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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
Chinese eggplants are long and thin, averaging 15-20 centimeters in length and 5 centimeters in diameter. These fruits can be crooked or straight, and its thin outer skin ranges from violet to bright purple. The inner flesh is cotton white, semi-firm, and nearly seedless. Chinese eggplants have a mild and sweet flavor without the bitterness associated with eggplant.
Seasons/Availability
Chinese eggplant is available year-round.
Current Facts
Chinese eggplant, botanically classified as Solanum melongena, is the name given to hundreds of eggplant varieties that are considered native to or cultivated throughout China and Asia. Also known as Oriental Charm and Pingtung Long, Chinese eggplant inherently has fewer seeds than Western eggplant varieties making them less bitter and meatier. Chinese eggplants are popularly used in stir-fries and will hold its shape when cooked.
Nutritional Value
Chinese eggplants contain rich levels of anthocyanins, a pigment not only responsible for the fruit's deep purple skin coloring but also known for its antioxidant properties. It also contains some manganese, potassium, and vitamin B6.
Applications
Chinese eggplants are best suited for cooked applications such as braising, stir-frying, sautéing, and grilling. Their tender flesh cooks quicker than most eggplant varieties, and its flavor and texture will be at its peak when baked. Stir-frying Chinese eggplant is the most popular preparation method as the eggplant has a meaty and flavorful texture. Chinese eggplant holds up well to spicy, sweet, and savory flavors. Complimentary ingredients include cumin, garlic, ginger, cilantro, fermented beans, chilies, soy sauce, vinegar, mushrooms, onions, sesame oil, chicken, pork, chickpeas, lentils, hardy greens, and summer vegetables such as tomatoes and squashes. Chinese eggplant will keep up to one week when stored in a cool and dry place.
Ethnic/Cultural Info
In addition to its culinary attributes, eggplant has been used in traditional Chinese medicine for thousands of years. The fruits, roots, and leaves of the Chinese eggplant are used to help reduce symptoms in an array of ailments such as toothaches, abscesses, wounds and sores, fever, and intestinal disorders.
Geography/History
Chinese eggplant varieties have historically been referred to as having Indo-Burma and Chinese origins, but there is also evidence as well of early cultivation occurring in India. Eggplant is documented in several botanical manuscripts such as the Qimi Yiaoshu written during the Southern and Northern Dynasties and The Atlas of Plants in Southern China written during the Western Jin Dynasty. Today Chinese eggplant is widely available in farmers markets and specialty grocers in Asia, Europe, Canada, and the United States.
Featured Restaurants
Restaurants currently purchasing this product as an ingredient for their menu.
| Under Belly-Uptown | San Diego CA | 619-269-4626 |
| Raki Raki (Little Italy) | San Diego CA | 858-302-6405 |
| Blue Ocean La Jolla | La Jolla CA | 858-999-4073 |
| Brigantine Pt Loma | San Diego CA | 619-224-2871 |
| Cucina Enoteca | Del Mar CA | 619-239-2222 |
| Cucina Sorella | San Diego CA | 858-232-7808 |
| University Club | San Diego CA | 619-234-5200 |
| UCSD Food & Nutrition Department La Jolla | San Diego CA | 808-868-8639 |
| Harumama | San Diego CA | 619-269-7122 |
| Blue Ocean | Carlsbad CA | 760-434-4959 |
| Great Maple Hillcrest | San Diego CA | 619-255-2282 |
| Great Maple La Jolla UTC | San Diego CA | 858-886-7403 |
| Stake Chophouse & Bar | Coronado CA | 619-522-0077 |
| Lauberge Del Mar | Del Mar CA | 858-259-1515 |
| Rancho Valencia | Del Mar CA | 858-756-1123 |
| Barrel & Board | San Diego CA | 619-379-2574 |
| Dija Mara 2021 | Oceanside CA | 760-231-5376 |
| Crown Point Catering | San Diego CA | 619-223-1211 |
| Lumi | San Diego CA | 619-955-5750 |
| Sovereign Thai Cuisine | San Diego CA | 619-887-2000 |
| Ballast Point Restaurant - Little Italy | San Diego CA | 619-298-2337 |
| Wine Vault & Bistro | San Diego CA | 619-295-3939 |
| Under Belly-Little Italy Kitchen | San Diego CA | 619-269-4626 |
| Hotel Republic San Diego | San Diego CA | 951-756-9357 |
| Cal A Vie | Vista CA | 760-945-2055 |
| The Rose | San Diego CA | 619-572-7671 |
| Stone Brewing World Bistro & Gardens | Escondido CA | 760-294-7866 |
| PFC Fitness Camp | Carlsbad CA | 888-488-8936 |
| Harumama Carlsbad | Carlsbad CA | 858-999-4073 |
Recipe Ideas
Recipes that include Chinese Eggplant. One
is
easiest, three is harder.Recently Shared
People have shared Chinese 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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Santa Monica Farmers Market
