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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.
| Ballast Point Restaurant - Little Italy | San Diego CA | 619-298-2337 |
| Born & Raised | San Diego CA | 619-944-1631 |
| Little Frenchie | Coronado CA | 619-522-6890 |
| Juniper & Ivy | San Diego CA | 858-481-3666 |
| Lodge at Torrey Pines Main | San Diego CA | 858-453-4420 |
| The Glen at Scripps Ranch | San Diego CA | 858-444-8500 |
| Pizza Kaiju LLC | San Diego CA | 619-240-2716 |
| Bridges at Rancho Santa Fe | Rancho Santa Fe CA | 858-759-6063 |
| Raki Raki & Co. | San Diego CA | 858-573-2400 |
| Now Sushi | San Diego CA | 858-246-6179 |
| Alila Marea Beach Resort | Encinitas CA | 805-539-9719 |
| Lumi | San Diego CA | 619-955-5750 |
| Pamplemousse Grill | Solana Beach CA | 858-792-9090 |
| Azuki Sushi Lounge | San Diego CA | 619-238-4760 |
| Urban Kitchen | San Diego CA | 619-239-2222 |
| University Club | San Diego CA | 619-234-5200 |
| Raki Raki (Little Italy) | San Diego CA | 858-302-6405 |
| Kappa Sushi | San Diego CA | 858-566-3388 |
| Nolita Hall | San Diego CA | 619-618-8820 |
| Animae | San Diego CA | 619-925-7908 |
| Brigantine La Mesa | La Mesa CA | 619-465-1935 |
| US Grant Hotel Grill | San Diego CA | 619-232-3121 |
| Georges at the Cove | San Diego CA | 858-454-4244 |
| Parq Restaurant and Nightclub | San Diego CA | 619-727-6789 |
| Cal A Vie | Vista CA | 760-945-2055 |
| Hotel Republic San Diego | San Diego CA | 951-756-9357 |
| Brigantine Poway | Poway CA | 858-486-3066 |
| Shimbashi Izakaya | Del Mar CA | 858-523-0479 |
| Hotel Del ENO Produce | Coronado CA | 619-435-6611 |
| Full Moon | San Diego CA | 619-233-3711 |
Recipe Ideas
Recipes that include Japanese Eggplant. One
is
easiest, three is harder.Recently Shared
Someone 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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Mar Vista Farmers Market
Fresno Evergreen
Near Venice, California, United StatesAbout 50 days ago, 6/06/21 |
