seeds, cucumber, meats such as pork, chicken, and beef, fish, tomato sauce, limes, chilies, peanuts, and honey. Japanese eggplant will keep up to one week when stored in a cool and dry place.
Ethnic/Cultural Info
Eggplant production in Japan has spanned more than twelve centuries and is the third most important vegetable for culinary use in modern day. The eggplant is a symbol of good luck in Japanese culture and is valued for its nutrient dense skin. Many different Japanese eggplant varieties are grown across the country and are used in popular dishes such as Nasu Dengaku, which is grilled eggplant in a sweet and savory miso glaze and Nasu Agebitashi, deep-fried eggplant in a soy sauce broth.
Geography/History
Eggplants are native to the Old World and were cultivated in India and China. Chinese eggplant varieties then spread to Japan and the Japanese would successively create and plant newer varieties, such as Japanese eggplants, for centuries, accumulating hundreds of different subspecies. Today Japanese eggplants are found at farmers markets, specialty grocers, and home gardens in Asia, Europe, the United States, and South America.
Featured Restaurants
Restaurants currently purchasing this product as an ingredient for their menu.
| Great Maple | San Diego CA | 619-255-2282 |
| UCSD Food & Nutrition Department La Jolla | San Diego CA | 858-657-6473 |
| Full Moon | San Diego CA | 619-233-3711 |
| Jeune Et Jolie | Carlsbad CA | 858-231-0862 |
| Ketch Grill and Taps | San Diego CA | 858-268-1030 |
| Solace & the Moonlight Lounge | Encinitas CA | 760-753-2433 |
| InterContinental Banquet Kitchen | San Diego CA | 619-501-9400 |
| Mr A's | San Diego CA | 619-239-1377 |
| Mission Ave Bar and Grill | Oceanside CA | 760-637-2222 |
| Yoann Taboyan, Personal Chef | San Diego CA | 347-277-1958 |
| Barbarella La Jolla | La Jolla CA | 858-454-7373 |
| US Grant Hotel Main | San Diego CA | 619-232-3121 |
| Cutwater Spirits | San Diego CA | 619-672-3848 |
| The Land & Water Company | Carlsbad CA | 760-729-5263 |
| Sbicca | Del Mar CA | 858-481-1001 |
| Born & Raised | San Diego CA | 619-550-5412 |
| Coast Catering | Escondido CA | 619-295-3173 |
| Spoutable | San Diego CA | 619-743-7491 |
| The Miller's Table | Oceanside CA | 310-694-4091 |
| Covo La Jolla | La Jolla CA | 858-246-6721 |
| Biga | San Diego CA | 949-295-4377 |
| REPS & Co | San Diego CA | 951-834-8184 |
| The Bellows | San Marcos CA | 619-395-6325 |
| Eco Caters Organics | San Diego CA | 619-997-8792 |
| Catamaran | San Diego CA | 858-488-1081 |
| Grass Skirt | San Diego CA | 858-412-5237 |
| Pamplemousse Grill | Solana Beach CA | 858-792-9090 |
| Dija Mara | Oceanside CA | 760-231-5376 |
| Orfila Vineyards & Winery | Oceanside CA | 760-738-6500 |
| Paradise Point Resort Tidal | San Diego CA | 858-490-6363 |
| Kappa Sushi | San Diego CA | 858-566-3388 |
| Bleu Boheme | San Diego CA | 619-255-4167 |
| Sushi Ota | San Diego CA | 858-270-5047 |
| Rustic Root | San Diego CA | 619-232-1747 |
Recipe Ideas
Recipes that include Japanese Eggplant. One
is easiest, three is harder.Recently Spotted
People have spotted Japanese 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.
Poway Farmers Market
Yasukochi Family Farms
Near Poway, California, United States, Oceanside 760-801-6627 About 35 days ago, 1/12/19 Spotter's comments : Japanese Eggplant spotted at Poway Farmers Market. 
Hillcrest Farmers Market
Yasukochi Family Farms
Near San Diego, California, United States, Oceanside 760-801-6627 About 69 days ago, 12/09/18 Spotter's comments : Japanese Eggplant spotted at Hillcrest Farmers Market. Hilo farmers market Near Hawaiian Paradise Park, Hawaii, United States About 95 days ago, 11/13/18 
Little Italy Mercato
Anthony - Maciel Farms
Near San Diego, California, United States1-760-521-0643 About 238 days ago, 6/23/18 Spotter's comments : Japanese Eggplant spotted at Little Italy Mercato. Baby size. So beautiful. 
Little Italy Mercato
Anthony - Maciel Farms
Near San Diego, California, United States1-760-521-0643 About 252 days ago, 6/09/18 Spotter's comments : Japanese Eggplant spotted at Little Italy Mercato. Asian Food Center Near Shoreline, Washington, United States About 292 days ago, 4/30/18 Spotter's comments : Japanese Eggplant spotted at Asian Food Center. 
Vista Farmers Market
Anthony - Maciel Farms
Near Vista, California, United States1-760-521-0643 About 357 days ago, 2/24/18 Spotter's comments : Japanese Eggplant spotted at Vista Farmers Market. 
Little Italy Mercato
Anthony - Maciel Farms
Near San Diego, California, United States1-760-521-0643 About 392 days ago, 1/20/18 Spotter's comments : Japanese Eggplant spotted at Little Italy Mercato. 
Little Italy Mercato
Near San Diego, California, United StatesAbout 525 days ago, 9/09/17 Spotter's comments : Japanese Eggplant spotted at Little Italy Mercato. 
aloha stadium
Near Halawa, Hawaii, United StatesAbout 538 days ago, 8/27/17 Spotter's comments : Japanese Eggplant spotted at aloha stadium. 
Little Italy Mercato
Near San Diego, California, United StatesAbout 546 days ago, 8/19/17 Spotter's comments : Japanese Eggplant spotted at Little Italy Mercato. 
Little Italy Mercato
Anthony Maciel
Near San Diego, California, United StatesMaciel Family Farm 760-521-0643 About 553 days ago, 8/12/17 Spotter's comments : Japanese Eggplant spotted at Little Italy Mercato. |
