Produce Briefs...
Calamondin Limes
The Calamondin lime, scientific name, X Citrofortunella mitis & Citrus microcarpa, is also known as the lime orange, Chinese orange or Calamondin orange.
Salanova® Lettuces
Salanova® lettuce is a full-sized variety developed for the baby lettuce market. Botanically these varieties are scientifically known as Lactuca sativa.
Pinkglow™ Pineapple
Pinkglow™ pineapples are small to medium fruits with an oval to cylindrical shape.
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.
| Born & Raised | San Diego CA | 619-944-1631 |
| Under Belly-Uptown | San Diego CA | 619-269-4626 |
| Camino Riviera | San Diego CA | 619-685-3881 |
| Ballast Point Restaurant - Little Italy | San Diego CA | 619-298-2337 |
| Brigantine Del Mar | Del Mar CA | 858-481-1166 |
| Jeune Et Jolie | Carlsbad CA | 858-231-0862 |
| Culinary Concepts | San Diego CA | 858-518-0148 |
| Thai One On | Carlsbad CA | 760-500-8674 |
| Kappa Sushi | San Diego CA | 858-566-3388 |
| Ron Oliver | San Diego | 619-295-3172 |
| The Lion Share | San Diego CA | 619-564-6924 |
| Yoann Taboyan, Personal Chef | San Diego CA | 347-277-1958 |
| Naegi | Oceanside CA | 760-717-5899 |
| Brigantine Pt Loma | San Diego CA | 619-224-2871 |
| The Flavor Chef (Catering) | Vista CA | 619-295-3172 |
| Secret Sister | San Diego CA | 619-281-0718 |
| Harumama Teriyaki & Bao | Carlsbad CA | 760-637-5737 |
| Siamo Napoli | San Diego CA | 619-300-4810 |
| Viejas Casino Grove Steakhouse | Alpine CA | 800-295-3172 |
| Paradise Point Resort BQT Kitchen | San Diego CA | 858-490-6363 |
| Pali Wine Company | San Diego CA | 310-893-0038 |
| The Glen at Scripps Ranch | San Diego CA | 858-444-8500 |
| Blue Ocean | Carlsbad CA | 760-434-4959 |
| Raki Raki & Co. | San Diego CA | 858-573-2400 |
| Blue Ocean La Jolla | La Jolla CA | 858-999-4073 |
| Kingfisher | San Diego CA | 619-861-8074 |
| Great Maple La Jolla UTC | San Diego CA | 858-886-7403 |
| Harumama Noodles & Buns (Encinitas) | Encinitas CA | 858-886-9909 |
| Panama 66 | San Diego CA | 619-206-6352 |
| Wolf In the Woods | San Diego CA | 619-851-7275 |
| Mr A's | San Diego CA | 619-239-1377 |
| Seasoned Catering and Events | San Diego CA | 619-246-4909 |
| Dija Mara 2021 | Oceanside CA | 760-231-5376 |
| Under Belly-Little Italy Kitchen | San Diego CA | 619-269-4626 |
| Waverly | Cardiff CA | 619-244-0416 |
| PFC Fitness Camp | Carlsbad CA | 888-488-8936 |
| Continental Catering Inc | La Mesa CA | 907-738-9264 |
| Kettner Exchange | San Diego CA | 909-915-9877 |
| Cutwater Spirits | San Diego CA | 619-672-3848 |
| Hotel Republic San Diego | San Diego CA | 951-756-9357 |
| Georges at the Cove | San Diego CA | 858-454-4244 |
| Stake Chophouse & Bar | Coronado CA | 619-522-0077 |
| Crown Point Catering | San Diego CA | 619-223-1211 |
| Harumama | San Diego CA | 619-269-7122 |
| Rustic Root | San Diego CA | 619-232-1747 |
| Tribute Pizza | San Diego CA | 858-220-0030 |
| Rancho Valencia | Del Mar CA | 858-756-1123 |
| Herb & Sea | Encinitas CA | 858-587-6601 |
| Revolution Roasters | Oceanside CA | 760-330-6827 |
| Hoxton Manor LLC | San Diego CA | 760-586-9533 |
| Weapon LPM | San Diego CA | 619-564-2618 |
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 Farms
Near Santa Monica, California, United States1-559-385-4959 About 203 days ago, 10/27/21 