Fresno Evergreen Farm
Near Santa Monica, California, United StatesAbout 14 days ago, 6/09/21 
Specialty Produce
Near San Diego, California, United StatesAbout 20 days ago, 6/03/21 Sharer's comments : Chinese eggplant from Her Produce 
Santa Monica Farmers Market
Her Produce
Near Santa Monica, California, United StatesAbout 21 days ago, 6/02/21 
Virginia Park Farmer's Market
Fresno Evergreen
Near Santa Monica, California, United StatesAbout 242 days ago, 10/24/20 
Specialty Produce
Near San Diego, California, United StatesAbout 289 days ago, 9/07/20 Sharer's comments : Chinese Eggplant from Fresno Evergreen 
Specialty Produce
Near San Diego, California, United StatesAbout 289 days ago, 9/07/20 Sharer's comments : Chinese Eggplant from Fresno Evergreen 
Santa Monica Farmers Market
Her Produce
Near Santa Monica, California, United StatesAbout 301 days ago, 8/26/20 
superindo cinere raya
Near Ciputat, Banten, IndonesiaAbout 307 days ago, 8/20/20 Sharer's comments : terong ungu 
Specialty Produce
Near San Diego, California, United StatesAbout 312 days ago, 8/15/20 Sharer's comments : 🍆 
Specialty Produce
Near San Diego, California, United StatesAbout 314 days ago, 8/13/20 Sharer's comments : Chinese Eggplant 🍆 
Santa Monica farmers market
Fresno Evergreen Farms
Near Santa Monica, California, United StatesAbout 354 days ago, 7/04/20 
C&A Creative . Libation Lounge
Near San Diego, California, United StatesAbout 356 days ago, 7/02/20 Sharer's comments : Chinese eggplant from her produce 
Santa Monica Farmers Market
Her Produce
Near Santa Monica, California, United StatesAbout 357 days ago, 7/01/20 
Santa Monica Farmers Market
Fresno Evergreen
Near Santa Monica, California, United StatesAbout 364 days ago, 6/24/20 
Specialty Produce
Near San Diego, California, United StatesAbout 366 days ago, 6/22/20 Sharer's comments : Chinese Eggplant in season now! 🍆 
Super Indo Cinere
Near Ciputat, Banten, IndonesiaAbout 374 days ago, 6/14/20 Sharer's comments : terong ungu 
Specialty Produce
Specialty Produce
Near San Diego, California, United States1929 Hancock st. San Diego CA 92110 619-295-3172 About 384 days ago, 6/04/20 Sharer's comments : Chinese eggplant are in season ! 
Santa Monica Farmers Market
John Her Produce
Near Santa Monica, California, United States1-559-313-6676 About 385 days ago, 6/03/20 Sharer's comments : Chinese Eggplant spotted at Her Produce 
Arko Foods International
Arko Foods International
Near Glendale, California, United States1425 E Colorado Street Glendale CA 91205 818-242-5921 About 507 days ago, 2/02/20 
Baiz Market Place
Baiz Market - 20th Street
Near Phoenix, Arizona, United States523 N 20th Street Phoenix AZ 85006 602-252-8996 About 533 days ago, 1/07/20 
Pasar Modern BSD City
Near Pondok Pucung, Banten, IndonesiaAbout 544 days ago, 12/27/19 Sharer's comments : terong ungu di pasar modern bsd tangerang 
Santa Monica Farmers Markets
John Her
Near Santa Monica, California, United StatesFresno, CA 559-313-6676 About 651 days ago, 9/11/19 Sharer's comments : All the beautiful eggplants happening now! 
Edmonds Farmers Market
Caruso Farm
Near Edmonds, Washington, United StatesSnohomish, WA About 662 days ago, 8/31/19 Sharer's comments : Enjoyed stewed, braised, sautéed - You name it :) 
Santa Monica Farmers Market
Near Santa Monica, California, United StatesAbout 686 days ago, 8/07/19 Sharer's comments : All the Eggplants from Fresno Evergreen 
Bharat Bazaar
Near Union City, California, United StatesAbout 690 days ago, 8/03/19 
San Mateo Produce Market
Near San Mateo, California, United StatesAbout 692 days ago, 8/01/19 
Safeway
Safeway - Diablo Ave
Near Novato, California, United States900 Diablo Ave Novato CA 94947 415-898-1503 About 702 days ago, 7/22/19 
Whole Foods Market
Whole Foods Market - De Long Ave
Near Novato, California, United States790 De Long Ave Novato CA 94945 415-878-0455 About 702 days ago, 7/22/19 
Parkside Farmer's Market
Parkside Farmer’s Market
Near Daly City, California, United States555 Taraval Street San Francisco CA 94116 415-681-5563 About 711 days ago, 7/13/19 
Good Food Market
Good Food Market
Near Pasadena, California, United States1864 E Washington Blvd #106 Pasadena CA 91104 626-204-0171 About 726 days ago, 6/28/19 
Santa Monica Glatt Kosher Market
Santa Monica Kosher Market
Near Sawtelle, California, United States11540 Santa Monica Blvd Los Angeles CA 90025 310-473-4435 About 726 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 726 days ago, 6/28/19 
Santa Monica Farmers Market
Specialty
Near Santa Monica, California, United States619-295-3172 About 728 days ago, 6/26/19 Sharer's comments : Beautiful Eggplants from Fresno Evergreen |
