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Produce Briefs...
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.
| Hotel Republic San Diego | San Diego CA | 951-756-9357 |
| Harumama | San Diego CA | 619-269-7122 |
| Now Sushi | San Diego CA | 858-246-6179 |
| Cal A Vie | Vista CA | 760-945-2055 |
| Storyhouse Spirits | San Diego CA | 801-949-5955 |
| Campfire | Carlsbad CA | 760-637-5121 |
| Mr A's | San Diego CA | 619-239-1377 |
| Cucina Sorella | San Diego CA | 858-232-7808 |
| University Club | San Diego CA | 619-234-5200 |
| UCSD Food & Nutrition Department Hillcrest | San Diego CA | 619-380-9840 |
| Lauberge Del Mar | Del Mar CA | 858-259-1515 |
| Siamo Napoli | San Diego CA | 619-300-4810 |
| Wheat & Water | La Jolla CA | 858-291-8690 |
| Brigantine Pt Loma | San Diego CA | 619-224-2871 |
| Crown Point Catering | San Diego CA | 619-223-1211 |
| Parq Restaurant and Nightclub | San Diego CA | 619-727-6789 |
| Under Belly-Uptown | San Diego CA | 619-269-4626 |
| Great Maple Hillcrest | San Diego CA | 619-255-2282 |
| Barrel & Board | San Diego CA | 619-379-2574 |
| Harumama Carlsbad | Carlsbad CA | 858-999-4073 |
| Great Maple La Jolla UTC | San Diego CA | 858-886-7403 |
| Blue Ocean | Carlsbad CA | 760-434-4959 |
| Cucina Enoteca | Del Mar CA | 619-239-2222 |
| Vista Valley | Vista CA | 760-758-2800 |
| UCSD Food & Nutrition Department La Jolla | San Diego CA | 808-868-8639 |
| Tribute Pizza | San Diego CA | 858-220-0030 |
| Dija Mara 2021 | Oceanside CA | 760-231-5376 |
| Saiko Sushi-Coronado | Coronado CA | 619-435-0868 |
| Blue Ocean La Jolla | La Jolla CA | 858-999-4073 |
| Not Not Tacos | San Diego CA | 619-696-7675 |
| Cardellino | San Diego CA | 619-722-3398 |
| Zito Inc | Rancho Santa Fe CA | 831-915-9038 |
| Loving Hut | San Diego CA | 619-855-5674 |
| Mangia Mangia (Mirarmar) | San Diego CA | 858-736-5733 |
| Under Belly-Little Italy Kitchen | San Diego CA | 619-269-4626 |
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
Specialty Produce
Near Santa Monica, California, United States1929 Hancock Street 619-295-3172 About 3 days ago, 7/21/21 
Santa Monica Farmers Market
Near Santa Monica, California, United StatesAbout 3 days ago, 7/21/21 
Santa Monica Farmers Market
Specialty Produce
Near Santa Monica, California, United States1929 Hancock Street 619-295-3172 About 10 days ago, 7/14/21 
Virginia Park Farmer's Market
Fresno Evergreen
Near Santa Monica, California, United StatesAbout 27 days ago, 6/26/21 
Santa Monica Farmers Market
Fresno Evergreen Farm
Near Santa Monica, California, United StatesAbout 45 days ago, 6/09/21 
Specialty Produce
Near San Diego, California, United StatesAbout 50 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 52 days ago, 6/02/21 
Virginia Park Farmer's Market
Fresno Evergreen
Near Santa Monica, California, United StatesAbout 272 days ago, 10/24/20 
Specialty Produce
Near San Diego, California, United StatesAbout 319 days ago, 9/07/20 Sharer's comments : Chinese Eggplant from Fresno Evergreen 
Specialty Produce
Near San Diego, California, United StatesAbout 320 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 332 days ago, 8/26/20 
superindo cinere raya
Near Ciputat, Banten, IndonesiaAbout 337 days ago, 8/20/20 Sharer's comments : terong ungu 
Specialty Produce
Near San Diego, California, United StatesAbout 342 days ago, 8/15/20 Sharer's comments : 🍆 
Specialty Produce
Near San Diego, California, United StatesAbout 345 days ago, 8/13/20 Sharer's comments : Chinese Eggplant 🍆 
Santa Monica farmers market
Fresno Evergreen Farms
Near Santa Monica, California, United StatesAbout 385 days ago, 7/04/20 
C&A Creative . Libation Lounge
Near San Diego, California, United StatesAbout 386 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 388 days ago, 7/01/20 
Santa Monica Farmers Market
Fresno Evergreen
Near Santa Monica, California, United StatesAbout 395 days ago, 6/24/20 
Specialty Produce
Near San Diego, California, United StatesAbout 397 days ago, 6/22/20 Sharer's comments : Chinese Eggplant in season now! 🍆 
Super Indo Cinere
Near Ciputat, Banten, IndonesiaAbout 404 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 414 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 416 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 537 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 563 days ago, 1/07/20 
Pasar Modern BSD City
Near Pondok Pucung, Banten, IndonesiaAbout 574 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 682 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 692 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 717 days ago, 8/07/19 Sharer's comments : All the Eggplants from Fresno Evergreen 
Bharat Bazaar
Near Union City, California, United StatesAbout 720 days ago, 8/03/19 
San Mateo Produce Market
Near San Mateo, California, United StatesAbout 722 days ago, 8/01/19 |