Specialty Produce
Near San Diego, California, United StatesAbout 227 days ago, 10/03/21 Sharer's comments : Chinese eggplant from Fresno Evergreen 
Santa Monica Farmers Market
Chao Fresno Evergreen Farms
Near Santa Monica, California, United States1-559-385-4959 About 231 days ago, 9/29/21 
Mar Vista Farmers Market
Fresno Evergreen
Near Venice, California, United StatesAbout 234 days ago, 9/26/21 
Specialty Produce
SpecialtyProduce
Near San Diego, California, United States1929 Hancock street San Diego CA 92110 619-295-3172 About 243 days ago, 9/17/21 Sharer's comments : Chinese eggplant from her produce 
Santa Monica Farmers Market
Near Santa Monica, California, United StatesAbout 266 days ago, 8/25/21 
Specialty Produce
SpecialtyProduce
Near San Diego, California, United States1929 Hancock street San Diego CA 92110 619-295-3172 About 278 days ago, 8/13/21 Sharer's comments : Chinese eggplant 
Santa Monica Farmers Market
Specialty Produce
Near Santa Monica, California, United States1929 Hancock Street 619-295-3172 About 301 days ago, 7/21/21 
Santa Monica Farmers Market
Near Santa Monica, California, United StatesAbout 301 days ago, 7/21/21 
Santa Monica Farmers Market
Specialty Produce
Near Santa Monica, California, United States1929 Hancock Street 619-295-3172 About 308 days ago, 7/14/21 
Virginia Park Farmer's Market
Fresno Evergreen
Near Santa Monica, California, United StatesAbout 326 days ago, 6/26/21 
Santa Monica Farmers Market
Fresno Evergreen Farm
Near Santa Monica, California, United StatesAbout 343 days ago, 6/09/21 
Specialty Produce
Near San Diego, California, United StatesAbout 349 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 350 days ago, 6/02/21 
Virginia Park Farmer's Market
Fresno Evergreen
Near Santa Monica, California, United StatesAbout 571 days ago, 10/24/20 
Specialty Produce
Near San Diego, California, United StatesAbout 618 days ago, 9/07/20 Sharer's comments : Chinese Eggplant from Fresno Evergreen 
Specialty Produce
Near San Diego, California, United StatesAbout 618 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 630 days ago, 8/26/20 
superindo cinere raya
Near Ciputat, Banten, IndonesiaAbout 636 days ago, 8/20/20 Sharer's comments : terong ungu 
Specialty Produce
Near San Diego, California, United StatesAbout 641 days ago, 8/15/20 Sharer's comments : 🍆 
Specialty Produce
Near San Diego, California, United StatesAbout 643 days ago, 8/13/20 Sharer's comments : Chinese Eggplant 🍆 
Santa Monica farmers market
Fresno Evergreen Farms
Near Santa Monica, California, United StatesAbout 683 days ago, 7/04/20 
C&A Creative . Libation Lounge
Near San Diego, California, United StatesAbout 685 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 686 days ago, 7/01/20 
Santa Monica Farmers Market
Fresno Evergreen
Near Santa Monica, California, United StatesAbout 693 days ago, 6/24/20 
Specialty Produce
Near San Diego, California, United StatesAbout 695 days ago, 6/22/20 Sharer's comments : Chinese Eggplant in season now! 🍆 
Super Indo Cinere
Near Ciputat, Banten, IndonesiaAbout 703 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 713 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 714 days ago, 6/03/20 Sharer's comments : Chinese Eggplant spotted at Her Produce |
