Eggplant or aubergine is delicious with its slightly bitterish taste and spongy texture. It can be prepared in a variety of ways and it is very healthy to eat.
Is it a vegetable or a fruit?
Most people believe that it is a vegetable, but Eggplant is a fruit. It is easy to recognize by its egg-like or large tear-drop shape.
There are many different kinds of eggplants and they come in various shades and shapes. The colors are lavender, jade green, orange yellow-white. You can also find black or purple/aubergine eggplant. They vary in shapes and sizes that range from a small tomato to a large zucchini. You can plant your seeds in mid to late spring and reap your eggplants in August through October.
Photo Credit: Purple and Green – Matthew H – Flickr
Eggplant belongs to the plant family of Solanaceae or Nightshade such as tomatoes, potatoes, bell peppers and so on. Research shows that they contain some anti-cancer, antimicrobial, anti-LDL (or bad cholesterol) and antiviral properties. They contain fiber, potassium, vitamin C, B and phytonutrients which support a healthy heart.
They are easy to grow and can either be grown in containers or in the ground. Sow eggplant seeds indoors eight (8) weeks before the last frost in spring. It is very convenient to use a seed starting kit. The seeds should be sown about ¼ inch deep in seed starting formula, and the soil should be kept moist at about 75 degrees F. The seedlings should emerge in about 10 to 21 days.
During the growing season keep the plants well watered.
Photo Credit: White Eggplant – Coleman and Caroline – Flickr
The video below shares lots of very informative and interesting information on growing eggplants in containers.