EGGPLANT
While eggplants are thought of as vegetables, they are actually a fruit, as they are a type of berry. White eggplants are 4 to 6 inches long while the Italian variety are more slender than the common American type. Both are mild-flavored and may be prepared the same way. But there are other types of eggplants that are just as delicious but less common:
Thai
Ranges in color from all green to a combo of green and white stripes; about the size of a golf ball.
Checking for ripeness
Select Thai eggplants which are firm and have good color. Refrigerate in a plastic bag 3-5 days.
Chinese
Elongated, oval shape and light purple, smooth skin with a soft white flesh.
Checking for ripeness
Select Chinese eggplants that are firm with a glossy skin. If stems are present, select those that are green and not withered. Refrigerate up to one week.
Indian
Small (quarter-sized) deep purple skin.
Checking for ripeness
Select Indian eggplants that are firm with a glossy skin. Refrigerate in vegetable crisper 3-5 days.
Japanese
Long and slender; similar in shape to a cucumber; deep purple smooth thin skin; sweeter than
American/regular variety.
Nutrition
Low calorie, saturated fat free, sodium free, cholesterol free, fat free.
More exotic produce ideas:
Feijoas
Golden solo sunrise papaya
Kumquats
Lychee
Tamarillo
Mangos
Sugar snap peas
Asparagus
Tomatoes
Bell peppers
Brussel sprouts
Cantaloupe
More from Phil Lempert:
Ranges in color from all green to a combo of green and white stripes; about the size of a golf ball.
Checking for ripeness
Select Thai eggplants which are firm and have good color. Refrigerate in a plastic bag 3-5 days.
Chinese
Elongated, oval shape and light purple, smooth skin with a soft white flesh.
Checking for ripeness
Select Chinese eggplants that are firm with a glossy skin. If stems are present, select those that are green and not withered. Refrigerate up to one week.
Indian
Small (quarter-sized) deep purple skin.
Checking for ripeness
Select Indian eggplants that are firm with a glossy skin. Refrigerate in vegetable crisper 3-5 days.
Japanese
Long and slender; similar in shape to a cucumber; deep purple smooth thin skin; sweeter than
American/regular variety.
Nutrition
Low calorie, saturated fat free, sodium free, cholesterol free, fat free.
More exotic produce ideas:
Feijoas
Golden solo sunrise papaya
Kumquats
Lychee
Tamarillo
Mangos
Sugar snap peas
Asparagus
Tomatoes
Bell peppers
Brussel sprouts
Cantaloupe
More from Phil Lempert:
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