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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
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.
Recipe Ideas
Recipes that include Japanese Eggplant. One
is
easiest, three is harder.Recently Shared
People have shared Japanese Eggplant using the Specialty Produce app for iPhone and Android.
Produce Sharing 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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Farmer's Market
Tokyo Farmers Market in Shibuya at Woman’s Uni Plaza
Near Shibuya, Tokyo, JapanAbout 198 days ago, 7/05/19 Sharer's comments : Many kinds of eggplants are grown in Japan.. 
Mitsuwa Marketplace
Mitsuwa Marketplace - Centinela Blvd
Near Venice, California, United States3760 S Centinela Blvd Los Angeles CA 90066 310-398-2113 About 205 days ago, 6/28/19 
Jordan Market
Jordan Market - Westwood Blvd
Near Sawtelle, California, United States1449 Westwood Blvd. Los Angeles CA 90024 310-478-1706 About 205 days ago, 6/28/19 
Albertsons
Albertson’s - Harbor Blvd
Near Costa Mesa, California, United States2300-c Harbor Blvd. Costa Mesa CA 92626 949-515-7227 About 212 days ago, 6/21/19 
Poway Farmers Market
Yasukochi Family Farms
Near Poway, California, United States, Oceanside 760-801-6627 About 372 days ago, 1/12/19 Sharer'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 406 days ago, 12/09/18 Sharer's comments : Japanese Eggplant spotted at Hillcrest Farmers Market. Hilo farmers market Near Hawaiian Paradise Park, Hawaii, United States About 432 days ago, 11/13/18 
Little Italy Mercato
Anthony - Maciel Farms
Near San Diego, California, United States1-760-521-0643 About 575 days ago, 6/23/18 Sharer'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 589 days ago, 6/09/18 Sharer's comments : Japanese Eggplant spotted at Little Italy Mercato. Asian Food Center Near Shoreline, Washington, United States About 629 days ago, 4/30/18 Sharer's comments : Japanese Eggplant spotted at Asian Food Center. 
Vista Farmers Market
Anthony - Maciel Farms
Near Vista, California, United States1-760-521-0643 About 694 days ago, 2/24/18 Sharer'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 729 days ago, 1/20/18 Sharer's comments : Japanese Eggplant spotted at Little Italy Mercato. |
