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.
| University Club | San Diego CA | 619-234-5200 |
| Under Belly-Uptown | San Diego CA | 619-269-4626 |
| Raki Raki & Co. | San Diego CA | 858-573-2400 |
| Cutwater Spirits | San Diego CA | 619-672-3848 |
| Blue Ocean | Carlsbad CA | 760-434-4959 |
| Dija Mara 2021 | Oceanside CA | 760-231-5376 |
| Brigantine Pt Loma | San Diego CA | 619-224-2871 |
| Great Maple La Jolla UTC | San Diego CA | 858-886-7403 |
| Great Maple Hillcrest | San Diego CA | 619-255-2282 |
| Thai One On | Carlsbad CA | 760-500-8674 |
| Kettner Exchange | San Diego CA | 909-915-9877 |
| PFC Fitness Camp | Carlsbad CA | 888-488-8936 |
| UCSD Food & Nutrition Department Hillcrest | San Diego CA | 619-380-9840 |
| Lauberge Del Mar | Del Mar CA | 858-259-1515 |
| The Glen at Scripps Ranch | San Diego CA | 858-444-8500 |
| Animae | San Diego CA | 619-925-7908 |
| Mr A's | San Diego CA | 619-239-1377 |
| Harumama | San Diego CA | 619-269-7122 |
| UCSD Food & Nutrition Department La Jolla | San Diego CA | 808-868-8639 |
| Under Belly-Little Italy Kitchen | San Diego CA | 619-269-4626 |
| Crown Point Catering | San Diego CA | 619-223-1211 |
| Blue Ocean La Jolla | La Jolla CA | 858-999-4073 |
| Continental Catering Inc | La Mesa CA | 907-738-9264 |
| Siamo Napoli | San Diego CA | 619-300-4810 |
| Sovereign Thai Cuisine | San Diego CA | 619-887-2000 |
| Waverly | Cardiff CA | 619-244-0416 |
| Nolita Hall | San Diego CA | 619-618-8820 |
| Harumama Teriyaki & Bao | Carlsbad CA | 760-637-5737 |
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 85 days ago, 10/27/21 
Specialty Produce
Near San Diego, California, United StatesAbout 109 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 113 days ago, 9/29/21 
Mar Vista Farmers Market
Fresno Evergreen
Near Venice, California, United StatesAbout 116 days ago, 9/26/21 
Specialty Produce
SpecialtyProduce
Near San Diego, California, United States1929 Hancock street San Diego CA 92110 619-295-3172 About 125 days ago, 9/17/21 Sharer's comments : Chinese eggplant from her produce 
Santa Monica Farmers Market
Near Santa Monica, California, United StatesAbout 148 days ago, 8/25/21 
Specialty Produce
SpecialtyProduce
Near San Diego, California, United States1929 Hancock street San Diego CA 92110 619-295-3172 About 160 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 183 days ago, 7/21/21 
Santa Monica Farmers Market
Near Santa Monica, California, United StatesAbout 183 days ago, 7/21/21 
Santa Monica Farmers Market
Specialty Produce
Near Santa Monica, California, United States1929 Hancock Street 619-295-3172 About 190 days ago, 7/14/21 
Virginia Park Farmer's Market
Fresno Evergreen
Near Santa Monica, California, United StatesAbout 208 days ago, 6/26/21 
Santa Monica Farmers Market
Fresno Evergreen Farm
Near Santa Monica, California, United StatesAbout 225 days ago, 6/09/21 
Specialty Produce
Near San Diego, California, United StatesAbout 231 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 232 days ago, 6/02/21 
Virginia Park Farmer's Market
Fresno Evergreen
Near Santa Monica, California, United StatesAbout 453 days ago, 10/24/20 
Specialty Produce
Near San Diego, California, United StatesAbout 500 days ago, 9/07/20 Sharer's comments : Chinese Eggplant from Fresno Evergreen 
Specialty Produce
Near San Diego, California, United StatesAbout 500 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 512 days ago, 8/26/20 
superindo cinere raya
Near Ciputat, Banten, IndonesiaAbout 518 days ago, 8/20/20 Sharer's comments : terong ungu 
Specialty Produce
Near San Diego, California, United StatesAbout 523 days ago, 8/15/20 Sharer's comments : 🍆 
Specialty Produce
Near San Diego, California, United StatesAbout 525 days ago, 8/13/20 Sharer's comments : Chinese Eggplant 🍆 
Santa Monica farmers market
Fresno Evergreen Farms
Near Santa Monica, California, United StatesAbout 565 days ago, 7/04/20 
C&A Creative . Libation Lounge
Near San Diego, California, United StatesAbout 567 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 568 days ago, 7/01/20 
Santa Monica Farmers Market
Fresno Evergreen
Near Santa Monica, California, United StatesAbout 575 days ago, 6/24/20 
Specialty Produce
Near San Diego, California, United StatesAbout 577 days ago, 6/22/20 Sharer's comments : Chinese Eggplant in season now! 🍆 
Super Indo Cinere
Near Ciputat, Banten, IndonesiaAbout 585 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 595 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 596 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 718 days ago, 2/02/20 |
